Which editing software

[foxbox]

I currently use Liquid Edition (v6), which is an easy to use and efficient video editing tool.

Looking at Adobe Premier, it seems to function very similarly.

Question is, what are the most effective video editors? Is there any reason why using, say, Final Cut Pro can give better results than Liquid Edition? If so, what are the advantages of more complicated video editing software? Surely a cut is a cut... or can the more expensive packages provide somehow smoother and more professional results? Or perhaps they just offer more options for effects etc?

Thanks to anyone in the know about this.

[foxbox]

[jman98]

I only record and edit MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. I've used both MPEGVCR and VideoReDo for several years and I'm happy with both. I prefer to use MPEGVCR for standard definition video and VideoReDo for high definition video, but you could use either for both standard definition and high definition video. If you are interested in editing AVI or DV, these won't be good options for you. All I need to do is just cut out commercials or join recorded laserdisc video together, so I don't need anything fancy and these editors are cheap and work well for me. Both of the programs I mentioned have a 'try before you buy" period. If you don't need to do transitions or funky things but just join a few clips or remove unwanted video, my suggestions are certainly cheap enough and good enough.

[daamon]

Question is, what are the most effective video editors?

Before anyone, even you, can define what's effective there needs to be some criteria by which the candidates can be judged.

Think of it this way - if somebody asked you "What's more effective: a Formula 1 car or a Ford Fiesta?", you'd say "Effective at doing what?" An F1 car is effective at racing, whereas a Ford Fiesta is more effective for shopping and running around town.

So, what do you want to be able to do with your video editing tool? What is your level of competence in editing in general? How much are you prepared to read and learn?

In general, applications like Final Cut Pro (Mac only) or Premiere Pro do much more than just cutting up video files. They have an extensive range of transitions (both video and audio), and effects (especially for video - colour correction as just one example).

Then there's all the secondary stuff that just makes the editor's life that bit easier - ripple deletes, shuffling etc. I'd suggest read up on what both tools have to offer then compare to a more basic editing tool.

I use Premiere Pro and love it - it's taken me a good while to get to where I am now, and I've still got loads more to learn, but only as I need it.

[foxbox]

The software is used for editing films I shoot on DV, so while a range of effects is important, I am wondering if there is much difference in the performance of tools like Liquid, Avid, Adobe etc. I am a competent editor, but currently only familiar with one major program.

Does a particular program provide a smoother finished product than another for example, in regard to laying on time and visual effects and examining the rendered visuals. I've noticed some rather clunky transition in Liquid (using, say, slow motion while moving the picture around and the same time), though most seem to perform well enough.

[daamon]

Does a particular program provide a smoother finished product than another for example, in regard to laying on time and visual effects and examining the rendered visuals. I've noticed some rather clunky transition in Liquid (using, say, slow motion while moving the picture around and the same time), though most seem to perform well enough.

Undoubtedly, some programs are going to be more efficient in the use of system resources than others during such operations as real-time rendering. But, in my opinion, the smoothness has more to do with your machine (CPU, memory etc.).

[Marvingj]

Final Cut is just easy to deal with then Avid but Premiere also have a Learning also. But Sony Vegas beats them all.

[lordsmurf]

I never found Vegas to be easy. I took to Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere far more easily.

[edDV]

Each of these programs offer demo versions so you can test them with your work flow.

User interface is the main difference. For specific features like working with green screen, articles are availalble online comparing the programs.

You need to test them or ask specific questions.