Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

T

Thistlebop

Well-known member
Sorry for asking what is probably a very subjective thing, but I was wondering what Software package I should use if I'm totally new to video editing ?

It sounds like Vegas is tops, but also more complicated than some of the other alternatives.

Should I just bite the bullet and learn it ? Or is there something else that would be alot less frustrating to use ? Bearing in mind that I am a total "NOOB".

Thanks in advance for any advice !

--Bop
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

I'd download demos of all the NLEs you are considering and make up your own mind concerning which is easier for you. It's going to be different for everyone. Vegas works easiest for me, but there are plenty of people who don't like it at all.

Get some hands-on experience before you decide on one.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

If I were you, I'd download some demos of some entry-level NLEs first, like Pinnacle Studio 9 or Vegas Movie Studio. Is those seem overly simple or if you're able to figure them out quickly and intuitively, you might then want to download some of the demos for the higher-end stuff. The "pro" apps might drive you nuts because they could seem quite overwhelming.

You're in something of an advantage, in a sense, because you don't have any preconceived notions of what an NLE "should" be. You can try each one at face value and figure out which one works best for YOU.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

Does the Pinnacle Studio software allow you to do the 24p pulldown effect ? (not sure what it's called)


--Bop
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

No. No entry-level NLE does. But you wouldn't stay with it forever -- just until you know what you're doing and are ready to move forward.

24p footage from the DVX can be edited in any NLE (though you should use Scene File 5, 24pN, to shoot for better results); if you're just starting out, you're not really going to be able to take advantage of the benefits of editing on a pure 24p timeline.

Now, if you really want to jump in with both feet and sink or swim, you can go with one of the big boys first. I'm just suggesting a ramp-up course.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

That's excellent advice, David! Yes, try the limited "more friendly" editions, so you won't be overwhelmed. Once you get the hang of it you can try the full-fledged version...
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

I'm not a total noobian ::).

i "taught" myself Avid Express Dv- though not proficient at it by far... but I can do simple edits. Though no special effects or color correctioin. My computer can't handle anything with 256 MB of ram, so I've been editing almost as I would at a Steenbeck.

But I need to work a little more with color correcting between scenes, matching skin tone and touching up on audio. Vegas seems to offer that without going overboard. If I want theatrical release I would work on film, financed by a production house, no?

Instead I'm making my movies when I can with my camera and I'm producer, writer, director..... blah blah blah blah blah so Vegas seems good for me....
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

Uh, not to hijack this thread but anyone know anything about building computers? Specifically with the micro ATX motherboard in the Antec Aria Cube Case?
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

[quote author=David Jimerson link=board=Vegas;num=1099079263;start=0#4 date=10/29/04 at 16:12:21]24p footage from the DVX can be edited in any NLE (though you should use Scene File 5, 24pN, to shoot for better results); if you're just starting out, you're not really going to be able to take advantage of the benefits of editing on a pure 24p timeline.[/quote]


I'm confused , what is the difference between "24p" vs "Scene File 5, 24pN". I have been using the setting f5 on the dvx, and I thought that gave me "24p" ?


--Bop
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

24P (also called 24PN, for 24P Normal pulldown) is a setting that could be assigned to any of the scene files. It happens to be factory-set to 24P when using F5. But you could change that if you wanted to, or change any of the other scene file settings to be 24P.

If you haven't changed your scene file settings, then using F5 will give you 24P.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=Vegas;num=1099079263;start=0#9 date=11/02/04 at 12:55:38]24P (also called 24PN, for 24P Normal pulldown) is a setting that could be assigned to any of the scene files. It happens to be factory-set to 24P when using F5. But you could change that if you wanted to, or change any of the other scene file settings to be 24P.

If you haven't changed your scene file settings, then using F5 will give you 24P.[/quote]


Great. I haven't changed anything in any of the Scene Files, except to experiment with the Master Ped setting.

Is there any advantage to shooting in "24pa" mode rather than "24p" ?
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

Not until you're ready to take advantage of editing on a 24p timeline. In fact, I would advise against it until then.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

[quote author=David Jimerson link=board=Vegas;num=1099079263;start=0#11 date=11/02/04 at 15:19:37]Not until you're ready to take advantage of editing on a 24p timeline. In fact, I would advise against it until then.[/quote]


Hehehe
Well, "what" is the advantage of the 24p timeline ? It sounds as if its alot more like editing film ?


--Bop
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

It's very much like editing film. You're editing the footage in a "pure" environment and from there can do things like film out or you can make a 24p DVD. But you have to learn more about it first . . . . ;)
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

If I was to use the 24pa mode instead of the 24p mode, would I actually be able to see the separate "Frames" (like film) when I put a clip into the Trimmer ?


--Bop
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

You get that either way. You can view at any level of granularity, actually.
 
Re: Best Editing Software for the Total Noob.

Omg, your so freaking lucky that you're NOT my neighbor. I'd be knocking on your door every 5 seconds. ;D

Or carry your gear for Vegas Tips !!!


Thanks again David.


--Bop
 
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