Video editing beyond iMovie
Discussion
I've done a fair bit of video editing over the years. I last used Cyberlink PowerDirector, then £50pa subscription but now £135, although there are always, but always, offers. I tried the free version of DaVinci Resolve back in 2020 or so and, after cracking the UI, which was a bit different to any software I tried before, I dumped PowerDirector. I haven't looked back.
Lots on YouTube about any software you choose to mention. Resolve, even the free version, is all but professional level. It has more features than most of us want, at a price we can all afford. I have upgraded to the paid for version of Resolve, although with an offer. It's £225 at the moment. It's a one-off payment. For life with regular upgrades, that's for both the free and paid for.
I can't fault it.
Lots on YouTube about any software you choose to mention. Resolve, even the free version, is all but professional level. It has more features than most of us want, at a price we can all afford. I have upgraded to the paid for version of Resolve, although with an offer. It's £225 at the moment. It's a one-off payment. For life with regular upgrades, that's for both the free and paid for.
I can't fault it.
Final Cut Pro is the natural step up from iMovie and as such, the learning curve will be less steep than would the case with other platforms.
Video is part of my professional skills set and have used all the three major platforms.
Adobe Premier syncs nicely with other Adobe products, great if you're making films with lots of graphics. But it is, I have found, the most unstable of all three and depending on the complexity of the work, can take a while to do things.
Davinci Resolve. The best for colour grading but you need to be shooting in LOG to get the best from this. That poses its own challenges in that you need a robust set up to cope with the file sizes and processing requirements. Also quite a complex platform to learn - or at least get the best from it.
Final Cut is, IMO, the best all rounder. Quick, reliable, stable and lots of really good native tools. It uses something called a magnetic timeline which I won't try to explain here suffice to say it's probably one of the most useful thing you can have in a NLE.
Some people get quite robust in the defence of their chosen editing platform but they all do the same thing in much the same way. It really comes down to what you want it for and what you feel comfortable with. There's pros and cons to all of them. As I mentioned, FCP is the next step up from iMovie so the one I think you'll find more comfort in.
I started to migrate to Resolve two years ago and subscribed to a Udemy course to learn it. I got a third in an gave up because I could not see any meaningful difference to FCP so was exerting time and effort learning something I didn't need to know.
Video is part of my professional skills set and have used all the three major platforms.
Adobe Premier syncs nicely with other Adobe products, great if you're making films with lots of graphics. But it is, I have found, the most unstable of all three and depending on the complexity of the work, can take a while to do things.
Davinci Resolve. The best for colour grading but you need to be shooting in LOG to get the best from this. That poses its own challenges in that you need a robust set up to cope with the file sizes and processing requirements. Also quite a complex platform to learn - or at least get the best from it.
Final Cut is, IMO, the best all rounder. Quick, reliable, stable and lots of really good native tools. It uses something called a magnetic timeline which I won't try to explain here suffice to say it's probably one of the most useful thing you can have in a NLE.
Some people get quite robust in the defence of their chosen editing platform but they all do the same thing in much the same way. It really comes down to what you want it for and what you feel comfortable with. There's pros and cons to all of them. As I mentioned, FCP is the next step up from iMovie so the one I think you'll find more comfort in.
I started to migrate to Resolve two years ago and subscribed to a Udemy course to learn it. I got a third in an gave up because I could not see any meaningful difference to FCP so was exerting time and effort learning something I didn't need to know.
What he said above!
I too edit professionally and my experience reflects Stevies. There is a decent ecosystem of plugins around FCP as well. Adobe has the edge in integration with its other products but if you don’t need them it’s moot. Also I would echo the stability comment. FCP is fast on the M series chips as well. If you like iMovie you will like FCP.
I too edit professionally and my experience reflects Stevies. There is a decent ecosystem of plugins around FCP as well. Adobe has the edge in integration with its other products but if you don’t need them it’s moot. Also I would echo the stability comment. FCP is fast on the M series chips as well. If you like iMovie you will like FCP.
StevieBee said:
Final Cut Pro is the natural step up from iMovie and as such, the learning curve will be less steep than would the case with other platforms.
Video is part of my professional skills set and have used all the three major platforms.
Adobe Premier syncs nicely with other Adobe products, great if you're making films with lots of graphics. But it is, I have found, the most unstable of all three and depending on the complexity of the work, can take a while to do things.
Davinci Resolve. The best for colour grading but you need to be shooting in LOG to get the best from this. That poses its own challenges in that you need a robust set up to cope with the file sizes and processing requirements. Also quite a complex platform to learn - or at least get the best from it.
Final Cut is, IMO, the best all rounder. Quick, reliable, stable and lots of really good native tools. It uses something called a magnetic timeline which I won't try to explain here suffice to say it's probably one of the most useful thing you can have in a NLE.
Some people get quite robust in the defence of their chosen editing platform but they all do the same thing in much the same way. It really comes down to what you want it for and what you feel comfortable with. There's pros and cons to all of them. As I mentioned, FCP is the next step up from iMovie so the one I think you'll find more comfort in.
I started to migrate to Resolve two years ago and subscribed to a Udemy course to learn it. I got a third in an gave up because I could not see any meaningful difference to FCP so was exerting time and effort learning something I didn't need to know.
FCP is advertised at £300. PowerDirector is £125pa for their Ultimate version. There're cheaper options, but they are cheaper for a reason. Resolve is free. There is a pro version at £225, but even the free is superbly powerful.Video is part of my professional skills set and have used all the three major platforms.
Adobe Premier syncs nicely with other Adobe products, great if you're making films with lots of graphics. But it is, I have found, the most unstable of all three and depending on the complexity of the work, can take a while to do things.
Davinci Resolve. The best for colour grading but you need to be shooting in LOG to get the best from this. That poses its own challenges in that you need a robust set up to cope with the file sizes and processing requirements. Also quite a complex platform to learn - or at least get the best from it.
Final Cut is, IMO, the best all rounder. Quick, reliable, stable and lots of really good native tools. It uses something called a magnetic timeline which I won't try to explain here suffice to say it's probably one of the most useful thing you can have in a NLE.
Some people get quite robust in the defence of their chosen editing platform but they all do the same thing in much the same way. It really comes down to what you want it for and what you feel comfortable with. There's pros and cons to all of them. As I mentioned, FCP is the next step up from iMovie so the one I think you'll find more comfort in.
I started to migrate to Resolve two years ago and subscribed to a Udemy course to learn it. I got a third in an gave up because I could not see any meaningful difference to FCP so was exerting time and effort learning something I didn't need to know.
In many ways, PowerDirector is the best software I have used. It has a UI that's about as user-friendly as it can be. Before PD, I used Pinnacle Studio. I loved it but it would crash. Not often, but often enough for me to jump ship to PD. Newer versions of PS are more stable I've read.
One feature of PD that puts it above the others is support from other users. It wasn't available at every level in my time, but it included lots of little freebies other users provide. Most take a little work, but some are great straight from download. Also, if you have a problem, post on the forums and you'll get a reply within minutes. I nearly had to wait once, but that was a one-off I think.
Resolve provides basic fades, wipes and titles, umpteen of them, and also gives you overwhelming ability to fine-tune them. It's fun and addictive. You can spend hours playing with the features. However, the basics are basic. There are lots of freebies you can download, many available on YouTube. The idea that Resolve is a one-trick pony, being just colour correction, has changed over the last three or four years. Stabilisation is superb. If I video without a gimbal or tripod, all I have to do is stand back a bit and make it look good in post. I don't shoot in log, but then, like the OP, I am not a pro videoer.
One thing with Resolve is that if you are new to the software, much of what is available will not be used. This is good as those new to the software can get the hang of the basics, which are the same in the main as every other software.
I decided to upgrade to pro, but only because of an offer. I lusted after their Speed Controller. It was the same price as the pro software. But then a package of both the controller and the software came in about the same price point. The Speed Controller is beyond criticism, and I'd advise anyone with Resolve to buy it. It doesn't work on other software progs.
Perhaps the best option is to go with PD or Pinnacle. Try the basic one for a year. Once you've cracked the UI, try Resolve free. There's lots of YouTube to help you get comfortable with both bits of software. If you like it, go for it. If you prefer PD, stay with it.
I've used Corel video editor. Didn't like it. You might.
It's fair to say, I've got a soft spot for Resolve, but I've tried to be honest and fair. I was using video software professionally way back in 2001. When I retired, I opted for Pinnacle and a Serif concoction, the latter doing us all a favour by no longer being produced. I stuck with Pinnacle, through various iterations, then jumped to the more stable PowerDirector. That went to a choice of subscription or a cut-down version to be bought outright. I didn't fancy paying increasing charges over the years and opted for Resolve. The Cyberlink AudioDirector, included in the package in my time, was just about right for me then, but the one in Resolve is integrated in the software. For AD, it's all but a separate programme. Good though. The Resolve audio editor is feature-full and it is probable I will never use all the facilities.
Much is changing. AI, or what passes for it in video editing, is modifying software all across the board. I expect that in five years' time, software will be significantly different, and it will be pot-luck whether your choice will be top dog.
I would have stuck with PD is they had not gone subscription. I would have been happy to do so, and would not have missed the extra features of Resolve. But I jumped ship, and am happy to have done so.
Look through YouTube. See the differences between the various options, the support, particularly on YT -I am an Avid (in joke) supporter of Alextech cause he explains things well and gives stuff away. He talks slowly and doesn't ask 'What's up'.
It's fun picking software. Go to it and don't make your mind up too soon; and don't choose on the prejudiced opinion of committed users of a particular bit of software. You know, like those who post on threads such as these.
The OP should enjoy the hobby. You'll find you steadily improve and will be tempted to delete your previous offerings. But don't. They will be a reminder of how far you've come. If you go onto Vimeo, you will see how far you have to go, but then, everyone does.
If you are already using a Mac then FCP is worth a look but it will cost you £300 to buy: there's a 90-day free trial version:
https://www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pro/trial/
Derek S has posted a lot of useful information & Resolve for free is a tremendous deal. I come from a time when DaVinci was more or less just a colour corrector that ran on custom hardware & cost £100ks when we were installing it in edit houses in Soho.
https://www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pro/trial/
Derek S has posted a lot of useful information & Resolve for free is a tremendous deal. I come from a time when DaVinci was more or less just a colour corrector that ran on custom hardware & cost £100ks when we were installing it in edit houses in Soho.
Derek Smith said:
PowerDirector is £125pa for their Ultimate version.
Power Director is pitched as an alternative to iMovie rather than a step-up in terms of capability. Like for like, PD is probably a little better, mainly down to a few more functions and, critically, the ability to use proxy files. I believe it has a slighter broader list of source files it can work with too. But the OP has stated the aim to take his editing to the next level. Without knowing what that level actually is, everything is a bit abstract anyway, but I do feel that moving to PD from iMovie will quickly frustrate him.As coach mentions, there's a large array of really cool and useful plug-ins for FCP (and the other main platforms). I've not seen any for PD.
If you look at the professional market, pretty much everything you see on Netflix, Amazon, Apple, etc, will have been made using Premier Pro, Resolve, Final Cut Pro or Avid. All of these are within reach of the keen amateur.
But as you say, it all comes down to personal preference - and nobody ever finished watching a film by saying "That was edited on Premier Pro".
Something worth noting with Resolve is that there's a fair bit of 'chatter' about Blackmagic degrading the free version at some point so the offer is more akin to iMovie/Final Cut Pro. As it stands, many studios are finding the free version more than adequate for their needs so are not upgrading which isn't what Blackmagic had intended.
Derek Smith said:
Much is changing. AI, or what passes for it in video editing, is modifying software all across the board. I expect that in five years' time, software will be significantly different, and it will be pot-luck whether your choice will be top dog.
There's already some really excellent Ai based tools for NLEs. Background Removers (negating the need for green screen) is one I use a lot (RotoAi, but there's many others). Captioning is another. The one that has annoyingly yet to find its way to FCP is a plug-in that automatically retimes music tracks - if you have a 2 min film but a music track of just 1m, 20s, it reformats the track to fit.Edited by StevieBee on Monday 29th July 12:48
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