Editing programs, along with the invention of consumer DV camcorders with FireWire hardware, are the backbone of the video revolution. The ability to capture video, randomly access and manipulate your footage and effortlessly export to tape, burn to DVD or save as a file, all on a machine that you can lift with one hand, has propelled media making into the 21st century.
When looking for the right editor, start with those programs that will work with your operating system and then consider your skill and budget. If you're just starting out, a sub-$100 (or even free) editor program would probably be best for your needs and level of experience. iMovie is free for Apple users, and Windows Movie Maker is free for those running Windows XP. Adobe Premiere Elements ($99) and Ulead Media Studio Pro ($100) are powerful options for PC people working on a budget. If you're ready for full-featured professional editing power, you're probably looking at the $600 - $1200 range, where most of the professional video editing packages live.
Apple's Final Cut Pro ($999) has taken the editing world by storm. Unlike Apple's iPod, though, Final Cut Pro is for Apple computers only. Two other mainstays in the higher-end prosumer NLE world are Avid Xpress DV ($895) and Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 ($699). Close on their heels is the impressive Sony Pictures Digital Vegas 5 ($700).
"Try before you buy" is a good idea but new editing systems can be intimidating. Do you know anyone who edits? Is there a community college or university near by with a video program? Sit next to someone while they edit for an hour or two and see how the software works. Also, check out the video tours or trial versions that most products have on their company's Web sites.
Although many, if not all, NLE packages come with the capacity to edit audio to some degree, dedicated audio editing software will take you much further. Probably the most important consideration in committing to a piece of audio software (after making sure it works with your operating system) is the program's interface. Most programs will let you sample free demo versions that you can download from the company's Web site.
Other considerations include recording, mixing, looping and waveform editing (assuming you want these features). Real-time effects will speed up your creations and will impress clients and collaborators. If you're a musician and you want to work with MIDI composing, make sure the software can handle this. Also check to see whether your computer has the inputs and outputs to match the software's needs. Some products (usually the higher priced packages) come with breakout box hardware for professional interactivity (a breakout box is a piece of hardware that connects to your computer, usually through FireWire or USB, which accepts inputs not already included with your computer such as XLR microphone inputs).
From the relatively easy-to-use and easy-to-afford Audacity (free), to the content-rich (read "steep learning-curve") industry standard Pro Tools (many products, ranging in price from free to many thousands of dollars), there is sure to be an option for every skill level and fiscal ability.
So you're going to try to remake The Hobbit behind Peter Jackson's back while he's busy shooting and editing the remake of King Kong. Well, you're going to need compositing and SFX software. Adobe After Effects 6.5 ($699 standard, $999 pro) has had a good hold on this market for some time on the prosumer level. Boris FX 7 ($595) has its loyal devotees. Other competitive options are Canopus Xplode Professional 4.0 ($399), Pinnacle Commotion Pro 4.1 ($500) or the industry favorite Discreet Combustion 3 ($995). A new kid on the block, Apple's Motion ($299), is starting to make waves, too.
Compositing and SFX applications will render quicker (and keep you from tearing out your hair) if you have a fast CPU, a good amount of RAM and a graphics card on steroids. This is where a desktop dual-processor machine would come in handy.
