A Video Editing Software Comparison

Hi there! New to video editing? If so, you are probably confused by the wide variety of video editing software on the market.

When I started in video editing, nobody gave me a proper comparison of video editing software programs. So I experimented on my own.

Tried using Microsoft Movie Maker and other free software. Over time, as I gained confidence in the editing process, I switched to commercial software like Adobe Premiere and Corel VideoStudio.

In this article, I would like to offer you a comparison of the best video editing software so that you can be more creative with your productions.

1. Beginner level

Let’s start with the basics. If you are a beginner and haven’t done much video editing, I recommend that you start with a free video editing package like Microsoft Movie Maker. This allows you to understand the video timeline, splitting, cutting, and how to add basic effects to your production.

Once you have some basic knowledge, get a good beginner video editor like MovAVI. I use MovAVI a lot these days to quickly edit and record / upload my videos to YouTube.

MovAVI automates most of the post-production process for me. I simply import my video, select a default theme, and the software does the rest. This saves me a lot of time, especially if I have a lot to say, vacation videos where I’m too lazy to edit in depth.

2. Intermediate level

Okay, moving on to the intermediate level software. These programs have basic video editing functions for beginners, but also contain advanced functionalities for those who want to be more creative.

In this category, my personal preference is Corel VideoStudio. I have used their competing products like Adobe Premiere Elements and Pinnacle Studio before, but still return to VideoStudio due to the rich set of templates it has and the intuitive application interface.

Corel VideoStudio allows me to do things like chroma key (remove green screens from a video so I can overlay another background), add titles, transactions, and manipulate audio. I also like that I can export my video in a wide variety of formats, including uploading them online to YouTube with no hassle. This is my most frequently used software for editing select video projects where I need a fast basic workflow but have some room for creative work.

Advanced level

There are more advanced level video editing software packages like Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas and Final cut pro. While I like its features (and these are industrial grade features used by movie makers), I find them too expensive. Something like the full Adobe Premiere suite will easily cost you almost $ 1000. I’m not paying that much money for a video app unless I’m doing this full time.

For hobbyists, I highly recommend using intermediate-level software. Advanced features in pro-level packages like Adobe Premiere tend to be used infrequently. Once you’ve done a lot of video projects and want to turn pro, these packages make sense.

4. Online applications

Okay, so far we have done a comparison of desktop video editing software. But you should know that other online video editing apps are popping up all over the store as well.

One that particularly caught my attention is Animoto, which is an excellent online application.

This is a robust and intuitive online video editor that allows you to simply upload your work and apply a number of automatic edits and effects. Again, very useful stuff for those who require a fast workflow without a lot of fuss.

5. Mobile applications

Finally, if you are on a mobile device like the iPhone or you have an Android device, you will be aware of a large number of video editing applications that appear in your app store.

I particularly like Play your video for iOS. This little app lets you import videos from your phone’s library, then spice them up with effects like slow motion, Charlie Chaplin comic effects, as well as a variety of other cool stuff. Try it.

If you make a comparison of mobile video editing software with its desktop competitors, you will find that they are lacking in features. But they make up for it in terms of portability. Just take out your phone, record the video, and edit. It is very fast and simple compared to a desktop approach.

Also, there are, of course, other video editing apps. You can try browsing the “Featured” or “Top Lists” categories on your iPhone or iPad to see which are the best apps right now.

Ending …

Hope the above gave you a good comparison of video editing software packages on the market. Remember, try to select a package that meets your needs. If you are a beginner, don’t buy something expensive like Adobe Premiere. Get your feet wet first with simple video editors like VideoStudio, then move on to more advanced stuff when you’re ready.

The other point is just to practice. I remember going through at least 20 projects in Corel VideoStudio before deciding to try Adobe Premiere. Once you practice, you will begin to understand the basics of the video editing workflow, and those skills can be applied to any video editing application you own in the future.

Until next time, have fun editing your videos!