Editing software suggestions

[h3arts]

Hi, I'm planning on editing game footage along with audio and some minor effects. I'm also planning on rendering video in 1080p. I used Final Cut Pro X and I liked it a lot however, it's really expensive along side just about every other professional editing software. I would go with something cheap if I weren't planning on editing short films for my film degree rather soon.

For my film stuff I'm also going to need a color correction software and something like aftereffects if not aftereffects however, I don't need that quite yet.

I'm going to be recording using Dxtory and I need suggestions on what to 1. edit with 2. render in. and anything else that might be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kenrivers]

What is your budget (the max you are willing to spend)? I'm assuming you're using a Mac since you mentioned Final Cut Pro X. If you are a student you can look at http://www.academicsuperstore.com/category/Software/Digital+Video/278425 (Sony, Adobe, etc.) and http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Avid/Media+Composer+ for Avid Media Composer. Their prices for students are well below retail prices. Once I know your budget I might be able to offer a couple of suggestions.

 

[h3arts]

What is your budget (the max you are willing to spend)? I'm assuming you're using a Mac since you mentioned Final Cut Pro X. If you are a student you can look at http://www.academicsuperstore.com/category/Software/Digital+Video/278425 (Sony, Adobe, etc.) and http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Avid/Media+Composer+ for Avid Media Composer. Their prices for students are well below retail prices. Once I know your budget I might be able to offer a couple of suggestions.

Actually, I'm not on mac 😛 Also ummm maybe $250 ish although, I can go a little higher.

 

[kenrivers]

It's tough to find professional grade software under $300 but:
Option 1: Grass Valley EDIUS 6.5 for $158.95 (student version): http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Grass+Valley/EDIUS/1543292
Option 2: Avid Media Composer 7 (student edition): http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Avid/Media+Composer+/1563336 around $300 vs. retail of $999.99
Option 3: Lightworks is the least expensive option:
Free Version: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_docman&gid=8&task=cat_view&Itemid=189
Pro Version: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=184
The Pro version is $60 a year and includes codecs you won't get in the free version.

 

[h3arts]

It's tough to find professional grade software under $300 but:
Option 1: Grass Valley EDIUS 6.5 for $158.95 (student version): http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Grass+Valley/EDIUS/1543292
Option 2: Avid Media Composer 7 (student edition): http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Avid/Media+Composer+/1563336 around $300 vs. retail of $999.99
Option 3: Lightworks is the least expensive option:
Free Version: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_docman&gid=8&task=cat_view&Itemid=189
Pro Version: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=184
The Pro version is $60 a year and includes codecs you won't get in the free version.

I'll look into those later thanks Are there any free trials for professional stuff because, I could always use the 30 day free trial or whatever and restart my hard drive and re download correct?

 

[kenrivers]

Free trials:
Avid Media Composer: http://www.avid.com/US/specialoffers/product-trials
My guess is this, like any trial software, will install something to prevent you from reinstalling after 30 day trial is over.
Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/
Adobe now uses Creative Cloud (software installed locally but requires a monthly subscription).
Grass Valley EDIUS: http://www.grassvalley.com/products/nlesoftware
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/edius_pro_6.5 (scroll down to trial download link)
Sony Vegas: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/download/trials/vegaspro
Lightworks: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_docman&gid=8&task=cat_view&Itemid=189 (free - not a free trial but lacks some features of the pro version)