Video software for HD.

[GJestico]

I have some footage shot from my heli in HD. I am just getting to know video editing software and would like to hear some reccomendations from experienced users.
I dloaded the trial version of Sony Vegas platinum software, I was able to get it to work (capture video) but what a learning curve !. And I havent even touched the surface of editing yet. Is there another product that is capable but easy to learn ?.
I plan to put together a short promotional vid of my own footage to show prospective clients. Which brings me to my next question, what would be the best encoding/capturing/rendering settings to make for good quality HD that can be downloaded from my website. It can be a large file as I plan to only give the website addy to the customers I choose, should limit bandwidth issues.
Im using a Sony HDR-HC3. And Im using a PC. Sorry no macs for me.

Thanks !

Greg

[GGoodrum]

For doing any sort of serious work, I'd really recommend Vegas over pretty much everything else. Even though the feature set seems daunting, it is far easier to use, in my opinion, over Adobe Premeire. The latest version lets you import/edit the files directly from your HC3. There are lots of rendering templates that work great. Just pick one of the HD options and give it a try.

-- Gary

[Piton]

I will second the ease of use of Vegas. Try to update to Vegas 7, as it now easily edits HDV footage with a computer processor of 3ghz and RAM of 2gb.

I have a training vid for Vegas 6 that is essentially the same as Vegas 7. It is for sale for $50 if you want it.

[miami6]

Vegas7.0 is great I edit every thing with it and render over night while i sleep

[Tabbytabb]

Greg, I really like using Avid Xpress Pro to edit with. It seems pretty intuitive and chews through HDV with ease.

Tabb

[sky high]

Here (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=11) is plenty of information about most HDV/HD editing software currently available.

[iedit4tv]

Avid Xpress Pro Ver. 5.6 is the only way to go.

[GGoodrum]

Sony Vegas version 7 is the only way to go.

:D:D

[LoopBaCK]

Adobe Premiere Pro is the only way to go! :lolol

Unless you want to go with Avid - or Vegas.
Then... they are the only way to go!

...sorry... :lol:

I've used Premiere Pro 2.0 for a while with a Sony HDR-HC1 camera and really like it. But the software can be a little difficult to learn/use. I've heard great things about Avid and look forward to trying it. Vegas is more in my price range (I'm amateur video - not pro like many of these folks).

Just try them all then see where the chips fall!

[iedit4tv]

I guess it boils down to your level of technical expertise. From the beginner to the seasoned professional, use what works for you best.

If you are editing standard definition, the on the lowest level, what ever comes with you computer will work. Windows and Mac both come with software that will edit dv sources.

For machine control (vtr playback from the editing application), you'll have to spend a little more and purchase any one of a number of edit software products out there like the ones mentioned in the above postings. Vegas, Avid, Adobe, Pinnacle (Avid), Ulead... the list goes on and on. Of course, if you want timecode editing, then you'll spend more and I would suggest Avid Xpress HD or Vegas. Your HC3 does not use timecode.

When it comes to HDV, your choices are narrowed a bit. Of course there is the Adobe, Avid Xpress Pro HD (which is what I use at home), Pinnacle, Vegas, but one of the newer and up n' comers is the Avid Liquid. It’s offered in several grades of sophistication and you can download a working demo.

In as much as I use an HD Avid professionally (my HD system is $450K), I think if you're a newbie to the world of post production, the Avid Liquid makes it easy to get your HD product to the web (H.264 codec), or Vegas would be the best choice for you to get started producing product with a short learning curve.

Hope this helps

[DebianDog]

ANY Mac will edit HD (HDV) content with good old iMovie. All the software you need to do the audio, video and stills is built in. http://www.apple.com/ilife/

for $99 you can upgrade to Final Cut Express HD which is WAY more program than most people will ever use.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/

[dreslism]

for $99 you can upgrade to Final Cut Express HD which is WAY more program than most people will ever use.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/

Dan,

$99 is an upgrade from the V1,2, or 3 final cut express right?

If you don't have a version of finalcut express, then its $299 :(

[GGoodrum]

ANY Mac will edit HD (HDV) content with good old iMovie. All the software you need to do the audio, video and stills is built in. http://www.apple.com/ilife/

for $99 you can upgrade to Final Cut Express HD which is WAY more program than most people will ever use.
http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/

Yes, but in the first post Greg said:
And Im using a PC. Sorry no macs for me.

[DebianDog]

Well I just said it so if you want to do HD and are in the market you can spend $600 and edit HD.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=Macmini

In order to upgrade most PC's you need a firewire card, more memory, another disk, etc. If you did nothing else but use a $600 Mac for your audio and video it might be worth it. Thats all.

[GGoodrum]

Well I just said it so if you want to do HD and are in the market you can spend $600 and edit HD.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=Macmini

In order to upgrade most PC's you need a firewire card, more memory, another disk, etc. If you did nothing else but use a $600 Mac for your audio and video it might be worth it. Thats all.

Any Sony laptop already has a Firewire port, as does many other machines. Even if you do need to add a card, CompUSA has a whole pile of them that are under $30.

Also, even the least expensive desktop system these days have more than enough horsepower, graphics power, memory and hard disk space to edit HD. Here's one: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=335984&Pn=T5048_Minitower and it is only about $430. It has a hard drive that is almost 3 times the size of the one that is in your "mini'Mac" (160gb vs 60gb...) and it has double-layer DVD+/RW drive as well. With the "change left over from your $600, you can buy a nice monitor, which is not included with the mini-Mac.

Just sayin'...

-- Gary

[DebianDog]

Yeah but then you have to run Windows! :computertrash

I thought the GOAL was to edit HD? You did not really address that one. How much is th HD software for Windows you get for FREE with your Mac? The you have to run virus software, adware, and Lord knows how much other stuff to keep Windows running. I bet 20% of my CPU here is spent on "extras". I say this because I use XP all day. I have played around on $10,000 Windows video editing machines and they are not bad.

Most folks have a monitor and a mouse that is why I suggest the mini for those looking for a cheap UPGRADE. ;)

[GGoodrum]

You could by a couple of different HD-capable video editing programs and still get change from your six bills! :)

[DebianDog]

BAH! :p

You need a HORSE to ENJOY editing and exporting HD content. Believe that. :D

[GJestico]

Well my Dell Inspiron notebook has 1394 firewire, I tried out the free trial of Vegas Platinum, It does work good (once i figured out how to do the basic importing crap :arggg: ).
I think I will just buck up the $120 and get the Vegas software and spend hours learning it.
Thanks for all the opinions.

[GGoodrum]

Good choice. :)

Let me know if you get stuck on anything.

-- Gary

[DebianDog]

Yes I will be interested to hear if he can import at real time speeds.

[Piton]

The you have to run virus software, adware, and Lord knows how much other stuff to keep Windows running.

You should keep your editing machine off the internet. Then you never need to worry about all the virus issues. There is no need to have your editing computer hooked up to the internet. Use your old beater for that.

[Load Factor]

You should keep your editing machine off the internet. Then you never need to worry about all the virus issues. There is no need to have your editing computer hooked up to the internet. Use your old beater for that.

I'll second that!!!

Canopus EdiusNX