Video Editor

[anonymous-user]

[redacted]

[C69]

Explaining Computers on YouTube recently did a round-up of the best free editors by user experience level. He classes DaVinci Resolve as professional-grade, incidentally.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8EJinF0uhe0

[Derek Smith]

C69 said:

Explaining Computers on YouTube recently did a round-up of the best free editors by user experience level. He classes DaVinci Resolve as professional-grade, incidentally.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8EJinF0uhe0

I use Resolve. I would class the free version as prosumer. but would advise against using it as a newbie to video editing, although it's not impossible to crack it without experience. I've played with video editors since 2001, and then it was as a professional - video identification parades - and worked my way up through half a dozen amateur software examples. I used Power Director for years, and it's fairly straightforward. The UI is clear and there's a lot of YT to help, plus a 'community'. Even so, I struggled a bit with the transition to Resolve. 'Things' were in different places; most confusing. It does more or less the same things as everyone else, but adds to it. There are various 'pages', Cut (superb time saver), Edit, Fusion (can be scary), Color (sic), Fairlight (sound), and Export. These simplify production, but only after some weeks of using.

I'm using Resolve Studio now. Tremendous software, but I still have to refer to my notes and YT at times. It's worth the effort for me.

I recommend Power Director as you can do just what you want, although I'd got for the outright buy one. By the time it's old hat, you'll want to move on. You soon gain experience.

I find video editing great fun. I wish I was better at it though.

[donkmeister]

I also use DV Resolve. I find the availability of YT videos a godsend.

For the noddy stuff I do, the learning curve wasn't particularly steep. However, I am barely scratching the surface of what it can do. If I ever take it up as a hobby it's good to know that I wouldn't be starting from scratch again.

I used to use Sony Vegas (I have a Sony 3D camcorder, and this was the easiest/cheapest way to get 3D editing), and I much prefer DV Resolve. The one issue I have faced is that the free version doesn't handle stereoscopic video (Studio does), but TBH that's a niche concern.

[colin79666]

DaVinci is at a level similar to Adobe Premier, i.e. professional.

OpenShot is a pretty good entry to mid level editor with a similar feel to the old Windows movie maker. I’ve made it available to users at work with good feedback received. https://www.openshot.org/

[Derek Smith]

donkmeister said:

I also use DV Resolve. I find the availability of YT videos a godsend.

For the noddy stuff I do, the learning curve wasn't particularly steep. However, I am barely scratching the surface of what it can do. If I ever take it up as a hobby it's good to know that I wouldn't be starting from scratch again.

I used to use Sony Vegas (I have a Sony 3D camcorder, and this was the easiest/cheapest way to get 3D editing), and I much prefer DV Resolve. The one issue I have faced is that the free version doesn't handle stereoscopic video (Studio does), but TBH that's a niche concern.

I would agree, do agree, that if you want simple videos, then Resolve can deliver without a lot of effort. Good point. Ignore pages other than edit and produce, and it's straightforward enough. Fades and wipes are nicely arranged, and titles take little knowledge.

The only problem with free Resolve is the temptation to opt for Studio. I bought the Speed Controller and got Studio for 'free'. Wouldn't have gone for it otherwise, but I'm really glad I did. The expansion in time-wasting is a real benefit. I don't get anywhere near full value. Most of my spare time is taken up trying to learn Blender - now that's a real cracker - and they keep updating it so I spend my time learning new stuff. Mind you, the new Pose/Asset Library with 3.5/3.6 was the best thing ever to happen to Blender.

Got some plans for the new F1 season. Quite a few years ago, 25 in fact, I ran a satirical website for F1 nerds. Well four, as I kept getting cease and desist letters from someone purporting to be the owners of the F1 copyright. It would be great with animated cartoon videos, courtesy of Resolve, and, as it's been so long, I don't have to think of new jokes.

[Cloudy147]

I use Cyberlink Power Director and really like it.

Also purchased Adobe Premier a couple of years ago, but as an amature/occasional user I find Power Director more user friendly and does everything I need, so purchased that last year and haven’t looked back.

I think they have a demo available and lots of tutorials on YouTube for it too.

[768]

I'm another fan of Davinci, the free version is great, there's not much more I use from the paid version (didn't buy it separately, got it thrown in with some kit).

They've got really good tutorial videos but you don't have to delve into the more advanced features either, if you stick to the basic controls it works fine as a basic editor.