Slide show software

[ixxx69]

Looking for options for making slide show videos...

Requirements:

• Mix of photos and videos.
• Must be able to export to a MP4. That's how slideshows will be viewed.
• Control length of time each photo displays.
• Various visual slide changes, especially Ken Burn's effect.
• Add music from own music library and control fade ins and fade outs.
• Be relatively easy to use. I used to make slide show videos in Aperture, so no more difficult than using that, and hopefully better.
• This is not for "pro" use - this is for home movies, like vacation/holiday slideshow videos, so would like to keep it to ~$100 (but hopefully less).
• Has to be reputable developer that keeps the software up to date and offers at least a modicum of support.

I suppose iMovie fits the bill? But even if it does, I'm not so liking of iMovie - I find it confusing and difficult to use. This is something that's done only once in a while, so I can't relearn the software every time - it's got be intuitive. So I'd like to hear about any alternatives.

Thanks!

 

[mikzn]

Sounds like Keynote would be a great fit? - Apple Keynote

or perhaps the Photos App ?

 

[Slartibart]

Looking for options for making slide show videos...

Requirements:

• Mix of photos and videos.
• Must be able to export to a MP4. That's how slideshows will be viewed.
• Control length of time each photo displays.
• Various visual slide changes, especially Ken Burn's effect.
• Add music from own music library and control fade ins and fade outs.
• Be relatively easy to use. I used to make slide show videos in Aperture, so no more difficult than using that, and hopefully better.
• This is not for "pro" use - this is for home movies, like vacation/holiday slideshow videos, so would like to keep it to ~$100 (but hopefully less).
• Has to be reputable developer that keeps the software up to date and offers at least a modicum of support.

I suppose iMovie fits the bill? But even if it does, I'm not so liking of iMovie - I find it confusing and difficult to use. This is something that's done only once in a while, so I can't relearn the software every time - it's got be intuitive. So I'd like to hear about any alternatives.

Thanks!

iMovie does all of this.

 

[neutrino23]

I use Keynote for making videos like this. You can fine tune the transitions between slides. You can add text and shapes to highlight features. You can add music. Ken Burns effect would be done with a Move action. Set the start and end points. You could also zoom in or out during the move. The move could be on an arc as well, with a little effort.

 

[mikzn]

I use Keynote for making videos like this. You can fine tune the transitions between slides. You can add text and shapes to highlight features. You can add music. Ken Burns effect would be done with a Move action. Set the start and end points. You could also zoom in or out during the move. The move could be on an arc as well, with a little effort.

that is what I was thinking too - in keynote there are way more effects available than just the Ken Burns effect (but it is the coolest) - many other transition effects etc.

once exported to .MOV or .MP4 you could open in Garageband and add ambiance music on a separate track or edit the original sound track?

 

[Dave Braine]

Keynote? Yes, if you want to put your photos and videos in different positions on the screen, but for a straight forward full screen slideshow, then iMovie is the one to use. It's also easier for adding music/soundtrack.

 

[Enzedder]

Fotomagico?

 

[ixxx69]

Thanks all. I'll definitely check into iMovie and Keynote a bit more.

I was thinking it a little more out of the Apple software as, again, I just find their software unintuitive these days... but I'm willing to give it another try.

Fotomagico?

Thanks! This is more what I had in mind! I'll have to see if it's any easier for me than iMovie, etc.

 

[Big Bad D]

Another recommendation for Fotomagico.