Recommended Editing software
 

Hi All

I am about to purchase The XL-2 and would like to know what is the favorable Editing software among the pro's for Editing. I am new to Digital Videography but eager to learn the right way. I would really appreciate your advices.
Thanks

Your probably going to get answers ranging many different opinions on this one. But I will say that I personally think with a G5 and a Final Cut Pro production suite you are going to get the most bang for your buck. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....0.3.1.5.1.1.0
The G5 is the best computer I have seen in a while and you get everything you could possibly need for $1299 with the production suite.

And I would also like to add that I have worked on an Avid (Symphony and Media Composer) for 2 years and Premiere for about 4 years so I am answering based on experience.

Hi,
People often ask what editing software they should buy and get all kinds of opinions. The XL2 is a fine standard definition camera, but miniDV is miniDV once it leaves the camera so except for 24p awareness (if24p interests you), the camera needn't be a factor in your software choice. Most of the major editing applications have free 30 day trials -- download them and see which one meets your needs. There also will be lots of comments and opinions on software in other forums such as the Premiere and Vegas areas here on DVinfo.
Cheers,

Sony's Vegas is, without a doubt, the best NLE software money can buy. More and more people are switch to Vegas, including professionals, and there's a reason for it.

Download the trial version and try it for yourself!

Jay

Wel if you want to use professional software, you would have to go for AVID (express pro), or FINAL CUT PRO.
Those are the two standard editing software most broadcast and TV stations use. Especialy AVID.
But if you have a macintosh (mostly better for editing) you would want to go with final cut pro, because there is a new package: final cut studio, with final cut pro, soundtrack pro, dvd studio pro and motion 2. Go see on www.apple.com.

First decide if you have a preference for platforms, Mac or Pc. If Mac, then FCP and AVID are the top choices. If PC, download and try all the various demos. Find out what works best for you.

Understand what your actual NEEDS are. The "favorable software among the pros" question, begs for your definition of PRO.(Feature film editors? Television series editors? News editors? Documentary film editors? Wedding and Event specialists? Advertising firms?Special effects and graphic composers?)

Most feature films and television series are edited on Avid systems. The HIGH END Avid systems, which will be out of your budget. However, even the AVID FREE DV which you can download for free, will have an interface that is very similar to the symphony and composer.

But do you need to cut FILM? Are you mostly cutting short form? Are you planning on doing lots of compositing and effects? What is your final distribution goal for your projects? Do you need strong audio tools? DOes the NLE come with a suite of tools? Each NLE has its strong and weak points. So first you must decide what your creative vision and goals are, then ask yourself which NLE will best serve your creativity, workflow and budget.

Good luck.

why not purchase a G5 computer, which is already loaded with iMovie editing software and try to learn a few editing basics before you purchase an expensive NLE? if you find it is something you want to further pursue, you can always upgrade to Final Cut Pro or Express on the same machine. but i would try, before you buy. iMovie '05 is specifically geared towards the 16:9 functionality of the XL2.

i'm not sure if Windows has a similar built-in freebie....someone else might know.

i'm not sure if Windows has a similar built-in freebie....someone else might know.

I believe Microsoft Moviemaker can be downloaded for free.

Adobe Premiere Pro offers great editing and true 24p time lines...

Good program.

Vegas too...Avid too...ad nauseum. And Vegas doesn't require near as much 'horsepower' from your computer as the resource hog Premeire Pro.

Mr. Alvarez provided the best advice: download the trial versions and actually edit with them, then decide.

I would also recommend Final Cut Pro on a Mac. I use it on my Mac Mini and it works great. The Mac Mini is a great computer for the money.

Another thing to consider- Its not always what works best for you... Sometimes its what can you make the most money using?
Would you be editing for yourself only or are you looking for freelance editing work? If you will be freelancing the industry standards right now are Avid and Final Cut Pro. Just take a look at some of the sites where jobs are posted (Mandy.com, Productionhub.com, craigslist.com...etc). I don't think I have ever seen anyone looking for anything but Avid or Final Cut Pro editors.

I use Pinnacle. It is light weight enough and runs on my Dell laptop with pcmcia video card that connects to my XL2. So far, it is just right for me. I am not in business to edit. I just want to play with my XL2 and learn. I can upgrade to FCP later if necessary.

...snip...Windows XP includes the free Windows Moviemaker which works but it is very limited. OTOH, Adobe Premiere Elements has much of the functionality of the full-blown Premiere Pro at about $100.

Steve

And Avid has an entry level product based on their up-scale editor and Vegas has a $100 entry level product based on Vegas...so, rather than continue to go on saying how great each of us think our editing preference is, why don't you just take Mr. Alvarez' advice: download the trial versions and actually edit with them, then decide.

Sony has an entry-level package too: Vegas Movie Studio

OK... One more time. Every editing system has the trial or entry level program so like it was already stated... It really is pointless for everyone to try to sell how great their editing system is. They are all really solid or else all of you wouldn't be using what you are using. Mr. Alvarez hit the nail on the head. Downlaodthe trials and use and learn what's best for you.

Thanks Kevin. I think I'll go ahead and lock this thread since it is covering ground that is well-tread elsewhere (especially in the Post-Production forums), and is now about twice-baked to a crispy crunch already right here, while not really having a lot to do with the XL2 per se.

But thanks, everyone, for not letting degenerate into a platform war thread (which is not allowed anyway). ;-)

Cheers,