I just tried out my new Sony Vegas Pro 9.e system, proving to be the least expensive of all high-end NLEs.
And I'm a bit of a Lady Gaga fan, and I've also heard that her 9-minuter is so very sexy and dirty, so I've edited it, staying with the storyline, making sure of timing, and removal of all those very..."ughhh!" parts.
The result, a clean, low-quality yet visible version that can be edible to all...even Pippi Longstocking!!!
Media Composer 4.0 gives professional editors the most robust, stable, and comprehensively engineered film and video editing system available. Media Composer v4 with Avid Media Access (AMA) has full native direct access to the most file-based formats, including XDCAM, P2, and GFCAM, which makes Media Composer ideal for the most post and broadcast workflows, and saves huge amounts of time and disk space for users. Real-time cross- and down-conversions save time and money at the peripheral equipment level, while the new Mix and Match lets editors and clients use any clip in any project. Ancillary data handling makes Avid editing systems the perfect solution for broadcast applications, and tight integration with ProTools increases quality and speed in audio post. Avid Media Composer is ideal for creative editing and finishing of all types of content, from high profile television commercials, award winning serial drama and comedy, corporate and cable series, to documentaries and blockbuster feature films.
Media Composer 4.0 is offered with the latest DVD authoring, sound design, and visual effects products to provide the full range of tools required for the modern editor.
$2,295.00
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
Create high-quality visual and editorial effects directly within the editing timeline; edit faster with powerful editing tools that give you precise control and real-time feedback; add color correction and other effects, audio filters, and more
Work with virtually any video format thanks to native editing support for DV, HDV, Sony XDCAM, XDCAM EX, Panasonic P2, and AVCHD; add uncompressed SD and HD acquisition with hardware cards from third-party vendors
Author once and deliver to three formats: Create DVDs, high-definition Blu-ray discs with pop-up menus, and interactive web versions of your content with Encore CS4, included with Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
Achieve productivity from production to delivery with the toolset in Adobe Premiere Pro CS4; eliminate intermediate rendering when moving sequences into Encore CS4, and take advantage of new support for Adobe Photoshop files with video and blend modes
Record directly to disk and maximize camera image quality using software-based waveform and vectorscope tools to quickly calibrate your camera, check levels, and monitor your signal; organize shots using metadata logged during the shoot
$799
3. Adobe AfterEffects CS4
With Adobe® After Effects® CS4 software, you can create compelling motion graphics and blockbuster visual effects with flexible tools that help save you time and deliver unparalleled creative power.
$999
4. Final Cut Studio
Final Cut Studio from Apple has a 5-star array of software:
Final Cut Pro 7
Precision editing tools let you work in real time with virtually any format, including the revolutionary ProRes.
Edit faster and at higher quality across a wide range of workflows with new additions to the Apple ProRes family.
Share your projects in one click to your Apple devices, the web, Blu-ray Disc, and DVD.
Collaborate in real time from anywhere in the world with support for iChat Theater.
Change clip speeds with ease using redesigned speed tools.
Enjoy dozens of additional enhancements, including native support for AVC-Intra, streamlined alpha transition creation, improved markers, large timecode window, and more.
Motion 4
Powerful text and compositing tools make it easy to design stunning motion graphics in 2D and 3D.
Add realism to 3D compositions with dramatic shadows and realistic reflections.
Create selective focus effects in 3D space with new depth-of-field controls.
Create and edit credit rolls with ease.
Camera Framing enables one-click object framing in 3D.
The new Adjust Glyph tool provides total control for manipulating characters in text objects.
Soundtrack Pro 3
Easy-to-use tools for sound design, editing, and mixing bring professional audio post-production to Final Cut editors.
Voice-level match lets you seamlessly match dialogue volume across your project.
The enhanced File Editor makes it even easier to work with multichannel files and edit selections in the Frequency Spectrum view.
Advanced time stretch lets you stretch and compress audio with unprecedented precision.
New multitrack editing tools include Waveform Zoom, RMS Normalize, and time-saving shortcuts for adding fades and trimming and extending clips.
You can work efficiently with new options for playhead scrolling, snapping, nudging, and more.
Color 1.5
Sophisticated color grading tools let you create signature looks in resolutions up to 4K.
Seamless integration means you can now send long, complex sequences directly to Color from Final Cut Pro without any preparation.
Grade and render at 4K resolution for maximum quality.
Work natively in high-end formats such as Sony XDCAM HD 422 (50 Mbps) and Panasonic AVC-Intra, or use the new ProRes 4444 format for grading with maximum color information.
Compressor 3.5
Simplified digital delivery lets you easily export to Apple devices, publish to the web, and burn to disc.
The new Job Action feature makes it easy to automate a variety of post-transcoding tasks, including web publishing and disc burning.
Automate end-to-end encoding workflows with customizable batch templates.
Save time with enhanced droplets, which are like miniature encoding applications that you can use on the desktop without having to open Final Cut Studio.
Create a setting from an existing file by simply dragging a QuickTime movie into the Settings pane.
DVD Studio Pro 4
The industry standard in DVD authoring brings drag-and-drop ease to the production of fully interactive, studio-quality titles.
Drag and drop to design menus, choose transitions, and build engaging slideshows with ease.
Easily develop everything from simple DVDs to sophisticated commercial titles.
Burn discs using the SuperDrive in your Mac. DVD Studio Pro 4 even lets you create masters for commercial DVD replication.
$999.00
5. Vegas Pro 9
The Vegas Pro 9 collection integrates two powerful applications that work seamlessly together to provide an efficient and intuitive environment for video and broadcast professionals. This comprehensive suite offers the most robust and progressive platform available for content creation and production. With broad format support, superior effects processing, unparalleled audio support, and a full complement of editorial tools, the Vegas Pro 9 collection streamlines your workflow. From acquisition to delivery, from camera to Blu-ray Disc™, the Vegas Pro 9 collection delivers exactly what you need to produce outstanding results.
Pros: Supports most video file types and capture methods. Features HD support, special effects, intuitive interface. Incredible amount of power for the price.
Cons: Some editing tools are difficult to use. Some parts of disc creation can be confusing.
The Verdict: An excellent choice for the home video editor.
$99.95
2. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
Publisher: Corel
Version:
Pros: Complete with a sstreamlined interface and everything a beginning video editor needs. This version runs smoother and faster than previous editions. Common video editing tools are always accessible in project window and less popular tools are just one click away.
Cons: A substantial learning curve – meaning you will need to read some instructions or tutorials to learn how to get the most out of it.
The Verdict: This latest version Corel VideoStudio is a faster product with great features for any user, from beginning to advanced.
$99.99
3. Adobe Premiere Elements 8
Publisher: Adobe
Version: 8
Pros: Supports nearly all common video file formats. Drag and drop functionality for typical editing tasks. Frequently updated online library of templates and effects. Compatible with Blu-ray and HD.
Cons: Fairly steep learning curve. No multi-level menu creation tool.
The Verdict: All-around high performance video editing software with a feature set well suited for professional level editing.
$94.99
4. Magix Movie Edit Pro
Publisher: MAGIX
Version: 15 PLUS
Pros: Compatible with common file types including those for mobile devices like the Sony PSP. Batch processing. Superior file conversion and compression. Support for 3D animation software. Direct publishing to popular websites like YouTube.
Cons: Demanding on system resources. Lackluster tutorials for more advanced editing features.
The Verdict: An ideal video editing solution for amateurs and experienced filmmakers.
$89.99
5. Pinnacle Studio 12 Plus
Publisher: Pinnacle
Version: 12 Plus
Pros: Program features gives the user the flexibility they need to create whatever kind of project they want.
Cons: Large feature set increases the amount of time needed to learn the program.
The Verdict: If the program streamlined its feature set, it would give the higher-ranked programs in this list a run for their money.
$79.99
6. Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9
Publisher: Sony
Version: 9
Pros: Large set of unique and useful features.
Cons: Steeper learning curve than most of its competitors.
The Verdict: Normally, a program with nagging ease of use issues isn’t worth your time, but that’s not the case here. If you’re patient enough to learn the ins-and-outs of this program, it will pay off for you in the long run.
$73.99
7. Roxio Creator 2010
Publisher: Roxio
Version: 2010
Pros: Open timeline allows direct dragging and dropping of video, audio and effects. Captures streaming video directly from a digital camcorder and can burn directly to DVD. Vast number of output formats which can be recorded to just about any media.
Cons: Some specific editing tools can be difficult to find and learn without some practice. Lacks ability to stabilize or refocus video.
The Verdict: A great improvement on an industry standard. Versatile and generally easy to use.
$99.99
8. ShowBiz DVD 2.1
Publisher: ArcSoft
Version: 2.1
Pros: Smooth transitions. Unique sound tracks. Easy to use. Has more special features and templates than most other video editing software. Features a large variety of menu builds.
Cons: Few publishing formats, occasional video delays, not the best web publisher.
The Verdict: A great product for anyone looking to make their own videos to share with friends and family.
$99.99
9. Serif MoviePlus X3
Publisher: Serif
Version: X3
Pros: Gives timeline view and actual video view in the same screen. Can export in many different formats.
Cons: All editing is done through icons rather than drop down menus which means you have to learn and memorize what the icons do before editing becomes a quicker process. No HD import support.
The Verdict: Once you learn the icons it’s a simple program for a complicated task.
$79.99
10. Muvee AutoProducer 6
Publisher: Muvee
Version: 6
Pros: Unique music video tool that adjusts video speed to fit the beat of music. Easy and simple to use.
Cons: Offers very few editing tools.
The Verdict: A great software for people working with music videos, but not so great for more advanced videos.