Opinions on NLE system

[SMOHR]

Please forgive the cliche and over general question, but I was wanted people's opinions on what NLE system works best with the following in mind:
- I am a novice but can usually learn any program within a month of usage
- I want to output to DVD at 24P
- I want as close to film as possible
- my budget is $5,000US $7,000 CAD
- I use a 16:9 anamorphic lens so I need to edit in that format

I've heard all kinds of good things for Vegas, FCP, Avid etc... but really what factors should I consider when purchasing a NLE system.

[BLUESPIDER]

wow, a $5,ooo budget for an edit suite! I have a light NLE system where I do smaller projects on it and it can do practically everything you mentioned and alot more. The best thing about it is that I built it for less than a $1ooo bucks! My other main system is alot more but no where near 5g's. What I'm trying to say basically is you don't need to spend that kind of money on a good fast relaible edit suite but instead give me the money.

I don't know about outputing a DVD at 24p. I don't think I've ever tried that before. Just make sure you have a fast CPU, more ram the better, your choice of capture cards, good fast video card and a sh*t load of harddrive space. As far as what NLE program, thats up to you. Vegas and Premiere are good choices and more afforable than Avid. Avid offers alot more but I'm sure half the sh*t you probably will never use. Filmlook, just get a DVX if you havent already gotten one,.

[David Jimerson]

Making a 24p DVD is a snap with Vegas.

[Mino]

Hey David...You don't by any stretch of the imagination hold a bunch of Sony stock do ya!

[thisiswells]

I saw this post on here a while ago and figured, "meh. this is the sort of thing they need to figure out on their own for their own benefit"

The basic truth is all systems you mention are generally easy to learn, edit 24pA, make 24p dvd's, have "filmlook" effects, and priced around $5K.

What you said here really caught my attention, though.

really what factors should I consider when purchasing a NLE system.

Acknowledging that they all do the same basic job: edit video, make dvd's what else is there to consider? Ease of use. Upgrade path to the future (HD). Support costs.