Video Editing...

[mnsahd]

Not much info here (http://dadstayshome.com/dadforum/viewtopic.php?t=1113) so...

I am looking to upgrade my video editing software and experience at the same time.

I currently capture analog video with a Sony Handycam (video eight) and then tranfer via Adaptec AVC-2210 to my computer. I capture digitally via Canon Power Shot A75 (smaller res).

I use Pinnacle Studio 8 to edit all of my video, which is a nice and simple program to use. My question is, is there a more in depth and option packed software program that I can use? I want to make more professional and enjoyable videos than the standard "run of the mill" ones that I have been producing.

I have a $1,000.00 budget to work with and would appreciate any input on this subject. Is there something better for me out there?

[KarlSutton]

if you have a $1000 budget, I reccomend some form of Mac, even if you are a windows user. I am so impressed with iMovie 5 that I barely use Final Cut Pro anymore. I think the new iBook's (starting at $999) or even the mac mini ($499) comes with this software & if not it is only $79.

my 2 cents - good luck!

[mnsahd]

Karl,

Thanks for your input.

Apple and I do not get along well together. I must have been brain washed by Uncle Bill (Gates) and can only function with IBM compatible products. I think that Apple has some fine products and I have been impressed by some of the results put out by their machines, but it has not been enough to pull me to the other side. Oh well...I smell. :roll:

I have owned two Apples in my lifetime (hand me downs) and, for the life of me, could not get used to them. It is like the Ford and Chevy thing...both do the same thing, it is just what you prefer over the other.

Thanks. Any more input?

I am sure that I have opened a can of worms here.

[gnets99]

Sony's Vegas Video is pretty good. I've been using it for a couple of years now. It's got loads of stuff for editing both video and audio. They have different products depending on how many features you want. I think the price ranges from 100-600 dollars depending on which version you buy.

[justinpowell]

if you have a $1000 budget, I reccomend some form of Mac, even if you are a windows user. I am so impressed with iMovie 5 that I barely use Final Cut Pro anymore. I think the new iBook's (starting at $999) or even the mac mini ($499) comes with this software & if not it is only $79.

my 2 cents - good luck!

This was my exact advice and you beat me to it. With $1000 you could get a Mac Mini (with iMovie bundled) and buy Final Cut Express. Then you'd have $200 left over to buy whatever.

I have used both Mac and Windows for a long time and for video editing there is just no compare to a Mac. I know it may seem foreign at first, but trust me you'll quickly get in the groove and never look back.