Recommended Editing software at DVinfo.net

Ido Levy · May 9th, 2005, 06:19 AM

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

Kevin Kocak · May 9th, 2005, 07:28 AM

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.

Pete Bauer · May 9th, 2005, 08:29 AM

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,

Jay Gladwell · May 9th, 2005, 09:47 AM

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

Tim Commeijne · May 10th, 2005, 09:19 AM

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.

Richard Alvarez · May 10th, 2005, 09:29 AM

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.

Meryem Ersoz · May 10th, 2005, 03:24 PM

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.

Luis Caffesse · May 10th, 2005, 03:31 PM

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.

Matthew Nayman · May 10th, 2005, 03:53 PM

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

Good program.

Patrick King · May 10th, 2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Nayman

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.

Dave Perry · May 10th, 2005, 07:29 PM

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.

Kevin Kocak · May 11th, 2005, 10:26 AM

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.

Ed Bicker · May 11th, 2005, 12:39 PM

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.

Steve House · May 11th, 2005, 04:47 PM

...snip...

Quote:

i'm not sure if Windows has a similar (to Apple iMovie) built-in freebie....someone else might know.

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

Patrick King · May 11th, 2005, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve House

...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.

May 9th, 2005, 06:19 AM	#1
Ido Levy New Boot Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 18	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

May 9th, 2005, 08:29 AM	#3
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	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, __________________ 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!

May 10th, 2005, 03:31 PM	#8
Luis Caffesse Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 704	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. __________________ Luis Caffesse Pitch Productions Austin, Texas

May 10th, 2005, 07:29 PM	#11
Dave Perry Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 796	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. __________________ Dave Perry Cinematographer LLC Director of Photography • Editor • Digital Film Production • 540.915.2752 • daveperry.net

May 9th, 2005, 07:28 AM	#2
Kevin Kocak Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 149	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.

May 9th, 2005, 09:47 AM	#4
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	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

May 10th, 2005, 09:19 AM	#5
Tim Commeijne Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Europe, Belgium, Oostende Posts: 44	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.

May 10th, 2005, 09:29 AM	#6
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	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.

May 10th, 2005, 03:24 PM	#7
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	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.

May 10th, 2005, 03:53 PM	#9
Matthew Nayman Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 917	Adobe Premiere Pro offers great editing and true 24p time lines... Good program.

May 11th, 2005, 10:26 AM	#12
Kevin Kocak Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 149	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.

May 11th, 2005, 12:39 PM	#13
Ed Bicker Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Oakdale, Pa Posts: 51	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.