Video enthusiasts, home movie hobbyists and proactive small-business owners are frequently asking us “What software do you recommend for editing video?” While there are myriad options out there available to you, across multiple platforms and operating systems, we wanted to single out a few that get the 12 Stars stamp-of-approval for their ease of use for entry-level users.
MAC Users
- iMovie – The iLife software suite package comes standard with iMovie ’11, and most new Macs come with iLife. iMovie simplifies video editing in a way that is easily accessible to novice users. You can get the whole iLife package for about $50
- Final Cut Express 4 – With the recent release of Final Cut Pro X by Apple, the Final Cut Express product line has been discontinued. However, you can still pick up copies on Amazon or B&H for about $200. It boasts only basic functionality of Final Cut Pro X, which makes the full version very enticing for only $100 more.
PC Users
- Movie Maker – You could call Movie Maker the PC equivalent to iMovie, but with poorer functionality and usability. The Windows Live Movie Maker 2011 software is available for free download to Windows 7 users.
- Premiere Elements – Elements is to Adobe Premiere what Express is to Final Cut. Unfortunately, the full version of Premiere will set you back about $800, making the $100 price-tag on Elements the better value. With the limits of Movie Maker, Elements should be a no-brainer for PC users.
Web-based
- JayCut – JayCut is a really interesting startup that has been gaining some attention. After creating an account, users can login to the site and edit video right on your web browser without having to purchase or download software. Unfortunately, they aren’t accepting new users at this time because of volume, but keep your eye on them. It’s probable that, like their former competitors Jumpcut.com, Motionbox and Eyespot, it will be purchased by a major player like Google or Yahoo.
- YouTube Editor – YouTube has a very basic editor at http://www.youtube.com/editor that allows you to make edits to your uploaded videos, and even add music tracks.
Mobile – iPhone users can take advantage of the iMovie app, or check out Videolicious or Splice. Droid users should look into downloading Sony Video Trimmer and BestShot
Camera Proprietary – Handheld digital video cameras like the Flip and Sony Bloggie Touch typically come with built-in proprietary software that is Mac and PC compatible.
Of course, Candidio is an excellent option that saves you more time than any of the above.
About Steven Shattuck
