This is part of the series on choosing the best video editing software for you. Although this is only a short post it is an important one.
In sales I think they say that the very last thing you should discuss with the customer is the price. So in the spirit of not selling… let’s discuss the price!
A realistic approach to whatever video editing software you select must include the price point you are will to go to in order to get the software you want.
So before you get too “into” the selection process lets talk some ballpark figures and some points to keep in mind.
First. If you are a beginner and can see absolutely no possibility of your ever wanting to go beyond just the most basic functions of a video editor then purchasing standalone video editing software may simply be a waste of money.
At this level you can look at Windows Movie Maker, which comes free with the Windows operating system and although quite limited in what file formats it can both input and output it may very well suit your needs. Let’s face it, you can’t beat the price! Apple iMovie is even better at the same price for Mac users.
A couple of alternatives at this level that offer greater functionality and versatility are the Roxio Creator Series and Nero Multimedia Suite. Both of these programs are actually multimedia suites that offer many features as well as having a video editor included. Roxio is particularly suited because it contains a lot of wizard driven automatic functions to assist in the editing process.
Because they are both suites of software rather than a specialized product you get all sorts of other features like DVD authoring, photo editing, an audio editor and on and on. In addition to this it is also worth noting that as the DVD software aspect of these programs has become less commercially valuable they have added value in the form of better video editing.
So if this level of interest sounds like you those products may well suit your needs. The downside of this is that if, in the future you do want to get more involved with the editing process they offer no upgrade path to a more senior product.
You can take a look at both programs at Roxio.com and at Nero Multimedia. Alternately you can get a better idea of what they do by visiting this site for some independent video editing software reviews.
If your level of interest is already at fever pitch regarding video editing (or you feel a fever coming on!) then the field of choices opens up considerably. The majority of popular and functional video editing programs range in price from around the $50 mark to $120 or so.
When you go above that point you are entering the “prosumer” area such as the full version of Sony Vegas, Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro etc. I really have a problem recommending any of these to any hobbyist no matter how enthusiastic he is. The prices will go anywhere from $500 to $1000 and up from there.
The problem with this software is that you are paying for features and functionality that you may never use in a “home video editing” situation. And, they are aimed at the pro or semi pro so require an enormous effort to overcome the learning curve involved to actually USE the thing. Sure, if you do learn to use them they are amazing, but realistically, it’s a whole lotta cash to outlay only to find out you just can’t make sense of it.
As final point in prices you should also take into consideration the question of upgrading and updating the software as technology and your abilities evolve.
The only brands of video editing software I mention in this blog are those that have at least a three year upgrade policy. This means that as the software is updated you can choose not to upgrade if you are happy with the software “as is” and “sit out” at least three upgrade cycles. In the long run that can be a major saving.
A couple of the programs, Eg. Adobe Premier Elements will also provide an upgrade path to their premier prosumer or pro version of the video software and this too is a good point to keep in mind.
So, what does it all mean?
Just this. I would strongly recommend that if you are interested in video editing for yourself and your interest ranges from mild to insanely fanatical (based on nothing in particular!) then go the middle ground.
Take a look around at the market and get to know what is out there first and in the next post I will get into some of the important points to consider in choosing the best video editing software for you.
