Video editing software recommendations

[christo4robin]

I need to do some simple fades from one animation to another, add some text here and there, and also do some fades to black. I have not used video editing software before, but I am proficient with software in general - also, I'm familiar with the standard Adobe stuff - Photoshop, Pagemaker, etc.

Any recommendations for software - I'm on a budget. Thanks!

[PeterJ]

Windows XP Moviemaker will give you those things for the cost of an upgrade or for free depending on whether or not you already run XP. It's basic but will get you started. I like Adobe Premiere, Zoog likes Sony Vegas. His work is better than mine, but then he's doing it on JRP's ticket to showcase projects and I am doing it to send a few minutes of DVD to the kid's grandparents....that might explain the difference.

For a midline package which gives you flexibility for around $100 look at Pinnacle's software.

[Chad Smith]

For a midline package which gives you flexibility for around $100 look at Pinnacle's software.
I use Pinnacle Studio which is very easy to use and comes with a heap of transitions.

[gbrowne]

I use Premier Pro, which is nice, but moviemaker can do quite alot. And its free!

[Andre Baros]

I've always prefered the interface and power of After Effects over Premier, but that sounds like overkill in this case. If you can get on a mac, try iMovie. My kid sister has done some amazing stuff with iMovie which is free as well.

[christopher.zoog51272]

We use Sony's Vegas 5 + DVD Production Suite (http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/products/vegasfamily.asp) Not cheap but very powerful.

Vegas' little brother Vegas Movie Studio DVD is very capable and sells for $99 or less at bestbuy.

[christo4robin]

Thanks everyone! It looks like XP MovieMaker will be fine to get me started.