Video Production Software

The fundamentals of  video editing software haven’t changed much over the past few years: You want a program that lets you import video, stills, and sound to your PC from whatever camera or source you have, easily join and trim what you shot, and maybe add some transitions and cool effects. Also unchanged is the need for fast, crash-free performance on non-professional hardware. Finally, you want the software to be able to deliver your creation to the places you care about, whether that means to a file format suitable for your mobile device or big-screen TV, or to an online community like Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo.

But if that’s all you need to do, you could rely on the simple video editing software that comes with both Windows—the much-improved Windows Movie Maker, and with Apple Macintosh computers’ iMovie app.

Top 6 Video Production Software

A major factor that video producers use when choosing a software package is the native support it offers for different video file formats. A program that offers native support for a wide range of formats can process video from numerous sources more readily than software that does not offer that support. The video production professional who receives video from a variety of sources can benefit from choosing a program, such as Edius 5.5, which supports a very broad range of video formats. This software integrates with other third party software and available plug-ins to round out its production capabilities.

1.Apple Final Cut Pro3

Apple Final Cut Studio is popular with video production staff members. Companies are eager to make their products work well with the software, so Final Cut is able to offer native support for a very broad list of formats. This makes the editing job smoother and take less time. Version 3, while not packed with a large list of new features, offers users upgrades to favorite past features, and excellent integration between all of the apps included in the software.

2.Adobe Production Premium CS5

Adobe Production Premium CS5 is a versatile software as it is available for both Mac and PC users. The software also has enhanced compatibility to allow editors to collaborate with others who use Final Cut Pro and Avid. This allows film editors who prefer these other software packages to utilize the premium Adobe production apps, such as After Effects. The diverse, high-quality, and well-integrated programs included in Adobe Production Premium CS5 makes it an easy choice for consumers.

3.Sony Vegas Pro 9

Sony Vegas Pro 9 offers a high-quality video productionsoftware option with an affordable price tag and easy compatibility with other Sony products. The user interface is intuitive and easy to master in a short amount of time, which allows those users who are new to video production to explore and dive into projects without having to spend extensive time learning their way around first. However, Vegas Pro 9 is only available for Windows.

4.Avid Media Composer 4.0

In terms of Hollywood film production, Avid enjoys perhaps the most prestigious reputation, and has been the software of choice for many years. Available for both Mac and PCs, Avid Media Composer 4.0 keeps this software option offers the same quality and standards the film industry has counted on from Avid for the past 20 years. For those who are unsure about which software to purchase, Avid makes it easy for video producers to assess whether the software is right for them by offering a 30-day trial.

5.MAGIX Video Pro X 2.5

A powerful, easy-to-navigate software is MAGIX Video Pro X2.5. The software includes native support for all major file formats, has a broad range of features, and is easy to use and understand without spending too much time on the learning process. Features and abilities that are not built into the program are often available via the many plug-ins that offer users the ability to enhance the usability of the software to fit their video production needs. MAGIX is among the most affordable software available in this category. Combine that affordability with its ease of use and it is a sure winner, especially for someone who is just starting out with video production.

6.Edius 5.5

A major factor that video producers use when choosing a software package is the native support it offers for different video file formats. A program that offers native support for a wide range of formats can process video from numerous sources more readily than software that does not offer that support. The video production professional who receives video from a variety of sources can benefit from choosing a program, such asEdius 5.5, which supports a very broad range of video formats. This software integrates with other third party software and available plug-ins to round out its production capabilities.