Video editing software
There are a lot of video editing
programs out there. Professionals use Apple’s Final
Cut Pro ($1400), Avid Express ($1500+), and Adobe Premiere ($800). All give you a lot of control over editing your video, have multiple
audio and video tracks, work in DV and HD, and are stable. Audio can be
separated from the video and each used independently. All have keyframe audio
mixing (can raise or lower the audio within a clip).
Here are my recommendations for
programs that use some of the same features as the professional programs, but
are overall simpler to use and much less expensive. All are supported by online
tutorials.
- Final Cut Express ($200) has a multi format
timeline, meaning you can put video from a variety of sources—DV and HD—on the
timeline. It has multiple audio and video tracks and keyframe audio mixing (can
raise or lower audio. DVD output. My favorite, but only runs on a MAC.
- Adobe Premiere Elements ($100 or bundled with Photoshop Elements $150) inserts markers for you to
make it easy to edit to the beat. Multiple audio tracks. Audio mixing, but no
keyframes. Great for slideshow videos with music and narration. DVD output.
Runs on PC or MAC.
- Sony Vegas Movie Studio ($115) 4 audio tracks, able to separate Audio and Video (important for
overlaying photos over interview). Keyframe audio mixing. Can insert markers to
help with editing to the beat of the music. DVD output.
- Windows Movie Maker (Free—comes with Windows OS) Can’t unsync audio. Must do a workaround to put
photo overlays over interview. No keyframe controls. Simple to use. PC only.
- Apple iMovie (Free—comes with MAC OS). No keyframe controls. Must do a workaround to put
photo overlays over interview. Simple to use. MAC only.
How to edit a family history
movie
Stand-alone interviews or digitized home movies don’t require much
editing. A video editing program is useful for publishing your stand-alone
video to DVD, CD, or on the web. The key to good video editing is having good footage. Follow the steps outlined on the following pages for more complex projects.
1|2 <Back Video
editing overview
More video editing
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Copyright September 2009 Family History Coach All rights reserve Last update April 27, 2010
