Advice for Good Video Editing Software

[pbisaillon]

Hi there, I was previously using Windows Movie Maker to put together my home movies, and I'd have to say it did a decent job because it was simple to use and actually worked. I just recently purchased a Panasonic harddrive video camera and can no longer use Movie Maker since it always crashes with the MPEG-2 file format.

I had bought and have been using Roxio MyDVD Premiere 8 but it seems to be pretty unstable. I suddenly lose menu items and program functions and I am always re-installing it. I've been looking at the Ulead, Pinnacle, Adobe Premiere Elements, but ofcourse they all boast that they are great, but I want to hear from people who have actually had to use the software.

I am just wondering if anybody had any feedback on some software that they are using and have had success with MPEG-2 Files.

Thanks,
Patrick

[guns1inger]

Ulead VideoStudio, Vegas Movie Studio and Premiere Elements are all solid, stable products. Each have their fans here. Any of them will suit where you are now in your editing journey.

However all three of them work differently, use different interfaces and suit different people (isn't choice great ?)

I would seriously suggest that your best option is not to rely too strongly on the recommendation of the fans (because you won't get consensus anyway) but to download the trial of each and see how you go. Because once you plonk your $$$s down, you are stuck with the decision. Better to know up front that it is the right decision.

[lordsmurf]

MPEG-2?

Use Womble MPEG Video Wizard.

If that's not enough editing abilities, try Adobe Premiere Elements (trial available at www.adobe.com on this one).