vidding software

[kaydeefalls]

FELLOW VIDDERS. I have a question for you. I currently use iMovie HD for my vidding, but lately I've grown increasingly frustrated with how limiting the software is. While it was a great tool to teach myself how to vid, I'm finally outgrowing it, and want to be able to play with things iMovie just doesn't do. But since I don't have much disposable income to blow on more advanced software, I've just been making do anyway.

However. My birthday is in a month, and my parents have asked me what I want. My father in particular likes indulging my geeky tech/software habits (he's an interior designer who does most of his design work on his Mac, I yoink most of my software from him already). So it can't hurt to ask. SO.

What vidding software do you recommend? I've heard bits and bobs about Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere. Any preferences? Another program entirely? Keep in mind that I'm entirely self-taught when it comes to video/audio editing, so this does need to be software I can learn from tutorials and futzing around with it, rather than stuff I need a degree in film studies to use. Thoughts?

Comments

[such_heights]

I am very happy with my Final Cut Express - like you, totally self-taught and I didn't find it too hard to pick up, though admittedly I still only use it in a very limited fashion. That's why I didn't go for the full Pro package, I couldn't imagine ever needing that level of technicality!

[elistaire]

Hi -- I'm trying to decide if I want to update my software. What did you finally choose to do? Did what you get work for you?

I've used an older version of Premiere and am wondering if I should update to Pro. (Or go to an entirely new program like Sony Vegas?)

[kaydeefalls]

I did get Final Cut Express, but I haven't had much time to futz around with it, so jury's still out until I figure it out properly. I've never used Premiere, so I can't say how it compares.