Video Editing Software
There are many, many video editing software titles out there. From iMovie and Movie Maker (free), to titles from Adobe, Pinnacle, Corel, Magix and more. But there are only two I recommend. Why? It’s because among many other reasons, these two offer an upgrade path. That means you can start with an inexpensive version of the software and later upgrade to a more robust version without having to re-learn anything.
With virtually all other titles, there is either no upgrade path or if there is, you have to learn entirely new software. But onto the two titles I recommend.
For Mac user’s, it’s Final Cut. Specifically if you’re just starting out, Final Cut Express. This will give you near pro-level video editing software for under $200 (and it’s made by Apple).
Later, if you want to upgrade to Final Cut Studio, you’ll get basically the same video editing software…along with a suite of additional applications for color correction, graphics, DVD creation, sound and more. Final Cut Studio is used to edit many television shows and movies.
For Windows users, I recommend Sony Vegas. If you’re just starting out, go with one of the lower Movie Studio versions of Vegas. You’ll get an awful lot of bang for around $100 or so.
When you’re ready to upgrade, Sony Vegas Pro is the way to go. It’s extremely powerful, flexible and easy-to-use software. Plus if you’re upgrading from a lower version, there will be nothing to re-learn…the interface is the same. Sony Vegas Pro is used to edit many documentaries, news and television shows.
Which do I use? I use both. I am both a Windows and Mac user. That means every video you’ve ever seen produced by me was done in either Sony Vegas or Final Cut. You simply cannot go wrong with either of them.
Disclosure - I’m a compensated affiliate. I gave you my honest review and opinion on these products. But I am also an affiliate of these products. That means if you order a product using the links I supply,I will be paid a commission on the sale.
Heads UP !!
Sony Vegas is Amazing. Only thing more amazing than Vegas is how you (Dave) teach people to use it.
The only downside, is the crappy windows software we have to reply upon to operate it, especially when we’re in this transition period … Going from XP, a system Microsoft almost got right .. to Vista .. which they never got right to their next big promotional coue that promises to right all Microsoft’s wrongs .. Window 7.
Dave,
I started researching video cameras more thoroughly last year when we had a very talented student that wanted to stretch the limits of an annual class to include video production of dvds of Peprallies, plays, etc. AFter personal research on my own I discovered the HF10 and 11. bought both to video football games, basketball games, and school plays from two angles. I loved them, but would really like to see more zoom capabilities. So I was considering an HF20, but after placing an order, realized, the reviews for low light weren’t so good… HOw much difference is there between the lowlight recordings of an HF11 and HF20 and HF S10 and an HFS11???
Canon HF S11…Is the AZDEN 105 Series UHF wireless Microphone System
Compatible with this camcorder? Sound travels through earphones and the volume bar (graph) of the camera are cranked up. Play back is silent. With and without the following connections.
I followed the instruction on page 81 of the Canon HF S 11 instruction manual and page 142 (attenuator. Also I have tried the manual setting described on page 77. All the proper icons show up as the instructions indicated they would (icons: headphones, Mic and the “wind screen”).
Also transmitter and receiver are set on the same exact frequency. (Several frequencies have been tried) The internal volume is also cranked up on both these items. I have the receiver plugged into the AV terminal –to the Mic out jack. Earphones are “Plantronics” stereo (high end with two leads, (one marked black the other red). Black one is plugged into the receiver’s “phone” jack and the other (red tip) is plugged into the “Mic” jack (red marking) on the front of the camcorder’s body, near the hand strap.
@Tom – The receiver gets plugged into the Mic jack…red jack on the right side of the camera, directly next to the lens.
@ Pat – Not noticeable to none. All consumer level HD cameras struggle with low light.