Video cameras have been around for decades, but it's become increasingly common to have a video camera. Most cell phones come with video capabilities, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture the moment. Now the real question is: what should you do with all your video files and photos? Simple. Video editing software is the perfect way to compile all of your videos and photos, edit professional home videos and distribute the movies to friends and family.
We looked for the best video editing software available on the market. We looked at the
three stages of video creation which are import, edit and export. With these
three steps in mind, we evaluated and reviewed a long list of products and
narrowed it down to our top choices. Our top three picks for video editing
software are CyberLink PowerDirector, Corel VideoStudio Pro
X4 and Adobe Premiere Elements. For more information, check out
ourarticles on video editing.
Video Editing
Software: What to Look For
When you are when you are looking for the
perfect video software there are three main aspects to consider: import
abilities, editing features and export options. Each of these elements is
important for creating and sharing professional-looking videos, so we looked
for products that include tools and features to address these needs. To ensure
we recommend only video editing software that has all the features you need in
an easy-to-use interface, these are the criteria we used to review each
product:
Video Capture/Playback
This section addresses how you can import videos
from various devices and in diverse formats. A good application will work with
virtually any camera, camcorder or even VCR and let you pull the files you want
directly from the device via your computer. We also look at how well the
program will play the video during the editing process. Some applications have
a choppy or disjointed playback so it is difficult to tell how your final product
will look.
Ease of Use
Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing an
application that is difficult to use. We looked at the different features
available for video editing and how simple it was to perform various tasks.
This section also includes the design of the user interface and how everything
is organized in the application. There is no point in purchasing a program if
it is going to make tasks more difficult than they should be.
Editing Tools
Editing tools include everything from changing
the background lighting and color tones to clipping the video so you get the
perfect segment for what you need. This is the section where we evaluate the
strengths and weaknesses of each application's editing tools. We specifically
look for whether the application includes a storyboard and timeline layout, a
video stabilizer and the ability to add text to the video. Without editing
tools, the application has little going for it in the way of presentation.
Export/Production
There is no point in making a video if there's
no way to view it. With the export and production options you are able to save your movie to a variety of discs or locations. Some
programs even have a direct upload to YouTube. Not only do you have to worry
about what disc to save your movie to, but it is also important to consider the
format of the file, whether you want a MPEG or a MOV file.
Editing Effects/Transitions
The features we look at in this section are what
really define the abilities of video editing software. This is where you add
all of the fun transitions between pictures and videos. Some applications are
even set up for adding 3D effects to videos as well as working with HD. It is
these transitions that really make your video unique so you will want to make
sure that the application you choose has all of the options you want.
Disc Creation
This section is different from the Export
section in a variety of ways. This section covers whether you can make menus
and divide your movie into chapters. This makes it easier to navigate through
your finished videos. Another aspect this section covers is whether the
software itself is capable of burning discs. If the video editing software can
burn the discs you don't have to worry about finding another application to
transfer the files from your computer to your Blu-ray Disc or DVD.
Audio & Photo Editing
Not only can you have video within in your
movie, but you can add photos and your own audio to the mix. There are separate
editing tools for both audio and photo. By editing the audio clips you can time
your music to your videos. And with photo editing, you can have even more
options when it comes to showcasing your latest adventure since you won't be
limited by having only your video files.
Help & Support
When working with any complex software, having manufacturer
help and support can make or break an application. It is the nature of video
editing software to be feature rich and if you run into a snag you should be
able to contact someone for help. Manufacturers provide a variety of options
for helping you. These include phone numbers, email addresses, manuals and even
tutorials. If the software you select has good support options, you won't have
to worry about getting stuck in an application; you can rest assured that you
will receive the help you need.
Video editing software can turn your raw video footage and
photos into professional-quality masterpieces. The applications we reviewed can
provide you with the features you want in an easy-to-use interface. And, if you
do happen to get stuck there is always the help and support offered by the
manufacturer. Now you can put those videos and photos to use when you make your
own home movie to share with your friends and family.
At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t
Have To.
From:toptenreviews.com
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