Video Editing Software
Discussion
Hi
Can anyone recommend any affordable (or free) video editing software for a windows based laptop.
I specifically need to be able to:
- Sync 2 Videos
- Be able to add a solid colour background as a layer
- Mask around a static object in one of the videos so that this appears as a layer on top of the solid background - the mask needs to be fully adjustable to tightly mask the object and not limited to just a set number of points to create the mask.
- Insert a 2nd video which appears as a smaller picture in picture - occupying just under a 1/4 of the screen.
- Needs to be able to output the file in H.264/MPEG-4
I have a Acer Aspire 4820T laptop which will just about run Adobe After Effects (i've played with the free trial) but AE is probably a bit expensive for the infrequent use it would get. I will only be editing as above about once a month so don't want to spend lots. Alternatively are there any cheap routes to purchase After Effects for occasional use (kinda like pay per use) - i'd be happy to pay especially as it would avoid having to learn anything new.
I appreciate the laptop is old and know it takes many many hours to render out but dont mind leaving it running overnight - it gets there in the end.
Any advice is very much appreciated
Margerine
Can anyone recommend any affordable (or free) video editing software for a windows based laptop.
I specifically need to be able to:
- Sync 2 Videos
- Be able to add a solid colour background as a layer
- Mask around a static object in one of the videos so that this appears as a layer on top of the solid background - the mask needs to be fully adjustable to tightly mask the object and not limited to just a set number of points to create the mask.
- Insert a 2nd video which appears as a smaller picture in picture - occupying just under a 1/4 of the screen.
- Needs to be able to output the file in H.264/MPEG-4
I have a Acer Aspire 4820T laptop which will just about run Adobe After Effects (i've played with the free trial) but AE is probably a bit expensive for the infrequent use it would get. I will only be editing as above about once a month so don't want to spend lots. Alternatively are there any cheap routes to purchase After Effects for occasional use (kinda like pay per use) - i'd be happy to pay especially as it would avoid having to learn anything new.
I appreciate the laptop is old and know it takes many many hours to render out but dont mind leaving it running overnight - it gets there in the end.
Any advice is very much appreciated
Margerine
Edited by Margerine on Sunday 5th April 21:21
The basic version of lightworks I think will do all of that. The only one I'm not sure on is the masking but a quick google search seems to show it is.
It's not the most intuitive of programs though, took me a long time reading and watching tutorials to be able to get a video together. Once I got the hang of it though it's pretty straightforward.
It's not the most intuitive of programs though, took me a long time reading and watching tutorials to be able to get a video together. Once I got the hang of it though it's pretty straightforward.
I edit videos for my club after every match - 28 pa. I produce a few videos to get people to my website. I also used to edit videos professinally for video film identifications, somewhat basic but I have experience of half a dozen programmes.
The one essential I've found to to opt for something that will do all that you expect and very little more. At the moment I have Serif Movie Plus X6 that's a few years old and I sill use it on occasion as it is quick and simple. I also have Studio 17, which when I bought it was a bargain for its range of systems, but the one I use most of all is Studio 15 which does everything I need, with some in hand, and I find the interface quick - I have to get the edited videos out in two days - and easy. But Studio 17 - when I feel creative, that's what I use.
My suggestion is to start cheap and basic and then see what extra bits you need and then opt for something which gives you exactly what you want.
Most packages are stable nowadays, not something you could accuse Studio of back in the days of V7.
Don't pay more for any version just because it has more fades and wipes.
Be aware though that once you start editing videos it becomes something of a drug. It is tremendous fun.
The one essential I've found to to opt for something that will do all that you expect and very little more. At the moment I have Serif Movie Plus X6 that's a few years old and I sill use it on occasion as it is quick and simple. I also have Studio 17, which when I bought it was a bargain for its range of systems, but the one I use most of all is Studio 15 which does everything I need, with some in hand, and I find the interface quick - I have to get the edited videos out in two days - and easy. But Studio 17 - when I feel creative, that's what I use.
My suggestion is to start cheap and basic and then see what extra bits you need and then opt for something which gives you exactly what you want.
Most packages are stable nowadays, not something you could accuse Studio of back in the days of V7.
Don't pay more for any version just because it has more fades and wipes.
Be aware though that once you start editing videos it becomes something of a drug. It is tremendous fun.
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