Can anyone help a newbie please?

Using Windows 10 on a PC, what is the best software to edit my video footage?

I have a Mac so not sure what to use.  Some people use lightroom (i do too).  Have you tried the Microsoft Movie Maker?

I am currently using VideoPad.  I use to use Windows Movie Maker (it was basic, but I added a lot of capabilities on my own).  I'm just learning VideoPad, but it seems to have basic capabilities if you aren't looking for anything super fancy.

What is your experience level on video editing (or software in general)?

If you are a total newbie, I would suggest you first try some out before deciding.
I used to work with Pinnacle studio before changing to Sony Vegas Pro.
And I've tried Magix Video also.
The first and last can be downloaded as a trial.
Both work fine for beginners, but are also paid software.

There is free software available, I have not tried it.
Just to get you started:
http://www.techradar.com/news/so ... ideo-editor-1330136

I did try Davinci Resolve. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
That is free, but, rather difficult to learn (at least, I found it difficult).

Montfrooij Posted at 2017-9-5 09:54
What is your experience level on video editing (or software in general)?

If you are a total newbie, I would suggest you first try some out before deciding.

My choice is Sony Movie Studio, this is a leisure market version of Sony Vegas.

They have been recently taken over by Magix who try and push you to their product line, but Movie Studio still exists for now.

MAGIX Vegas Pro

When I was on Windows I would always use Adobe Premiere, haven't tried Sony Vegas. Since a few months I switched to Mac and it's been easier.

ANHTUANNN503 Posted at 2017-9-5 12:53
When I was on Windows I would always use Adobe Premiere, haven't tried Sony Vegas. Since a few months I switched to Mac and it's been easier.

I did try that to for a brief period. But found it too difficult compared to Sony Vegas.
The last one won.
Not sure what would have happened if I would not have tried Sony Vegas Pro the first time.

If you want free professional software - try Davinci Resolve 14. It's amazing. Using Vegas and Resolve for different tasks.

Pashi Posted at 2017-9-5 13:07
If you want free professional software - try Davinci Resolve 14. It's amazing. Using Vegas and Resolve for different tasks.

Just out of curiosity, when do you use Resolve?
I did give it a short try, but left for Vegas Pro 14 again.

VSDC Free Video Editor

Iʻve used Photoshop for years in graphic/ web professionally. Now I use Adobe Premiere mostly because the color correction tools are similar to Photoshop. Maybe when I get an ND filter, I wonʻt have to adjust levels, luminosity, or exposure in post in Premiere.

Montfrooij Posted at 2017-9-5 13:24
Just out of curiosity, when do you use Resolve?
I did give it a short try, but left for Vegas Pro 14 again.

I'm using Resolve when I need complex color correction with animated masks. I don't love to switch from one NLE to another. Also it's great to play with video speed (keys instead of envelopes sometimes better) The only disappointing thing for me is my beloved Prodad Mercalli v4 not working in Resolve as well as Neat Video. But I'm using Vegas for 13 years since it was Sonic Foundry's and it's like a slippers for me cozy and comfortable)))

It all depends on your own skills.
I use Adobe Premiere for the advanced edditing.
But if I want to create a quick perfect beat-matched movie, I use Magix Fastcut. It's a cheap program (50 dollar or so) with nice capabillities and templates so you can quickly create a nice professional looking video.

Pashi Posted at 2017-9-5 22:41
I'm using Resolve when I need complex color correction with animated masks. I don't love to switch from one NLE to another. Also it's great to play with video speed (keys instead of envelopes sometimes better) The only disappointing thing for me is my beloved Prodad Mercalli v4 not working in Resolve as well as Neat Video. But I'm using Vegas for 13 years since it was Sonic Foundry's and it's like a slippers for me cozy and comfortable)))

Aha, thanks. I have the same feelings about Sony Vegas .

If I'm a novice....I would go for a
1. Free software like iMovie (MAC) or moviemaker (win)
2. I would likely opt out subscription based software like the Adobe Creative Suite of sw like after effects or premiere pro.
3. I would go for a one time payment software like Final Cut Pro (Mac) or Power Director one equivalent on windows