Action cam video editing

[tenohfive]

I bought a cheap and cheerful GoPro clone - an SJCAM SJ4000 - earlier in the year for trail running. I didn't use it much other than during one or two of my bigger races during which I took a bit of footage and then did nothing with it.

Having recently seen what can be done in post I'm revisiting this. Long term I'd like to invest in a decent unit (the ideal being the Hero 5 or possibly a Virb) but that's going to need some serious justification. For now, I'd like to go back to some of my race footage from earlier in the year and see if I can a) edit it into something I'm happy with and b) see if I enjoy the process.

So starting with software - what should I be looking at? I'm familiar with (and love the style/workflow of) LR, so anything that's set on similar lines in terms of naturally guiding you through the process appeals. I don't mind paying for something if it's worth the money but I'm not signing up to the CC unless it's totally unavoidable. And it needs to work on Windows (not that I've got £300 to send Apple's way.)

Once I've got the software, are there any stand out guides or personal tips for pulling together clips into something worthwhile?

And thinking ahead, are there any tricks or techniques I should consider when actually shooting to make sure I've got the raw material I need to put together something a bit more slick than the multitude of other trail running videos out there?

I'm not looking for quick fixes here - I like tinkering with my photo's, I suppose I'm looking at this as a similar project. If I can get something reasonable with the basic stuff I already have then maaaaaaybe the missus will look kindly on a GoPro purchase.

[Derek Smith]

As regards editing software, if you are new to it I'd suggest going for one of the simple freebies. Keep the original footage safe for editing when you start to get better at it. You don't want to start with Avid.

Editing is tremendous fun. It eats time though.

YouTube has some excellent How To video lessons, has its own video editor, and there are lots on YT about other software. When you are ready to move into more sophisticated software, you can assess them before buying. I use Power Director for more serious stuff - I can't fault it - and Movie Plus, now discontinued but available on ebay, for more simple videos. Whilst I'd recommend both I'd suggest you make up your own mind.

You can pay too much for bells and whistles you will never use so only go for what you need now and might in the near future. There are some critical reviews online and I've found the comparative ones very helpful. The only solid advice I'd give is don't go for one where stability is criticised, even lightly.

[The_Jackal]

The quality of your edits will be more to do with content and timing of the cuts from scene to scene.
You will only learn this from watching other edits and looking for how and where they make the cuts between clips.
Usually people spend too long on each scene and don't keep the interest moving along. Also, ignore fancy effects and transitions until you get basic cutting of clips down properly otherwise it will just look like it was edited in the 90s.
If you add music, try to make the cuts in time with the beats of the music.

[tenohfive]

Derek Smith said:

The only solid advice I'd give is don't go for one where stability is criticised, even lightly.

Stability of the software, or image stablisation?
The latter is going to be pretty important I'd imagine given the nature of the footage I'll be shooting. But it does seem as though software IS has come a long way in video.

[Derek Smith]

tenohfive said:

Stability of the software, or image stablisation?
The latter is going to be pretty important I'd imagine given the nature of the footage I'll be shooting. But it does seem as though software IS has come a long way in video.

I meant stable software.

My two, Power Director and MoviePlus, have been utterly stable. Some reviews of others would suggest that they might not be so. I came from Studio 18, bought around 3 years ago, which gave problems. Not massive ones, and all could be worked around although not eliminated, but not what should happen nowadays. Despite liking the interface and using various Studios since version 6, the lack of stability became more than just an irritation.

One bit of advice to the OP - don't pay extra for fancy fades and wipes in the first bit of software. You'll use them of course, but only in your first few videos. You'll then cringe, like the rest of us, when you view them a year or so later.

[tenohfive]

I'm revisiting this now I've actually bought a camera. Right now I'm muddling through, trying to get the knack of the actual video capture and producing decent cuts etc. But one things that's cropped up already:

Garmin Virb Edit is the program I'm using for basic editing, largely because it incorporates something they call G-Metrix - basically the ability to pull off my heart rate, speed etc from my running watch and create some - quite attractive - overlays to add context to sports footage. But the software is pretty limited - I haven't got the option to adjust contrast etc.

When I export the video from Virb Edit and pull it into Lightroom though to do contrast/blacks adjustment I lose quality - 2.7k to 1080p.
If I use you Youtube video editor (granted, with software IS added) it goes down to 360p.

Is there a way I can get round this?

I know I need to get a dedicated program for editing as well (still.)

[bazza white]

Go pro software is free. (Cineform). Does the job nicely and you can use footage from any action camera.