You'll probably get tired of my posts soon, but...
the HMC40 comes with Edius Neo 2 free.
I have "played" with windows movie maker in the past.
No real experience with editing software.
What should I use to edit video with my new camera?
Edius Neo 2, or get something easier to use?
Thanks

Editing software is a very personal thing. That's why there are so many products out there!

Personally, I love Edius (never used Neo though). I like the way information is displayed, I like the way the interface is set up, I just like the Canopus (GV) style.

You've got it, its free, with the booster thingy it'll play a zillion AVC tracks (or something), give it a try. *Depending on what you are doing, I'd still recomend transcoding the AVC to a 'real' codec like Canopus HQ. AVC make work fine for you, again, personal decision.

Then download the trial version of everyone else's products and try them.

Hi Michael,

I have never used Window Movie Maker. Will it edit HD? Will it edit AVCHD? Will it edit in real time or require rendering? Will it export the HD files in a Bluray and or SD DVD file format? Can you make SD DVDs with menus? Does it have VU meters so you know how high or low your audio levels are? Are the color correction and audio filter real time or will they need to be rendered?

Edius Neo will do all of this...and they just release a trial version of what they call booster pack, which will let you edit AVCHD natively, as Andy made reference to. Edius Neo is a no brainer, especially since it comes with the HMC40.

I'm sure Edius Neo has a bigger learning curve than Windows Movie maker, but the HMC40 has a bigger learning curve than a $300 point and shoot video camera. In the end, its so well worth it.

The problem with Panasonic's free version of Neo 2 is that you can't edit the camera's AVCHD files in realtime. They just came out with a "Booster" that allows you to do that but it's going to be a $49 upgrade. Well worth it, in my opinion though. Try that Neo 2 demo. You might like it, even though you'll probably have to transcode. Like the previous poster said, I find the interface in EDIUS to be much easier to work with than Premiere or Vegas. If you're looking to get things done quickly and easily, EDIUS is a great choice.