Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras at DVinfo.net

Bob Williams · January 10th, 2013, 05:42 PM

What are some of the video production/editing software being used with your Canon GL-2 and other Canon cameras? I have a Canon VIXIA HF M300 as my personal video camera. I am in the process of seriously upgrading my PC for this task and am now looking to purchase a good but not overly expensive program to edit my pastor's church sermon videos. We use 2 Canon GL-2's. I am presently looking at CyberLink Power Director 11 deluxe but I know there are others. We will be using the church camera that has the best presentation. As I've stated in another post, our cameras are operated separately for each church service. Please give my your suggestions. Thank you so much.

bob williams

Don Bloom · January 10th, 2013, 06:49 PM

Vegas. You could use the Pro version OR use the Studio version. Studio is less powerful than the Pro but is less costly and has pretty much the same workflow. Check Edward Troxels posts about it. He runs his churches videoworld and uses Vegas. (at least he use to-think he still does.)

Bob Williams · January 10th, 2013, 09:06 PM

Good evening Don,

Thank you for the chime in. I was not familiar with "Vegas". I can certainly add this program to my knowledge database. I will do the research and gather as much info as I can. Thank you again sir.

bob williams

Don Palomaki · January 11th, 2013, 07:47 AM

I curently use EDIUS (from Grass Valley). This is a full, highly capable, non-linear editing (NLE) program. The curent verison is 6.5, but I am still using v6.0x. There is a lite version called "EDIUS Neo" as well. Same user interface but a reduced feature set and price. Both version of EDIUS do well editing both the AVI (SD) formats from the GL2 era camcorders, the HDV formats from the XHA1 and VIXa tape camcorders, and the AVCHD formats from the newer tape-less HD camcorders. And they readily mix video formats on the timeline. ("Edit anything" is their slogan.)

I have previously used Adobe's Premier and Avid's Liquid. Before that I did linear editing using tape-to-tape gear (e.g., Videonics AB-1 edit controller, MX series mixer, and TM series titler, and various Hi8, SVHS, and DV VCRs).

There are many NLEs on the market at price points from around $50 to $3000 and higher, a couple basic systems came bundled with the operating system (Win Movie Maker and iMovie come to mind), and ther are some freeware producets as well. In some cases the commercial NLE products are available in product suites or as stand-alone editors. They also often have third-party "plug-ins" available that will extend the products' features (e.g., more filters, effects, and transitions).

After you get past the limitations of the compute platform (i.e., PC vs. MAC, and operating system versions) there is a lot of personal preference in NLE software selection. Different products have relative strengths; e.g., audio editing, multi-camera support, AVCHD support, realtime display, proxy file editing, more included effects and filters, DVD/BD authoring, etc. that can influence you decision. A bit like picking a team - some folks like the Saints and some the Falcons, some teams emphasize the run and other the pass, but in the end they are both just football teams. You need to find one with which you are content, and not be unduely influenced by advocates for one or another system - you need the assess the NLEs in light of your requirements, not someone else's.

Pricing varies but generally speaking, the basic consumer levelproducts are in the under $150 range, the more serious professional products (e.g., used by event videographes and station news rooms) are the next step up and typically run under $800, andfor the stuff used by networks and major studios the sky is the limit. However, discounts are often available, as are cross grade promotions. And you can often find "used' software available at places like EBay at bargain prices (but be sure you can get a valid license transferred to you, and be sure it is supported by your gear.) If you, your organization, and use qualify, education versions can save money for non-commercial use purposes.

Chris Hurd · January 11th, 2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Williams

I was not familiar with "Vegas"

Hi Bob, just wanted to point out that we have a HUGE forum here dedicated to the Sony Vegas editing software.

It's located here: What Happens in Vegas... Forum at DVinfo.net

Bob Williams · January 11th, 2013, 08:58 AM

Good morning all and I can't thank you enough for providing very valuable information that will certainly help me, my pastor and my church. I am not ashamed to admit I am a complete novice at this but believe with help from you all, I can do a good job presenting my pastor and his sermons to the public. A friend of mine has advised me to upgrade my ASUS (3 year old) computer. I am raising the RAM to 16 Gbytes, ordering a fast Sonnet Allegro 3.0 card, an additional 1 Tbyte (7200) and hard drive docking station.

By chance I ran across a review of CyberLink Power Director 11 delux, Corel Video Studio Pro, Adobe Premiere Elements 11, Video Pad Master's Edition 2.41, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 2013 Plus, Pinnacie Studio 16, and Roxio Creator NXT video editing software. Actually, I had no idea there was so much video editing software available. According to the review the Cyber Link Power Director 11 Delux tested the best of the bunch but I really don't know. I say 'I don't Know" based on my being an avid audiophile/stereophile over many years and reading reviews of amplifiers, speakers, etc. Mr. Hurd I will be going to the link you provided.

I want to say how proud I am to have been welcomed into and being a member of this wonderful forum. Here one has an opportunity to become well versed in the video reproduction area. I am more than pleased. Being brand new I need all the assistance you all can provide. Thank you.

bob williams

Pete Bauer · January 11th, 2013, 09:01 AM

Bob,

"What NLE" gets asked fairly regularly, and the answer is easy in your case because you want to edit mini-DV: get the nonlinear editing software you find most intuitive when you try it.

Just about any NLE will have a free downloadable trial. Any computer bought in the last few years can cut through mini-DV like butter and will have plenty of features and effects. You just need to spend a few hours with each NLE you might be interested in buying because each has its own way of doing essentially the same tasks.

I make this point because in discussions like this one, people often mistake what they happen to like as a universal "best." Sometimes it really is "best;" sometimes it is just their preference and wouldn't work as well for someone else.

Read a bit about Avid, Cyberlink, Edius, Final Cut (Mac only), Premiere (there's a Pro and a simpler "Elements"), Vegas and any others that catch your eye; then try before you buy. It sounds like a lot of work but in a few evenings of exploring you'll probably have much more confidence that you're buying the right thing for your work.

I'll bet in no time you'll be as addicted to videography as the rest of us. Welcome home!

Bob Williams · January 11th, 2013, 09:29 AM

Good morning Mr. Peter Bauer,

Your point is well taken and I do agree with you regarding the fact that some folk may prefer a video editing program. There are many factors that go into selecting this kind of software. I have a PC which is being upgraded to hopefully meet the challenge of whatever software I finally end up with. The first priority is, it must be easy to use with as many features as possible. I am not so much interested in making movies as I am presenting my pastor's Sunday and other special sermons out to the public in a professional manner.

I also must keep in mind that I want to help my wife (who is a realtor) put homes and land on her company website. Of course I would want to present her efforts in a professional manner as well. So, whatever editing software I end up with must be able to transfer/download/upload video from the Canon GL-2's at church and my own Canon VIXIA HF M300 which also renders beautiful videos. My wife and I use this camera for her real estate work. By the way, I've seen the term "AVCHD" related to the Canon cameras but don't know what this means or how it relates. There is so very much to learn about this wonderful field. Thank you so much.

bob williams

Chris Hurd · January 11th, 2013, 09:45 AM

Hi Bob,

AVCHD -- Advanced Video Coding High Definition -- is a video recording format.

This page goes into some pretty deep detail: AVCHD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

One way to think about AVCHD, is to recall that the old DV standard of recording standard definition video to a Mini-DV cassette tape, was replaced around 2005 with the advent of HDV, which recorded HD (high definition) video to those same Mini-DV cassette tapes. Now with the advent of AVCHD, you can consider that as a common standard for recording HD to tapeless media... such as DVD, hard drive, memory card, built-in flash memory, etc.

DV -- standard definition video recording to tape
HDV -- high definition video to recording to tape
AVCHD -- high definition video recording to tapeless media

That's the highly simplified overview. There are other HD standards and formats, but AVCHD is the most common and best supported one, before you get up into the really high-end and expensive arena.

Bob Williams · January 11th, 2013, 09:59 AM

Mr. Hurd thanks so much sir. Actually, my primary need to know about "AVCHD" has to do with whether any video editing software I end up with will be able to process video files from the Canon cameras. When I first started trying to find out about the GL-2's and Canon cameras in general, I read somewhere that AVCHD caused some difficulties where processing videos from Canon cameras was concerned. As long as that is not a problem I am OK. Since I don't plan to become a videographer I don't think it will make a lot of difference or have a negative impact on the final videos I am able to produce. At least that's my hope (smile). I do want to provide the very best video outcomes for my church, pastor and of course my wife. Thanks again.

bob williams

Chris Hurd · January 11th, 2013, 10:40 AM

Hi Bob, any of the *currently* available editing software options will be able to handle AVCHD.

As Pete Bauer suggests above, the best thing you can do is download the free trial versions and try them out... the one that seems easiest and most intuitive to use, will be the right one for you!

Bob Williams · January 11th, 2013, 10:53 AM

Everyone has been so very kind to me here and I truly appreciate that. I am just amazed that no one is trying to push a particular software program, but kindly share general information that has been most helpful. I do plan to download the fee trials and see what's going to work best. Whatever works best is the one I will go with. I am now waiting for the parts I ordered to get my computer upgraded. Once they are installed I will be ready to test and see what works for me. Thanks again all.

bob williams

Pete Bauer · January 11th, 2013, 11:05 AM

Bob,

AVCHD is indeed a lot more demanding than mini DV so make sure you check that as you test. Sounds like your system hardware will be adequate to the task and it'll just be a matter of choosing the software you like.

I have edited Canon AVCHD (Vixia HF10 footage, to be specific) using the last three or four versions of Premiere Pro without any troubles. Can't speak to other software but wouldn't expect any issues.

Bob Williams · January 11th, 2013, 11:20 AM

Pete and everyone who has bent over backwards to be helpful, thank you so much. I have a very basic goal for video editing software. I want the software to be able to take the video from the either Canon camera, put it on the computer hard drive so it can be processed and then permit me to put the outcome on a website. That is what I am hoping for. Of course I want a professional look from a layman's point of view but I am not wanting to be too fancy. I just want the very best outcome I can get without lots of problems.

Since getting into video for my church, I realize I have some problems making my thoughts clear. Here is what I want to do with any video editing software I choose:

> Provides a method for cutting stuff not needed
> Putting clips together if needed
> Adding various text
> Maybe tying in some christian music (from our church choir)
> Putting the video online

Thanks again all.

bob williams

Don Palomaki · January 11th, 2013, 12:28 PM

Consider getting:
"Digital Video For Dummies," 4th Edition, by Keith Underdahl
ISBN: 978-0-471-78278-0
384 pages
February 2006

Amazon.com: Digital Video For Dummies: Keith Underdahl: Books

Not a new book, but a starting point and it dates to the era of the GL2. There are other books available as well that are newer and/or focused on specific NLEs and on related subjects. This should provide a lot of introduction to the jargon folks use here as well as technique and other considerations. (Dummies applies to the title, not the content or reader, although the series tends to be an easy read as technical subjct books go.) Your library just might have a copy of it or related books.

The "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" sectionat the botom of the above web page lists several other books that might be of interest.

January 10th, 2013, 05:42 PM	#1
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras What are some of the video production/editing software being used with your Canon GL-2 and other Canon cameras? I have a Canon VIXIA HF M300 as my personal video camera. I am in the process of seriously upgrading my PC for this task and am now looking to purchase a good but not overly expensive program to edit my pastor's church sermon videos. We use 2 Canon GL-2's. I am presently looking at CyberLink Power Director 11 deluxe but I know there are others. We will be using the church camera that has the best presentation. As I've stated in another post, our cameras are operated separately for each church service. Please give my your suggestions. Thank you so much. bob williams

January 10th, 2013, 06:49 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Vegas. You could use the Pro version OR use the Studio version. Studio is less powerful than the Pro but is less costly and has pretty much the same workflow. Check Edward Troxels posts about it. He runs his churches videoworld and uses Vegas. (at least he use to-think he still does.) __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

January 10th, 2013, 09:06 PM	#3
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Good evening Don, Thank you for the chime in. I was not familiar with "Vegas". I can certainly add this program to my knowledge database. I will do the research and gather as much info as I can. Thank you again sir. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 07:47 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras I curently use EDIUS (from Grass Valley). This is a full, highly capable, non-linear editing (NLE) program. The curent verison is 6.5, but I am still using v6.0x. There is a lite version called "EDIUS Neo" as well. Same user interface but a reduced feature set and price. Both version of EDIUS do well editing both the AVI (SD) formats from the GL2 era camcorders, the HDV formats from the XHA1 and VIXa tape camcorders, and the AVCHD formats from the newer tape-less HD camcorders. And they readily mix video formats on the timeline. ("Edit anything" is their slogan.) I have previously used Adobe's Premier and Avid's Liquid. Before that I did linear editing using tape-to-tape gear (e.g., Videonics AB-1 edit controller, MX series mixer, and TM series titler, and various Hi8, SVHS, and DV VCRs). There are many NLEs on the market at price points from around $50 to $3000 and higher, a couple basic systems came bundled with the operating system (Win Movie Maker and iMovie come to mind), and ther are some freeware producets as well. In some cases the commercial NLE products are available in product suites or as stand-alone editors. They also often have third-party "plug-ins" available that will extend the products' features (e.g., more filters, effects, and transitions). After you get past the limitations of the compute platform (i.e., PC vs. MAC, and operating system versions) there is a lot of personal preference in NLE software selection. Different products have relative strengths; e.g., audio editing, multi-camera support, AVCHD support, realtime display, proxy file editing, more included effects and filters, DVD/BD authoring, etc. that can influence you decision. A bit like picking a team - some folks like the Saints and some the Falcons, some teams emphasize the run and other the pass, but in the end they are both just football teams. You need to find one with which you are content, and not be unduely influenced by advocates for one or another system - you need the assess the NLEs in light of your requirements, not someone else's. Pricing varies but generally speaking, the basic consumer levelproducts are in the under $150 range, the more serious professional products (e.g., used by event videographes and station news rooms) are the next step up and typically run under $800, andfor the stuff used by networks and major studios the sky is the limit. However, discounts are often available, as are cross grade promotions. And you can often find "used' software available at places like EBay at bargain prices (but be sure you can get a valid license transferred to you, and be sure it is supported by your gear.) If you, your organization, and use qualify, education versions can save money for non-commercial use purposes. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

January 11th, 2013, 08:58 AM	#6
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Good morning all and I can't thank you enough for providing very valuable information that will certainly help me, my pastor and my church. I am not ashamed to admit I am a complete novice at this but believe with help from you all, I can do a good job presenting my pastor and his sermons to the public. A friend of mine has advised me to upgrade my ASUS (3 year old) computer. I am raising the RAM to 16 Gbytes, ordering a fast Sonnet Allegro 3.0 card, an additional 1 Tbyte (7200) and hard drive docking station. By chance I ran across a review of CyberLink Power Director 11 delux, Corel Video Studio Pro, Adobe Premiere Elements 11, Video Pad Master's Edition 2.41, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 2013 Plus, Pinnacie Studio 16, and Roxio Creator NXT video editing software. Actually, I had no idea there was so much video editing software available. According to the review the Cyber Link Power Director 11 Delux tested the best of the bunch but I really don't know. I say 'I don't Know" based on my being an avid audiophile/stereophile over many years and reading reviews of amplifiers, speakers, etc. Mr. Hurd I will be going to the link you provided. I want to say how proud I am to have been welcomed into and being a member of this wonderful forum. Here one has an opportunity to become well versed in the video reproduction area. I am more than pleased. Being brand new I need all the assistance you all can provide. Thank you. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 09:01 AM	#7
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Bob, "What NLE" gets asked fairly regularly, and the answer is easy in your case because you want to edit mini-DV: get the nonlinear editing software you find most intuitive when you try it. Just about any NLE will have a free downloadable trial. Any computer bought in the last few years can cut through mini-DV like butter and will have plenty of features and effects. You just need to spend a few hours with each NLE you might be interested in buying because each has its own way of doing essentially the same tasks. I make this point because in discussions like this one, people often mistake what they happen to like as a universal "best." Sometimes it really is "best;" sometimes it is just their preference and wouldn't work as well for someone else. Read a bit about Avid, Cyberlink, Edius, Final Cut (Mac only), Premiere (there's a Pro and a simpler "Elements"), Vegas and any others that catch your eye; then try before you buy. It sounds like a lot of work but in a few evenings of exploring you'll probably have much more confidence that you're buying the right thing for your work. I'll bet in no time you'll be as addicted to videography as the rest of us. Welcome home! __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

January 11th, 2013, 09:29 AM	#8
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Good morning Mr. Peter Bauer, Your point is well taken and I do agree with you regarding the fact that some folk may prefer a video editing program. There are many factors that go into selecting this kind of software. I have a PC which is being upgraded to hopefully meet the challenge of whatever software I finally end up with. The first priority is, it must be easy to use with as many features as possible. I am not so much interested in making movies as I am presenting my pastor's Sunday and other special sermons out to the public in a professional manner. I also must keep in mind that I want to help my wife (who is a realtor) put homes and land on her company website. Of course I would want to present her efforts in a professional manner as well. So, whatever editing software I end up with must be able to transfer/download/upload video from the Canon GL-2's at church and my own Canon VIXIA HF M300 which also renders beautiful videos. My wife and I use this camera for her real estate work. By the way, I've seen the term "AVCHD" related to the Canon cameras but don't know what this means or how it relates. There is so very much to learn about this wonderful field. Thank you so much. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 09:45 AM	#9
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Hi Bob, AVCHD -- Advanced Video Coding High Definition -- is a video recording format. This page goes into some pretty deep detail: AVCHD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia One way to think about AVCHD, is to recall that the old DV standard of recording standard definition video to a Mini-DV cassette tape, was replaced around 2005 with the advent of HDV, which recorded HD (high definition) video to those same Mini-DV cassette tapes. Now with the advent of AVCHD, you can consider that as a common standard for recording HD to tapeless media... such as DVD, hard drive, memory card, built-in flash memory, etc. DV -- standard definition video recording to tape HDV -- high definition video to recording to tape AVCHD -- high definition video recording to tapeless media That's the highly simplified overview. There are other HD standards and formats, but AVCHD is the most common and best supported one, before you get up into the really high-end and expensive arena. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 11th, 2013, 09:59 AM	#10
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Mr. Hurd thanks so much sir. Actually, my primary need to know about "AVCHD" has to do with whether any video editing software I end up with will be able to process video files from the Canon cameras. When I first started trying to find out about the GL-2's and Canon cameras in general, I read somewhere that AVCHD caused some difficulties where processing videos from Canon cameras was concerned. As long as that is not a problem I am OK. Since I don't plan to become a videographer I don't think it will make a lot of difference or have a negative impact on the final videos I am able to produce. At least that's my hope (smile). I do want to provide the very best video outcomes for my church, pastor and of course my wife. Thanks again. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 10:40 AM	#11
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Hi Bob, any of the currently available editing software options will be able to handle AVCHD. As Pete Bauer suggests above, the best thing you can do is download the free trial versions and try them out... the one that seems easiest and most intuitive to use, will be the right one for you! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 11th, 2013, 10:53 AM	#12
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Everyone has been so very kind to me here and I truly appreciate that. I am just amazed that no one is trying to push a particular software program, but kindly share general information that has been most helpful. I do plan to download the fee trials and see what's going to work best. Whatever works best is the one I will go with. I am now waiting for the parts I ordered to get my computer upgraded. Once they are installed I will be ready to test and see what works for me. Thanks again all. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 11:05 AM	#13
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Bob, AVCHD is indeed a lot more demanding than mini DV so make sure you check that as you test. Sounds like your system hardware will be adequate to the task and it'll just be a matter of choosing the software you like. I have edited Canon AVCHD (Vixia HF10 footage, to be specific) using the last three or four versions of Premiere Pro without any troubles. Can't speak to other software but wouldn't expect any issues. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

January 11th, 2013, 11:20 AM	#14
Bob Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Atlanta Georgia Area Posts: 31	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Pete and everyone who has bent over backwards to be helpful, thank you so much. I have a very basic goal for video editing software. I want the software to be able to take the video from the either Canon camera, put it on the computer hard drive so it can be processed and then permit me to put the outcome on a website. That is what I am hoping for. Of course I want a professional look from a layman's point of view but I am not wanting to be too fancy. I just want the very best outcome I can get without lots of problems. Since getting into video for my church, I realize I have some problems making my thoughts clear. Here is what I want to do with any video editing software I choose: > Provides a method for cutting stuff not needed > Putting clips together if needed > Adding various text > Maybe tying in some christian music (from our church choir) > Putting the video online Thanks again all. bob williams

January 11th, 2013, 12:28 PM	#15
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Re: Video Editing Software For GL-2 Cameras Consider getting: "Digital Video For Dummies," 4th Edition, by Keith Underdahl ISBN: 978-0-471-78278-0 384 pages February 2006 Amazon.com: Digital Video For Dummies: Keith Underdahl: Books Amazon.com: Digital Video For Dummies: Keith Underdahl: Books Not a new book, but a starting point and it dates to the era of the GL2. There are other books available as well that are newer and/or focused on specific NLEs and on related subjects. This should provide a lot of introduction to the jargon folks use here as well as technique and other considerations. (Dummies applies to the title, not the content or reader, although the series tends to be an easy read as technical subjct books go.) Your library just might have a copy of it or related books. The "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" sectionat the botom of the above web page lists several other books that might be of interest. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com