You probably already have a program you can use to edit your videos. Microsoft bundled Windows Movie Maker with Windows XP and Vista.
If you use Windows 7, there’s Windows Live Movie Maker. It isn’t pre-installed. But you can download it for free. Here is a link to it.
Movie Maker is handy for making quick edits to your videos. Or, use it to piece together smaller clips and photos. Of course, you can also add transitions and video effects. Movie Maker includes a library of transitions. But you can add more, if you want.
Movie Maker is handy if you’re just getting started with video editing. But if you need more advanced features, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
You have many choices when it comes to purchasing a video-editing program. A lot of these programs will be more software than you really need.
For example, you’ll find Avid Xpress Pro, Adobe Premiere and Sony Vegas Pro. These are very expensive programs aimed at professionals. Prices run upwards of $700. You’ll even see some that are $1,500 or more.
Most users will want to avoid these programs. They offer features you won’t need or use. And they can be extremely complicated to use.
You’ll find much better programs for your needs. For example, there’s Adobe’s Premiere Elements. This is a stripped-down version of Premiere. Average users shouldn’t have much trouble learning it. And it should provide plenty of tools for you to grow.
There are also Pinnacle Studio HD, Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 and Roxio MyDVD 10 Premier. Average users should do OK with them, too. All four programs fall into the $50-$100 range.
When selecting a program, ease of use should be your first priority. Video editing can be complicated. You want a program that makes it as simple as possible. It should be easy to clip and rearrange segments.
You should be able to find the controls easily. The help files should be easy to navigate and provide information that will help you.
Program features are also important. You’ll want to be able to add titles, transitions and special effects. When used properly, these can make your videos more interesting.
I also recommend buying a program that can handle high-definition video. You may not have a high-definition camcorder yet. But high-definition is displacing standard-definition video. Sooner or later, you’ll want to work in high-definition. You may pay a little extra for high-definition abilities. But the investment is worth it.
Finally, look at the options for packaging your videos. You’ll want to create DVDs that work in standalone players. That makes it easy to share long movies with family and friends. Be sure the program you buy will do that.
You’ll probably also want to transfer the movies to a portable player. Or, you may want to upload them to a sharing site. The program should be able to optimize the videos for portable players and the Web.