BEST Photo and Video Editting software?

Kamran

Hey guys and gals,

Firstly, Merry Xmas and Happy New Year! :beer:

just a quick question to ask you which you thought was the BEST (not necessarily the best value for money) but the ACTUAL BEST (a) video editting software, and (b) photo editting software.

From what research I've done so far,
a) Sony Vegas
b) Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Fireworks

which would you say rule the roost?

(and just on a side note, does anyone know of any beginner's guides to using flash - ie making stuff on flash, cos it confuses the hell outta me and doesn't seem to be one of those "i'll learn it as i go along.." types of software by any means.. )

thanks guys!!:j

Zahc

Photoshop cs2 for me for image manipulation. It's a very powerful program, just takes some getting used to. Sorry, I haven't dabbled with video yet.



Zahc

Kamran

any decent video editting software out there??

MVC

I can edit with anything - it's how I make my living - The "BEST" software for you is that which you feel most comfortable using and does the job well.

Most software companies have free trials of their editing software - Avid are the broadcast market leaders, they actually provide a completely free (cut down yet functional) version of Xpress especially for MSE (only kidding about the MSE bit).

Here's a list of most (not all) current offerings....

Software only (those with * can be used with proper NLE hardware as well)

Adobe PremierePro* is the mainstream all rounder gaining Pro gongs as more HD hardware support arrives. Adobe Premiere Elements is cheapo version and works well for DV.
Sony Vegas slightly quirky, cheap OK - loyal following from users.
Avid Liquid* cheap, works, can be buggy - semi-pro - like Vegas it was a golden nugget as part of a corporate takeover (twice)
Avid Xpress*, the benchmark, expensive, works in professional environments. Avid FreeDV is err.... FREE!
Canopus Edius* - wierd name but works OK, Canopus now owned by Grass Valley (another big boys buy out) - Broadcast edition is nice & product is well supported.
Ulead VideoStudio - OK but semi-domestic kind of editing package - used to be great but slightly lost it's way recently. Video Stduio is Ulead's entry level editor & is well regarded.
Windows Movie Maker is bundled with WindowsXP but it is restrictive/limited.

Apple Final Cut Express/Pro* (MAC only) serious contender for PC dodgers. iMovie is offered free with MACs and does most basic stuff.

Hardware systems are available from Leitch, Avid, Canopus and Matrox if you have excessive amounts of cash and/or pro requirements.

As I said there are free trials - it costs nothing to try them all out.