Photo & video editing software

[flyers10 57]

I just got a new camera. It can take 1080i videos also. I also have a little kodak pocket camcorder(Zi6) that can do 720p. I need some software for photo editing and video editing. I'd prefer to spend no more than $160 for both types, but I could spend a tad more if needed to get a better product. I also have access to an education discount with Adobe. Maybe other brands as well. I saw a Teacher & Student edition of Photoshop CS5 Extended for $199. I know zero about these types of software. Photo & video editing experts please help.

[Thepandamancan 0]

For video editing, you can get Sony Vegas for about 100 bucks on Amazon. It's fairly easy to use as it's meant for consumers. It's got all the features you'll need to do basic stuff, but it can handle some more complex stuff too when you get to that point.

Depending on the photo editing you need to do, Photoshop might be overkill but it's nice to have and know how to use.

Those are good options for a PC. If you're on a Mac, iPhoto and iMovie will handle both tasks decently.

[Hradsky 1]

Dang, I was about to respond to this but I got some error last time I tried to post.

Anyways, like the above poster mentioned, Sony Vegas is what I recommend. I used the 8 Pro and got the hang of it rather quickly. It's simple to use, has a bunch of presets, and is just very user-friendly overall. If you go this route you should probably watch a few tutorials first to get the feel of things, then you can get creative on your own.

Adobe After Effects is great for really hardcore editing where you actually "Create" stuff from scratch. Like you add a bunch of effects. It does take a lot of RAM though so you have to have a good computer that can handle it. But if you're just going for basic-moderate editing then just stick with Sony Vegas and you'll be fine :)

[sitzlejd 0]

Another vote for Vegas. I use it at work and it's worked well for me. I've also used Final Cut, which is another great program, but as far as I know it's MAC only. When you start to use Vegas, check youtube when you have questions. There are lots of tutorials on there.

[jbyun04 7]

adobe photoshop cs5 + lightroom if you're dealing with mass quantities

final cut pro if you're on a mac, don't know what you would use on pc but i'm guessing the popular vote around here is vegas

[MyBoxersSayJoe 133]

Certain high-end features may not be available if you don't get the Premium version. Look in to that. When I bought CS4, I went premium so that I could texture 3-D models for my thesis (computer animation major.) I'd upgrade to CS5, but I'm in the comic industry and it's pretty slow to adapt.

As for video, I've only used Macs the past few years. I remember Adobe Premiere being decent and I had to learn Avid Pro for one of my courses. Teacher made us learn all the short cuts, we were tested on it. Nuts, but effective. Just have to get used to using Bins.

After effects is more for post work. It's kind of like photoshop for video. Great for mixing in graphics, animations, etc.

Oh, and do yourself a favor and learn how to use Actions in photoshop. I batch process hundreds of photos at a time. Tweak curves, saturation, levels, sharpness, size, drop borders in, all with the click of a button.