what is the best and cheapest digital editing software?

ewk9

oh and also for beginers

ewk9

The cheapest editor out there is iMovie that comes bundled with any Apple computer. It's a great program for getting started, but if you're serious into editing, you'll obviously need something with a little more kick later on. I think Adobe Premiere is next running at around 500. Final Cut Pro goes for 999 and Avid Xpress is about 1500. I'm sure there are others out there, but these are among the best names in editing on a budget.

Hello, I am a student actively invloved in daily editing of a weekly closed circuit TV show at a high school. For my "public" work I am blessed with using Final Cut Pro. However, I strongly recomend Pinnacle Systems Studio DV editing software for pc as a viable tool for professional looking work at a low cost. I use Studio DV at home and there are many things I can accomplish with it. I recommend Studio DV if you are restricted by budget but look to produce some great looking projects. I hope that this helps. Check out their website at www.pinnaclesys.com. Donn Neufeld

Hi,

The programs that've been mentioned are OK for beginners but frankly, i'm loath to recommend them.

Why? Well, they're technically not really non-linear edit suites ... and the functions supplied with them (especially studio 8) aren't too handy at times.

I'm assuming that you've already learned to edit, so find a free Premiere or Avid tutorial and get yourself a copy of said program ... then try to edit with it.

Worked for me!

Richard.

Sonic Foundry Vegas Video 3. It's extremely easy to use and the results look great. Need I say more?

~justin
http://www.showchoir.com/~justinc79
http://www.angelfire.com/film/iwc

I'm a big Avid Xpress DV fan.

Avid is the "standard" for editors. The plus being that if you do hop on a "real" Avid you'll have an idea how to use it. The EduPack is only $499 with Student ID. The editing features plus real time FX and color correction are really nice.

Final Cut Pro is a good choice as well. Whichever you are more comfortable with.

I'm not too familiar with Vegas video but I've heard good things about that well.

Remember if all you are trying to do is learn editing then any program will do. It is the editor and not the program.

I started editing tape to tape and have cut on film as well. Anything you can cut on to learn is fine. (Although learning Avid and/or FCP is a big plus these days for getting editing gigs)

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

You can actually pick up Xpress DV cheaper at http://www.specialtyvideosupply.com/prodpage/avid.html .

I've never used it myself but I believe it to be the best prosumer NLE on the market for what it's worth.

I have a suggestion: do not use anything by uLead.

That's all.

~justin
http://www.showchoir.com/~justinc79
http://www.angelfire.com/film/iwc

JourneyEd.com (http://www.journeyed.com) has some great deals on all software too.

Xpress DV 3.5 for $399. Photoshop for $299...etc...

Great deals if you are a student.

Actually I like Ulead Media Studio Pro.
I used to use Premiere, but have switched to MSP.
Besides all the editing, trasitions and filters that you would get in Premiere, MSP also includes a rotoscoping program which is great for many effects. There are other features too.
Have fun!