Home Video Hints: Digital Editing for Free

Say "digital editing" to a casual video shooter and two other words leap instantly to mind: "expensive" and "complicated." Well, that's partially true. Prosumer software does have a steep learning curve and a well-tempered editing computer can run you more than $600. But if you bought an Apple iMac or a PC such as a Sony Vaio, you already paid for a digital video-in-and-out port and pre-installed, easy-to-use digital editing software.

Are the Bundled Editing Tools Worthwhile?

Computers often have stuff that few people use, so why bother with the editing software that came with your machine? Aside from the fact that you may have essentially received it for free, there are several compelling reasons.
First, simple digital editing is actually less complex than traditional analog. Equipment hookup is a straightforward and procedures are so intuitive that a third-grader can master and enjoy them.
Second, the resulting programs look and sound better than anything you can do with a comparable analog setup. You can perform transitions like wipes and dissolves, input nifty professional -looking titles over live-action footage, and you can mix music or narration in with your production's audio.
Finally, the software allows you to optimize format, resolution and frame rate. You can create videos ready for Web streaming, so you can send Junior's first steps to Grandma (or Grandma's snowboard gymnastics performance to Junior). If you already have the hardware and software, why not give simple editing a try?<…