Video Editing Software Suggestions...

[RuSsMaN]

My digital camera does pretty decent video, as I found out earlier today.

AVI files are what it records - is there any freeware or software (under $100?) that can let me splice and merge avi's into one file, and add a soundtrack (mp3/wav) underneath?

I wouldn't mind being able to burn it to a dvd at the end of the day either.

I'm running XP Home on a Vaio laptop with a gig of ram, and plenty of HD space.

Cheers,
Russ

[ledhed]

You already have windows movie maker. I'm not sure about burning, alot of utilities i.e sonic, Nero can burn AVI to a DVD.

If you want a little more "Grunt" for editing software, Adobe Premiere Elements is supposed to be fabulous. It should definitely be under $100. and if it is like it's bigger brother, will burn your project straight to disc for you, no exporting needed. Also, you can add chapter points directly to the footage in the program.

[Refefer]

I do video editing professionally (though of course I use a mac with FCP and Avid) and I think Adobe Premier would be what you want. Excellent software with a heck of a lot of possibilities. Should be cheaper than it's sequel, but runs well on a PC.

Not sure what the going price for one of them is, but easy enough to look around

[ledhed]

Premiere pro is around 700 w/o a student discount. I know the elements version started at 100 but is probably cheaper now.

I do video editing professionally

That is awesome, I co-own a small productions company. We don't do much because we are both 18 and full time students (getting a BFA in Film) though we did score a nice job out in California over the summer.
What type of work do you do? Corporate, wedding etc?

[Refefer]

Corporate. I work for AOL actually, helping them out with Live 8, Sessions, interviews, etc. Good luck! You can get far with a little bit of work, I'm only 22 myself.

I actually majored in Computer Science and Math, but after seeing the wizards down in MGM do their magic on their monster Avid machines, it completely changed my what I wanted to do.

It's a blast. What type of rig do you run?

[ledhed]

Oh, we just use Premiere Pro along with After Effects and a few other programs on my computer. We have no use for a super powerful system though one is currently in the possibilities.
My school has all kinds of systems though. We have FCP, Avid, a Foley studio, sound stage and even an old Steinbeck (sp?)

My dream is to become a producer in Hollywood. If that doesn't work out, any video or film related work will be fine with me.

[Polk65]

I don't see ZS4 mentioned often. It's a little rough looking but it works and is free.

http://www.zs4.net/about