Which editing software for HD camcorder??

[Rigs]

Greetings All,

I recently bought a Canon Vixia Hf-100 HD camcorder.  It came with "editing" software but it's not what I would call user friendly.  Actually it didn't even come with diections, and to boot, the program doesn't have any sorts of a "help" section on the tool bar.  

I'm looking for a editing program for hd camcorders...  Any help would be appreciated.  

Oh, I'm hoping to use this mostly for family stuff, and of course bowhunting...

Thanks in advance.

Happy hunting,
Jason

[Clay Hayes]

I downloaded a trial version of Sony Vegas.  You can use it for 30 days and most of the features are usable.  There is a learning curve, and you'll probably be a little frustrated at first, but it's a great editor.  If you go to the Sony site, they have a consumer version for around $150 or a pro version for $500.  There's really not that much difference if your not looking to sell your product.  Once you get the hang of the software, you can do some really neat stuff and come out with a professional looking video.  

Sony also has some free helpful tuitorials on their site to help you learn the software.

[TomMcDonald]

You can also get the trial of Sonic Foundry Vegas. Its' a good program and will last you forever (it's not time-limited).

[KawTrooper]

I edit my video with iMovie. It will handle HD video. It's free with an Apple computer.

[canshooter]

The latest Imovie downgrades the image quality as you copy and translate the files so I ended up with Final Cut Express

[Craig Warren]

Rigs,  This is a little spooky.  I just came to this forum from Pow Wow to post the exact same question.  I also purchase an HD camcorder (sony HDR-XR200V) and am looking for the same thing you are.  I use a PC so the apple program won't help. I was going to buy an apple computer too, but found out that Sony and Apple don't support eachother very well and the Apple I movie program, which seems highly rated,  won't even allow you to upload your HD video from the Sony camera.  

I will research some of the suggestions already given, but has anyone tried any of the following and if so which do you like best?  1.  Adobe elements  2. Roxio  

I do OK with still photo editing, but am brand new to video editing and just want something that is easy to use for the basics of video  editing such as putting the clips together, adding some text, maybe some voice over and music.  I don't mean to hyjack the thread.  I think we all want the same info.
Craig

[Rob DiStefano]

i haven't found any video editing application yet to be 'friendly', they all have learning curves and some are just plain terrible.  the easiest i've found so far, and use, is roxio (older version 8 for pc) or the even older winvideo creator plus.

[Craig Warren]

Thanks Rob.  I use an old version of Roxio for photo editing and have found it pretty good.  I will look into their video editing stuff.

How are the shoulders doing?

Craig

[Rob DiStefano]

for still image editing i use gimp (linux mint os) or psp (windows os).  

i've had problems loading roxio into win7 ultimate, works ok in xp pro.  winvideo creator doesn't have all the added bells 'n' whistles of roxio, but it's pretty rock solid and perhaps the easiest of all to use.

do a search for 'windvd creator', it's a free download.

[Chris Shelton]

The most user freindly program out there is Pinnacle studio, and they just came out with there newest version designed for HD video formats.  I used version 12 for a while before upgrading to the professional version of Pinnacle which is Avid.  It was not untill I actually got Avid before I realized how simple Pinnacle is!  It is cheaper than vegas but doesnt lack anything.  I bought ver. 12 for about 99 bucks, and it was loaded, there was a 114 dollar version that just came with a green screen, but you can go to Wallie world and get your own green screen!?

Alot of folks use Vegas, and I have heard great things about it, but my vote is definatly for pinnacle!!!  Good luck

[Craig Warren]

Thanks everyone.  From what I am learning, they all have at least an initial steep learning curve.