I thought all video editors would take any format and work with it?

[Oldone]

I think that I have every trial ware there is on my computer. Every thing crashes or has errors every few seconds. I was just about ready to give up, when I ran across a post that stated to uncheck all the unrelated filters in Windows media editor. I was absolutely amazed at the fact that a video editor, could not take an AVI file and work with it without having to convert it to another format. I thought all video editors would take any format and work with it, then change it to any other format that you chose -- -- boy did I get a rude awakening.

Perhaps a little background would help here. I am completely computer illiterate, almost to the point to -- what did you say that start button did again? I am program, illiterate. I am also 73 years old, trying to learn computers. I thought that by downloading this trial ware, I would at least accomplish finding something really stable and something just a little more advanced (but not much more, and just as easy to use) as windows media editor, but windows media editor is the only one that I have found thus far that is stable.

[src2206]

What exactly is your question?
Are you looking for a stable Video Editing program which can work with AVI files? In that case, please tell us whether your AVI file is sourced from a Video Camera or not!

[edDV]

What are you trying to do?
Are you limiting yourself to "free" software?

[Oldone]

What exactly is your question?
Are you looking for a stable Video Editing program which can work with AVI files? In that case, please tell us whether your AVI file is sourced from a Video Camera or not!

I guess it is 3 fold.

One, why are these programs so unstable? Is it my computer or just my ignorance. I have a 2800 Duo with 3000mb of memory.

I would like another option to explore in case I decide to increase my editing skills. So another program would be nice. I take it off my computer with the camera I use now. I download from the camera to the computer, then later I do my editing.

I wanted to put the info up so the next newbie did not have to go through the frustration that I went through. Also, I think I was wondering why all editing programs didn't handle AVI files (remember I don't have your common sence knowledge and experance).

[edDV]

What kind of camera? Be specific
What format is the video? Be specific
Is DVD the goal? If not what is the goal?

What is "Windows Media Editor"?
Do you mean Windows Movie Maker?

[Oldone]

What kind of camera? Be specific
What format is the video? Be specific
Is DVD the goal? If not what is the goal?

What is "Windows Media Editor"?
Do you mean Windows Movie Maker?

I just make video's of the grandkids and great grandkids, edit them, keep them on the computer, upload them to relatives. It's really nice to have a title and to be able to cut out the bad parts and shorten it. So as not to be too large of an upload.

No, I am not just limiting myself to freeware -- thus the downloads of trial ware. I felt that if I could find a nice program that was intuitive and easy to use, I would purchase it.

At this point and time. I am using a RCA small wonder EZ 201 (AVI Format), although last week I did purchase a Nikon 8.1 MP Coolpix S51c (dont know format, havent opened box) that I have not used as of yet.

Yes I ment Windows Movie Maker

[src2206]

There are many editing programs available. But from your specified need, what I would recommend is Adobe Premiere Elements. It is cheap (in comparison with pro products), easy on new users and hence does not have a steep learning curve.

Other good options will be Ulead Video Studio and Pinnacle products for Home media editing. Check out their respective sites for specifications and proces. If I remember correctly all the above their Trial versions available.

[redwudz]

Oldone, in the future please use a more descriptive subject title in your posts to allow others to search for similar topics. I will change yours this time. From our rules:

Try to choose a subject that describes your topic.
Please do not use topic subjects like Help me!!! or Problems.

Thanks,
Moderator redwudz

[edDV]

The RCA small wonder EZ 201 uses MPEG4ASP format (in an avi wrapper) which may have problems in some editors. The Coolpix S51c uses Quick Time Motion JPEG (AVI).

Both of these formats are somewhat strange and should be tested before you buy software.

Windows movie maker may or may not work depending on codecs installed on your computer. VLC will probably play both formats.

Try the demos for the two programs mentioned by src2206 above. You may need to get the Premium versions to get support for these formats.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07083003nikons51c.asp

[guns1inger]

You also need to be aware that many cameras shoot video as a novelty, and were never designed with the intention that the content would be edited or used in any way other than in an email or a novelty.

[Oldone]

Oldone, in the future please use a more descriptive subject title in your posts to allow others to search for similar topics. I will change yours this time. From our rules:

Try to choose a subject that describes your topic.
Please do not use topic subjects like Help me!!! or Problems.

Thanks,
Moderator redwudz

redwudz

Let me assure you that I will endeavor to comply with your wishes and I do stand corrected, although I think you will find that after this post is done that 99.999% of my participation here will be lurking only. Although, the original intention of the post was to say that I was very happy that I was able to find out how to make Windows movie maker, stable by unchecking the filters in the options box. No one could possibly comprehend the amount of frustration or time that was put forth in finding this. It was hidden in a post that had absolutely nothing to do with stability, Windows movie maker or editing programs whatsoever. I think things like this should be in the sticky up top but that is only my opinion. I do have to ask myself, who will be looking for it, the person that is completely capable of taking an unstable program and completely rewriting the code if necessary or a person who is wondering what the start button does.

It was my intention to try to save some newbie the same frustration that I went through. It was not until src2206 asked the questions that he did, that I considered other options and it gathered momentum to what it ended up as.

I wish to thank you gentlemen for your kindness, time, consideration, and help. And yes, I do realize the cameras I have was not meant to be used primarily as video cameras. But they are just so handy and I don't need professional quality for the simple work that I do with them and I do use them quite often as still cameras for single shots.

Thank you so much

[src2206]

Its good to know that your queries are answered (seemingly)

And happy to be of some assistance.

[brek]

For further information.

AVI is actually more of a container to hold the codec (encoder/decoder) in.
So it is possible to have many different types of Codec in the AVI container.

Think of it as different flavour ice creams, the tub looks the same, the contents are not. (sorry if that's sounding patronising, It's not meant to be)


Something else to be aware of, is that certain compressed files, like MPEG2 are not really designed to be edited, they are made to be fast to decompress and view.

Some video editing programs can cope with different codecs better than others. Windows Movie Maker is free and not too bad, Premiere Elements is another that should do the job which is cheapish.

Also be aware that installing lots of trialware or other programs etc can really clog your PC up and make it unstable.
Codecs can be a real pain in this case, it's best to only install the ones you need, and don't install multiple versions of them.

Also, the Internet has a wealth of information available, but it's often like searching through a library without an index.
Use Search Engines like Google or the search engines in the webpage (like the one in the top right of this page) and search for keywords on what you are stuck on. e.g. Codec, Coolpix, AVI.



While the camera's may not be intended to be used as Video camera's, lots are pretty decent for the job, and they are a LOT more portable than a video camera. And if it does the job for you, then that's all you need.

I hope your grandkids and great grandkids like the videos.

P.S. don't feel like a lack of knowledge and experience should put you off posting/asking questions, just make sure you search for info first and be specific where you can to make sure people can help.

[thecoalman]

Both of those devices are only really suitable for taking video. In general devices like that as mentioned use highly compressed formats, usually at non-standard resolutions and possibly at different frame rates. Any of those circumstances adds up to very poor material for doing any editing and you usually have more than one. They are only really suitable to create video that isn't to be changed. Pview on your computer, burn to disc, upload the file as it is.

What you need is better camcoder, consumer mini-dv cams are fairly cheap. Superior quality and you won't have any issues with the file format.

[src2206]

There are quite a few from Sony (and from other manufacturers too) specifically made for New users and directly records videos in a DVD. So you will never need to worry about converting and editing the videos at all. Just pop in the DVD in your DVD player and you are god to go.

[dLee]

I don't have the Coolpix S51c, but I do have a Canon PowerShot A540 which records video in the QuickTime Motion JPEG format (AVI). My daughter uses the camera to make videos and I've used it occasionally.

The video is 30fps 640x480 progressive and looks pretty darn good. Not as good as my DV cam, but excellent for video from a digital still camera. I can confirm that VLC plays the files with no problem.

Editing or direct format conversion results in a loss of detail that renders the video useless, at least as far as I'm concerned.

The only way I've found (so far) to get acceptable results with editing (Vegas to DVD) or format conversion (for IPOD using Videora) is to transcode (uncompress) into a lossless format (via VDub MPEG2) first - then edit and render. The results are very close to the original.

I think I can get it even better using a different lossless codec and might be able to improve the color, but I haven't had time to chase it down yet.

I just wanted to mention that there's an extra step involved if you want a watchable end product.

[Oldone]

Gentleman
I wish to thank you very much for the additional information, and I can assure you it will be put to good use. I find this site at virtual utopia of information, although sometimes it is so much that I am more confused than when I started. I am very sure that will disappear, if given enough time.


Brek

Please patronize me any time of your choosing -- believe me when I say, you really need to get down to kiddie level for me to understand it. I have been deleting the program's immediately after trying them and defragmenting the drive afterwards if needed.

I fully agree with you when you say, "While the camera's may not be intended to be used as Video camera's, lots are pretty decent for the job, and they are a LOT more portable than a video camera. And if it does the job for you, then that's all you need. ".

The Coalman

I wish to thank you and I fully understand where you're coming from. My son bought a DVD camcorder, and we use it at Christmas and birthday parties, which is about one 100th of the video we take. Most of the video we take is unplanned spur of the moment video, which il you don't catch within 30 seconds -- it is lost forever. That pretty well makes the DVD camcorder moot, but sinse I carry the RCA with me -- I am able to capture the moment. Not quality but good enough to remember and share the moment with others -- which brings me to the new development.

dLee.
Thank you for your information and your hints.

I took the Nikon out-of-the-box, and I charged it. I tried to start it up, but it did not work. I took it back and the man said it was a faulty product. He said he would gladly exchange it for another camera, however he did not have a Nikon in stock. I was completely unfamiliar with the cameras he had in stock. He was pushing me -- but very gently toward a "Sony 8.1 MP Cyber-shot DSCT200 Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, Face Detection, HD Output.". I could also get my money back after going through the confirmation process.

I have to wonder if the video would be better from the Sony than I get from the RCA.? I have absolutely no doubt about the still photo. I will have to rely upon you gentlemen to advise me on this particular part. Both are 30 frames per second.

[src2206]

Hello Oldone

I suggest that you take your money back and buy a full fledged Video Camera. I can assure that you shall be far more happier than you are right now. And as I pointed out, editing softwares are very comfortable in dealing with Video files taken using a video camera. Even there are one click options to convert your video to DVD if you do not intend to edit.

[thecoalman]

The Coalman

I wish to thank you and I fully understand where you're coming from. My son bought a DVD camcorder, and we use it at Christmas and birthday parties, which is about one 100th of the video we take.

A DVD camcorder is step up from what you have but it is still not a replacement for mini-dv, there is a big difference. Considering your topic is about editing I wouldn't recommend getting one of those over mini-dv.

If size is of concern you may also want to note that many of the consumer mini-dv cams are quite small and probably not much bigger than the still cam you purchased. Not an endorsement but here's an example: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8212249&type=product&id=1166235821204

[Webster]

I have to wonder if the video would be better from the Sony than I get from the RCA.? I have absolutely no doubt about the still photo. I will have to rely upon you gentlemen to advise me on this particular part. Both are 30 frames per second.

If you still set on getting a digital camera instead of a camcorder, may I suggest the Canon Digital Elph series. Any model with 5 Megapixel (or more) will do. These cameras can takes decent short video clips in addition to still pictures. And they are small enough to put in your shirt pocket.
for a comprehensive digital cameras reviews, check out this link:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_dig5.html