What are the video editor options for macs?

[firstapple]

Hello all,

I will be receiving a Canon HV20 soon and I was wondering what the different video editing options are out there available for macs?

I am running an alum. iMac (2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro). I know about FCP & FCE, what are some other options? I am looking at really only doing home videos of my niece and nephew, as well as my pets (But of course I want them to look good).

Which do you prefer and why?

 

[richard.mac]

you could try using iMovie which comes free with all Macs. Adobe Premiere, Media Composer etc. for a full list go here.

 

[firstapple]

Hey there, thanks for the link!

I have the opportunity to purchase Final Cut Express 4.0 from the University for $69. Is it worth it for me to do so? What benefits could I get out of Final Cut Express when using my Canon HV20? I checked out the Apple store hoping to find a trial of it, but I didn't see anything of the sort. However, I did find a bunch of negative reviews. What do you all think? Can my iMac even run Final Cut Express?

 

[budha]

I currently edit on FCE... As long as you are using a DV camera or the newer P2 cards for your vids, FCE will be fine. Sure it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of FCP, but it will only cost you 70 bucks compared to 700. You can learn the software, get used to it, and still be able to do a great deal of editing w/ it.

cheers

 

[zephyrnoid]

Not to divert out but HV20/HV30 Forum hv20.com is where we hash out your camera's questions

 

[firstapple]

Thanks for the reply budha! $70 isn't that much to spend as long as I can make it worthwhile. I am brand new to the HD Camcorder world, so I now have to ask... What are P2 cards? The HV20 I am getting is a HD camcorder that records on miniDV's.

Not to divert out but HV20/HV30 Forum hv20.com is where we hash out your camera's questions

This isn't only about the HV20, but also editing software in general. I also am part of the HV20 community (signed up a few days ago).

 

[richard.mac]

FCE is great. its just a toned down version of Final Cut Pro and will handle your video editing fine. the iMac wil also handle FCE easily.

im not sure what the negative reviews are about but theyre probably form users who will benefit from FCP. for some unbiased reviews just Google for "final cut express 4 review" and pick a random link.

 

[puckhead193]

any form of final cut...either pro or express. Premiere isn't bad to. I haven't tried any of the CS versions but i'm sure they are decent. Stay away from Avid...(god dam that stupid red arrow--grrr)

 

[Gymnut]

any form of final cut...either pro or express. Premiere isn't bad to. I haven't tried any of the CS versions but i'm sure they are decent. Stay away from Avid...(god dam that stupid red arrow--grrr)

Segment mode, eh?

 

[bigbossbmb]

arg... reading this thread at work... and staring at the red arrow right now...

to the OP, FCE will probably be the best bang for your buck... simple and works just fine with an HV20.