Modern computers with hardware and software installed on them today offer any user the widest multimedia experience.
In the material below, we offer a brief look at the best programs for video processing, focusing on both beginners and professional users. You can find a lot of applications in this area, you won’t be able to consider all of the development, so we’ll dwell on the most popular packages, including the simplest applications, professional and semi-professional programs in their list. But first, let's talk about some conditions and recommendations of specialists, which it is advisable to follow.
Introduction, or What you need to consider before choosing a program for processing photos and videos
So, you decided to start creating your own video clip or film, and you want to feel like a clip maker or director. It seems that there are enough programs for processing video on a PC, and there is a desire. But which of all that is offered today in the market of software for the film industry, to choose? Each user should understand that this is far from the most important question, because a person who knows perfectly some simple program can do much more than a layman in the most sophisticated professional-level application.
In addition, professionals recommend the process of creating video of any complexity level into several main stages, for each of which not one software package will be applied, but several narrowly targeted applications. Approximately this list may look like this:
- video capture;
- video editing;
- work with graphics;
- sound processing;
- overlay effects;
- adding captions;
- encoding the final video.
As is already clear from the points included in the list of the main stages of creating a full-fledged clip, video or film, there will be a lot of special applications to complete for each action. This option, of course, is not suitable for home users. Therefore, we will consider programs for video processing in Windows (or on mobile systems), which can conditionally be classified as all-in-one.
Another important point is the configuration of the computer. Actually, the programs for processing video on a computer are very demanding on hardware. To ensure maximum performance, the PC or laptop should be equipped with a powerful processor, a sufficiently large amount of RAM, as well as graphics and sound cards. In other words, devices that are directly mounted on the motherboard and belong to the Sound-on-Board or Video-on-Board class are not recommended (this is confirmed by reviews of most professionals). You can use them only if you work with the simplest programs for processing photos and videos. Finally, special attention should be paid to the choice of hard drive. Preference should be given to higher-speed SSDs, rather than outdated conventional type of hard drives. In addition, the amount of available space should be appropriate. Why? Yes, only because despite the small size of the final encoded (compressed) video, in the process of creating a movie, one way or another, temporary files will be saved in the system. And their size can be very impressive.
Best Video Processing Software
We sorted out the preparatory stages. Now is the time to start choosing software. To do this, it is desirable to have at least an initial idea of the main features of the respective applications.
Let's briefly review the most popular and popular programs for video processing in Windows among users, including the following software packages in the list:
- Windows movie studio
- Movavi Video Editor;
- Camtasia Studio;
- Video editing;
- Avidemux;
- Pinnacle Studio;
- VirtualDub
- Lightworks
- Ulead MediaStudio Pro;
- CyberLink PowerDirector 16 Ultra;
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Sony Vegas Pro;
- Corel VideoStudio Pro X10.
We will consider each application very briefly and solely in order to familiarize yourself with the main features, tools, pluses and minuses, since a detailed description can take a lot of time. But one can immediately note the fact that the tools for editing, processing the source material or the final clip of each individual program can be completely different, but the principles of information in most applications are the same and in the simplest case they usually come down to dragging or dropping fragments of video, audio , graphics or applied effects on a special scale, which is usually located at the bottom of the main window.
Windows Studio
The Windows film studio is an application built into the operating system; many people know it as a program for processing video Movie Maker, which was present in modifications of systems below the seventh. Users of newer operating systems got at their disposal a rather simple, but at the same time interesting tool, with which the creation of a video clip from photographs and video fragments is a completely elementary matter.
True, both applets do not have as many capabilities and tools as they would like, however, they are suitable for primitive video editing with rotations, cropping and superimposing effects from the template set, as well as adding soundtracks. In addition, it is recommended that you begin to master the creation and editing of videos with just such programs, and after studying the basic basics, you can move on to higher-level applications. The disadvantage is that applications can save only one video format (WMV) and have a minimal toolkit.
Note: note that in Windows 10 there is another program called "Photos", which is able not only to edit image files, but also quickly create amateur videos. Based on user reviews, this applet is preferable for many.
Movavi video editor
Before us is another simple program for video processing at home. Compared with previous applications, the possibilities in it are somewhat greater, although it does not even reach the semi-professional level.
The most important thing that attracts novice users is the completely simple interface that is not overloaded with unnecessary elements and support for almost all known video formats, including standards used in mobile systems. For all those who want to learn how to professionally create and edit videos, pros recommend paying special attention to video and audio capture tools from any source (monitor screen, Skype video conference, camera, TV tuner, etc.).
Camtasia studio
This simple program for processing video in Russian is not officially released, but even with an English interface, most users will understand it. It is very similar to previous utilities, but it has some pretty interesting features.
For example, you can apply a sound or an effect selected from a set only in a separate part of the frame. For the finished material there is a tool for quick publication on the popular video hosting YouTube.
"Video MONTAGE"
Now a few words about one of the most popular programs for video processing in Russian, which, thanks to its simplicity and the ability to quickly create videos, has won an army of fans who continually leave laudatory posts in various forums.
Despite the fact that this application is positioned as a program aimed at beginners, it has its advantages. The whole process of creating an amateur video can be reduced to a few simple steps:
- upload video;
- point editing frames;
- overlay of sound and special effects;
- publication of finished material.
The only minus is that the application is paid (the price is slightly less than 1000 rubles), in the free version when saving against the background of the video, the program developer’s logo is set, and the trial period is unreasonably small - only 10 days.
Avidemux
This video processing program is, in a sense, a transitional application between the simplest applets and semi-professional level packages.
There are enough tools in it for all occasions. Particularly pleased with the support of almost all known codecs (Xvid, x264, LAME, etc.), as well as the ability to quickly interact with mobile and gaming devices. Another plus is open source and cross-platform support.
Pinnacle studio
Before us is another video processing program, familiar to many as a tool for quickly creating collages from user photos. But not all users imagine what this application can do in terms of video processing. But if you look at the comments of those who dug deeper into the program, it becomes clear that there are much more tools in it than it might seem at first glance.
As for the most interesting tools, it’s worth mentioning right away that this particular package can be used as a program for processing video from cameras, not from one, but from two at once, with the possibility of further combining or superimposing video one on another. True, to use the built-in sets of effects (adding video layers and filters), you need to have a fairly powerful computer configuration. On low-power machines, image optimization can be completely deactivated.
And yet: many people know that there is a program of the same name for video processing on Android. So, through the use of two applications at the same time, you can get fast synchronization between a computer and a mobile device with the possibility of parallel processing of material.
Virtualdub
This application is quite simple and combines the capabilities of an editor and a video encoder.
It contains almost all the tools for capturing and editing material, but the main advantages of this program are its free distribution and incredibly low requirements for system resources. This editor works even on many obsolete machines without any problems.
Lightworks
Finally, we move on to higher-level software packages. All of them are paid, which is not surprising. The first video processing program is Lightworks.
The application is positioned as a powerful tool for non-linear editing, which has about one hundred and fifty effects of a professional level, many tools for capturing, cutting and editing video and allows you to import video and audio as source material of any known formats. True, the preservation of finished projects is carried out exclusively in JPEG-4 format with a resolution resolution of 720p. In principle, when it comes to home use, this quality is enough, as they say, with a head.
Ulead MediaStudio Pro
Before us is one of the most advanced packages of the past, which today, alas, is not released. At one time it was a semi-professional program. The latest released version is the eighth. After its release, this development was purchased by Corel, renamed and modernized.
Nevertheless, you can still find the installation distribution on the Internet. The application can be used by both entry-level users and professionals. But it can work only in Windows XP and partially in Vista. In addition, there is no question of any support for HD-video standards. But judging by the comments of professionals who worked with this application before its sale, the package can be used very successfully for training.
CyberLink PowerDirector 16 Ultra
The next step is another powerful software development focused on the rapid creation of videos and even collages.
A distinctive feature of this package is the ability to create and edit a 360-degree video, to which you can apply a rich arsenal of all kinds of effects and filters. The presence of a special mode Storyboard Mode allows you to quickly create short stories intended for friends and close relatives.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Now a few words about the grandees of video editing, which are almost equal in the world of computer programs for editing any multimedia format. This package is intended exclusively for professional users. And not only because it has a wide range of tools and effects. An ordinary user who does not know the basics of working with audio and video, to deal with the application will be problematic. Only one interface is loaded to such an extent that many simply have their eyes run wide.
If you approach the program from a practical point of view, it can be called one of the best. And if you use packages like Adobe After Effects in parallel with it, the possibilities increase simply incredibly. But to use all the functions in the application, you need a powerful computer with graphics adapters that have been certified specifically by Adobe (for example, some models of the GeForce GTX, Quadro FX or CX lines).
Sony Vegas Pro
This package is one of the most respected by professionals and is very widely used in the Hollywood film industry. True, some users note the unusual organization of the interface, which differs from most well-known applications. However, if you deal with it, you will get so many opportunities that you never dreamed of.
As additional tools, increasing the already huge functionality, you can use Sony Sound Forge and Vegas Movie Studio. The first program is designed for professional audio editing (although it also has the simplest tools for importing and processing video). The second is a kind of lightweight package with a slightly truncated, but no less interesting set of tools. To appreciate all the features of this package, just watch the movie "The Matrix". It was mounted in this editor.
Corel VideoStudio Pro X10
Finally, let's look at another powerful editor, which, according to many experts in the field of video editing and processing, is the best.
The tool kit is simply amazing. Along with the standard features that can be found in most editors at any level, this package includes a tool for creating and processing frame-by-frame animation (Stop Motion) and a special tool for tracking movements (Motion Tracking).
There are so many things in this program that it’s better to get acquainted with all the features yourself. By the way, the developers claim that despite the professional orientation and due to the intuitive interface, even completely untrained beginners and amateurs can use the package.
Additional tools
Now a few words about additional tools. Despite the fact that most of the programs described can work with almost all video and audio formats, the use of special converters that allow not only converting the same type of formats between themselves (video / video or audio / audio), but also cross-conversion (video / audio and back). In addition, in the system it is desirable to have a complete set of all kinds of codecs and decoders. In this regard, the best option is to install the most advanced K-Lite Mega Codec Pack.
A few words in the end
It remains to add that programs for processing video on an iPhone or on devices supporting Android can also be installed. But these will be the simplest utilities and it is unlikely that they can achieve any professional quality. Some of the programs listed above have both stationary and mobile versions. But in terms of the convenience of synchronizing mobile devices with computers or laptops, using the Pinnacle Studio utility is most preferable.
If to summarize and name the best software product designed for all possible operations, of course, it is worthwhile to give preference to professional programs from Adobe, Sony and Corel, but first you need to study at least the simplest applications in order to master the basics (especially since mixing video and audio in almost all programs are produced on a timeline where the necessary fragments are placed).
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