Video Editing software

[manhnt]

I want to make a home movie from a video file of my digital camcorder. Beside Microsoft Movie Maker, is there other free software that is easy to use, efficient, and professional?

I'd appreciate any help,
Mike

[gadgetguy]

Assuming that when you say you want to make a home movie, you mean a DVD, the process involves 5 basic steps.
Capsfer - Transfer the video from the Cam to PC. I use WinDV.
Edit - Remove unwanted parts, apply transitions, SFX, etc. I use AviSynth and VirtualDub.
Encode - Convert to DVD compliant Mpg2 with AC3 audio. I use QuEnc.
Author - Add menus and convert to DVD file structure. I use TDA.
Burn - Write the DVD structure to a disc. I use Imgburn.

All of the applications I use are free except TDA, however free Authoring software does exist. Search the tools.
I make no wild claims about this being the best, easiest, or only method, but it works for me.

[guns1inger]

What sort of editing do you want to do ? For straight cuts, virtualdub is OK, although it feels a little crude in operation. Avisynth is scripted only, so not for beginners. However if you start to use it, you will appreciate it's power.

If you want to do more involved editing - cross fades, titles, effects etc, then you are better off looking at a low budget consumer editor. This opens up your options to things like Ulead VideoStudio, Sony Vegsa Movie Studio or Adobe Premiere Elements. These all offer a great deal of power, and can do the capture, editing, encoding and basic authoring, all in the one package.

[daamon]

Capsfer - I second WinDV.

Editing - If you want free editing software (as defined above) that has a half decent set of tools, check out Avid Free DV - it's write up sounds like it's worth a look...

Author - TDA also burns.

[Wile_E]

If you are a newbie at video, you are probably better off buying a package like Vegas Movie Studio. It has everything you need to make DVD's. Otherwise expect to take some time learning several individual programs.

[manhnt]

Thank you all for kind help. I learn a lots for you guys.
Tight budget => prefer to the free tools.

Appreciated.

[CogoSWSDS]

1. For transfer of DV to the computer, nothing beats WinDV IMO. Free software.
2. I edit using VirtualDub and AVISynth. Both are Free software.
3. I encode video using TMPGEnc Plus 2.5. Available for less than $40 USD.
4. I encode AC3 audio using ffmpeggui. This is free software.
5. I author using DVDAuthorGui. This is also free software.
6. I burn using DVDDecrypter. This is also free - i really should switch to ImgBurn but just haven't done it yet. ImgBurn is also free.

CogoSWSDS

[daamon]

3. I encode video using TMPGEnc Plus 2.5. Available for less than $40 USD.

QuEnc is a free MPEG2 encoder (for DVD), and has decent reports in the forums. There's also other free MPEG2 encoders: HC and bbMPEG, but I've not heard any reports on these.