Editing videos

[Ed62]

I have some old 8mm movies that I'm getting ready to copy with a digital camcorder. There will be some editing necessary to make the resulting DVDs easy enough to actually watch.

Editing videos is something I haven't done before, and there will be a few scenes that I would like to keep, but will need exposure correction, and likely color and/or contrast correction. There will also be parts that I would probably like to delete. Does anyone know of a relatively easy to use program that will do what I need? Is there much of a learning curve, or is there a program for dummies?

Ed

[JLyon]

Hi Ed. I've done a lot of video editing over the years, with a fair amount of VHS, 8mm and Hi8-to-digital conversions. The answer to your question is, "it depends"... on a few things. First, are you working on a PC or a Mac? I'm a PC guy, so I'll continue down that path and leave it to someone else to talk about solutions on the Mac.

If you're using Windows XP, Vista, or 7, you've already got an application on your PC called "Movie Maker". It's actually very good for basic editing, adding titles, transitions, soundtracks, etc., and it's very easy to use. I'm not sure about it's ability to help with color correction or contrast, but you can check it out for free.

After trying several more advanced products in the past, I settled on Sony Vegas, which has more capabilities than I'll ever need, and is probably way more cost and complexity than you need. A more affordable solution, with some of the advanced features you need would be the Pinnacle Studio product which you can buy for about $50. It's also very easy to use. Adobe makes an "Elements" version of their product which is available for less than $100 too. I've never been fond of the Adobe interface, but it's very popular. I found the Pinnacle product easier to use in the past.

Hope that helps.
Jeff

[headhunter636]

Like Jeff, I've used several different types of programs to edit video, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Ulead Mediastudio Pro, Pinnacle, and just about every other demo I could get my hands on. Each have strengths and weaknesses and most have a pretty steep learning curve. I would stick with what Jeff sais about Windows Movie Maker, it is basic enough to learn quickly and give you a little bit of control. If you are using a Mac, then the built in iMovie will do the trick.

Of all the programs I've used, I found the Ulead Mediastudio to be my favorite. Very easy to learn, but I ran into several problems that caused it to crash. I think they still have that program, but it hasn't been updated in a long time. I would say try some demos and practice before you jump into it. It can be fairly easy to edit video and also very addictive. I know Adobe and Sony both make a home version of their software as well, maybe worth a look.

Good luck.

[jussi]

There are devices that do that type of correction in real time (as you're converting to digital). One that comes to mind and has pretty good reviews is Canopus ADVC 300. Most of which is done through it's TBC (time base correction). There are also certain VCRs which also have this feature. Both devices are pricey but from what I've read they almost always do a better job than software because they edit the original data instead of one that was converted to digital first.

If this too expensive for you (it was for me) there are many programs that can do the trick. I personally use Adobe Premiere. It's quite pricey but they do make a stripped down version as mentioned by JLyon. It's called Adobe Premiere Elements.

ADVC description:

" The ADVC300 is the ultimate bi-directional analog to digital video converter unit for the video enthusiast. Featuring high-quality image enhancement technology including digital noise reduction and image stabilization using Line Time Base Correction (LTBC), ADVC300 instantly cleans, stabilizes and preserves old VHS and Hi8 videos in clean DV format. "

[Ed62]

Thanks for the replies. I'm running Windows XP, and I've checked out what people were saying about a few programs. Movie Maker seems to have a problem with freezing up while in use. Several people have noted the problem, but there are a few who swear by the program. When I get the video on my hard drive, I guess I'll take a look at Movie Maker. Can't go wrong for the price, and I'm not really sure what kind of editing will actually be needed.

Thanks again the the help. I'll know where to find this thread, if needed (and I'm guessing it probably will be).

Ed

[dbhost]

Originally Posted by Ed62

I have some old 8mm movies that I'm getting ready to copy with a digital camcorder. There will be some editing necessary to make the resulting DVDs easy enough to actually watch.

Editing videos is something I haven't done before, and there will be a few scenes that I would like to keep, but will need exposure correction, and likely color and/or contrast correction. There will also be parts that I would probably like to delete. Does anyone know of a relatively easy to use program that will do what I need? Is there much of a learning curve, or is there a program for dummies?

Ed

There is a learning curve for sure. But it's not horrid...

For starters, you will want to convert the analog 8mm to a digital format. Preferrably directly instead of as you mentioned, with a digital camcorder. You will want to bring it in to your PC with a video converter device. I personally use a Hauppauge Win TV. Of course if you are a Mac guy that answer will change depending on what is available for the Mac...

On a Windows PC, or Macintosh, Adobe Premiere Elements will do much of your basic editing. For Linux, Cinerella CV is a popular video editor. Most of these applications have online tutorials, including video tutorials to show you how to do what you are asking about.

[phi1l]

If using Windows, make sure you disconnect from the internet & deactivate all virus checking & program update checking. I'm pretty sure that is where the feeezing up problems come from. Real time processes don't play well with resident programs that periodically try to take control of the computer for their own purposes.

Good Luck.

[Ed62]

Originally Posted by dbhost

You will want to bring it in to your PC with a video converter device. I personally use a Hauppauge Win TV. Of course if you are a Mac guy

Exactly what would I have to do to use the process mentioned above? No, I'm not a Mac guy.

Originally Posted by phi1l

If using Windows, make sure you disconnect from the internet & deactivate all virus checking & program update checking. I'm pretty sure that is where the feeezing up problems come from. Real time processes don't play well with resident programs that periodically try to take control of the computer for their own purposes.

Good Luck.

That's good to know. Thanks for the replies.

Ed