Video Editing – IMovie

Video editing can give you a lot of headache. Novice video editors find it hard to use complex programs or software. Just imagine your computer monitor having lots of complicated and hard-to-understand stuff; you will end up scratching your head all the time. Well, there is no need to worry because IMovie is one of the best software available in the market today.

When you open an editing program or software, you will notice that there are lots of windows on your screen. Some of the windows are hidden but as you click on the right button, more windows will pop up. Each of the window in the program functions independently. Did you know that before computers were invented, video editing was even more complicated? Video editing was possible in a crammed room or editing suite full of various editing components. With the invention of the computer, the editing tasks were made simpler. Now, even amateurs can create their own videos or short movies.

In order to become an excellent video editor, you should familiarize yourself with the various functions of the windows. When you know how things work, everything will be easier.

Apple offers IMovie for all video editors out there. Here’s good news for you –it’s free. If you buy a Mac, it is already included. For those who are not that serious in video editing, this program might work for you. You don’t need to learn about the complex video editing tasks just to use IMovie. The program is really handy and it’s great for starters.

The onscreen commands are limited and so you will not be confronted by multiple windows on the computer. Most programs have crammed screen space which makes it very difficult for beginners to determine the right command to use. With limited buttons in the screen, you can easily maneuver through the program. With IMovie, you will simply drag, drop, and click the mouse. You can even import photos, music, and other types of media. The program is integrated automatically and access links are also provided.

The use of IMovie is limited to Mac. If you’re using Windows, you can’t use it and you can stick with the Media Player instead. For best results, get a Sony or Canon Mini DV and HD. PAL standard cameras don’t work with IMovie so choose your camera well if you’re currently using the program.

The IMovie 8 offers new library and features. If you know how to work with the old IMovie, you will not have any difficulty in using the new one. Some say that with the new program, third party plug-ins doesn’t function. Well, it’s for you to check out. Still, this program is one of the easiest video editing tools available for newbies.

You don’t have to be a pro to edit or create videos. If you have a Mac, then you can already use this program. Learn the basics of video editing and how the program works. If you already have a camcorder, you can start with your video editing tasks.

Shifting from Windows to Mac is an important decision. If you’re currently using Windows, using the Media Player is one of your options. If you want to try IMovie, you should get a Mac. Have fun in creating and editing fun memories on videos.

August 7, 2009 · Filed Under Video Editing

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Video Editing Software – Do You Need One?

Some individuals are very much interested in video recording. Once you’re satisfied with the recordings, you will usually want to have it on DVD so that you can share it with your relatives and friends. Well, home-made videos can be appreciated by your family and friends, but what about other people? If you want to share good quality videos or even your very own movie, you should know more about video editing.

Why don’t you ask for honest opinions from your family and friends? Tell them that their opinions are important so that you can create better videos in the future. Some of the most common comments in home-made videos are:

• The video is too short/long
• It is slow
• No captions or titles
• No soundtrack etc.

These things are important in order to create a good video and you can incorporate them in your future videos if you make use of good quality video editing software. Through a good program, you can easily polish and enhance your videos. Not all the shots in your video are needed and if you want, you can delete some of them. You will surely end up with a final video that looks more professional.

With the use of an appropriate software program, you can take advantage of the different possibilities available to you. There are a number of companies that offer video editing programs online; some are free while others are paid ones. The programs cater to the various needs of the user. There are programs suitable for professional video editors, for amateurs, for home users, Mac or Windows users, etc.

The paid software programs have different features and these features determine the price; the more advanced the features, the higher the price. You must decide accordingly. You won’t need all the features of an advanced video editor program if you’re just an amateur or a home user. You must choose the features that best suit your needs. Good software allows the user to remove unwanted shots or scenes, add narration or soundtrack, incorporate effects and screen transitions, and add titles. These features alone are enough to make a good software program.

Beginners are encouraged to use the most basic video editing tool. As they get comfortable in using the tool, they can now purchase or avail of more complex software programs. Video editing is not as easy as you think. You must have the right attitude and you must be creative or imaginative. Think of what others want to see in your video or movie. You should ensure that the video is not too slow/fast. No one wants to watch a boring video. The video editor software can help you with your common problems.

So if someone asks you the question ‘do you need video editing software?’, you already know the answer. If professionals are still using good quality video editing programs, why can’t a beginner like you? You simply need to identify your needs and that’s where you will base the features of your video editor. Get a video editing program now and see the benefits that you can derive from it.

Soon, you can show off your videos to other people, or perhaps on the web. The videos will no longer appear amateurish through the help of your software program.

August 6, 2009 · Filed Under Video Editing

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Video Editing – Uploading

How do you upload videos to the computer? With the right video editing program, you can upload the videos from YouTube, the webcam, and your home videos to the computer. You can make it longer or shorter; add graphics, music, and extra videos. Check your computer; is the model too old or is it still new? In video editing, almost all the space in the computer is occupied by the video files. It would be best if you have today’s modern computers.

Upload the clips on the computer. If you’re using a camcorder, a firewire or USB port is needed to upload the videos on the hard drive. For those using Hi8, mini DV, digital 8, and disk cameras, you can find the port outside the case or you can search for it on the different compartments. If you can’t find the A/V cable, you should buy a new firewire cable.

Older camcorders only have the A/V cable (red, white, and yellow) and if you’re using the same equipments, you should get video converters like Pinnacle DVD recorder. The connector will have plug-ins for the audio and video receptacle on the camcorder and the USB connector on the other end. The converter will convert all the video clips to audio video information (AVI) so that you can start editing them.

For starters, you can settle with the WMM but if you want more advanced programs, you can try Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Pinnacle Studio, and Muvee. The WMM offers the basic features of standard video editing software so you can start working on it if you’re still new in video editing.

If your computer doesn’t have the WMM, you can download it for free by simply searching for the program online and get the latest version.

Start capturing the video to the program you’re using. If you are using a converter, make sure that a box will appear which shows the device option. Double check the audio to ensure that the program is also capturing it.

You will notice many screens where you are asked to label clips and where to file it. Saving the file is important so that you won’t save too much video on the hard drive, you can use the ‘My Videos’ initially but as you work on more projects, make sure that you create specific filenames.

You will also be asked of the format that you prefer for the videos. The most common formats are WMV and DV AVI; these formats save space and the latter is much preferred by videographers. Once the format is chosen, hit the button ‘Start Capture’.

After uploading all the videos, stop the capturing process. The clips will be loaded in collections. Play the clips and drag the ones that you want to edit to the timeline. If you can’t find the files you’ve saved on the hard drive, you can find them by going to My Computer, and then click on My Documents. Click on My Videos and select ‘Views’ on the menu bar. Click ‘details’ and then click ‘date modified’. The last edited video clips will be shown.

Uploading video clips to the computer for video editing is not very difficult. As long as you know how to follow the directions as mentioned earlier, you will finish the task in no time. You can now edit the video clips to create a whole new video or short movie.

August 5, 2009 · Filed Under Video Editing