Vegas 5

[makenhistory]

Right now I know nothing about editing but will attempt to edit my first film this spring. Ive heard good things about vegas and wanted to ask if vegas 5 is user friendly and good for a beginner?

[TuffGong]

I'm a beginner to Vegas, and editing via a powerful tool such as Vegas. I picked it up fast, and can do everything (basics) I need to edit the projects I'm workiing on.

The best part is that I learn a new thing almost each time I sit down with the program. From what I have read here, this trend should continue for years to come.

[J_Barnes]

I would say that if you've never had significant editing experience, you'll find vegas to be very easy to use. If you've had training or work in any of the major professional editing platforms or in online/offline linear editing, then you'll probably have a hard time getting acclimated to the way vegas works.

My editing history began in cuts only tape to tape editing and KEM 6 plate film cutting. From there, I progressed to A/B roll, linear online tape, Avid MC400, Avid MC4000, Avid MC8000, Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro and then finally (out of company requirements) to Vegas 4.

For me, vegas is completely backwards because it's entirely dissimilar to the way professional editors are taught to work. With that said, I think it's a very powerful and well equipped editing platform...especially for beginning editors. If you've never edited before, Vegas is one of the best options out there, but if you have edited before, you're going to have to relearn your methods to work effectively in vegas.

I'd also suggest that you start practicing now on whatever footage you can get your hands on so you don't have to learn while you're working on your own film. Learn split cutting, sound editing, transitions, effects and all of that stuff before you start working on your own project and you'll be able to jump right in to editing once you finish shooting.

[David Jimerson]

I'd also suggest that you start practicing now on whatever footage you can get your hands on so you don't have to learn while you're working on your own film. *Learn split cutting, sound editing, transitions, effects and all of that stuff before you start working on your own project and you'll be able to jump right in to editing once you finish shooting.

I couldn't agree more with this. Between now and then, edit, edit, edit! Whether it's weddings to make money or just lots of stupid footage of your dog, edit as much as you can! Try to take a lump of clips and create something watchable -- something funny, something dramatic, something touching . . . it's not enough to learn the technical nuts and bolts -- there's also an art to it.

[makenhistory]

Thanks for the replies. I havent bought anything yet but will most likely go with vegas and then will practice alot since i have never edited before.