What Do Professional Video Editors Use?

One of the most effective ways to promote a business or a project is through the use of video content. In fact, 54% of participants chose media content from the organizations they support, according to Hubspot’s 2017 survey of content trends. But as anyone who has suffered through a low-quality online video can attest, this is disastrous for any company’s reputation. Whether the video is for personal use, business, sports, journalism, or entertainment, high-quality production values are always a must. Looking for the ultimate Wedding Reception Venue in Melbourne? Look no further, Vogue Ballroom is here.

Gather information from established video editors. You should begin your testing with the software that is currently being used by the majority of pros in your field if you are a video editor. You may try before you buy with the majority of professional video editing tools.

Premiere Pro Adobe

Adobe Premiere Pro, another NLE, has recently emerged as a serious competitor to Avid. In Hollywood, “Gone Girl” and “Hail Caesar” are just two examples of films that have been recut using premiere. Adobe provides a unified product suite that can edit and create video and audio as well as create graphics, titles, and adjust colours. Adobe’s artificial intelligence, Sensei, aids with things like facial detection and lighting correction. Adobe Premiere is a viable option if you are already familiar with Adobe software.

When it comes to video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is without a doubt the gold standard. Most experts in the field of video editing would agree with you on that. However, Adobe Premiere Pro is not the standard for all professional video editors. What gives here? For one thing, the term “best” can be interpreted in different ways. Since the transition from non-linear to linear editing, video editing technology has improved rapidly (NLE). This means that the majority of popular professional video editing systems have common tools, such as

• Governance of the Media
• Production/Export of Files
• Import Formats for Files
• Interface for Users
• FX (Special Effects)

The most noticeable variations between video editing tools are found in their pro-level features. Because of this, comparing video editors can be a confusing process. You might discover that the ideal video editing software for you is different from the best software for video editing for someone else. What you’ll need for your project and how much experience you have editing videos will determine what you’ll use. And not only now, but also as your projects develop.

Considering how much people rely on their phones these days, it’s not unusual for videos to be viewed without sound. More of your message will stick with viewers if you have the option to effortlessly add captions and subtitles to video.

Pros 

• Possibilities for camera angles are endless when using multiple cameras.
• Repair of the stars
• Allows for the import of content at resolutions up to 8K
• Supports the raw file format for importing photos from cameras, cellphones, and DSLRs.

Cons

• Disappointing audio quality
• Avoiding media keyword tagging

Blender

Having the ability to create 3D animation with this programme excites you greatly. There’s a tonne of free and paid resources like Turbosquid that can help you make the most of this tool, and you can get some genuinely incredible stuff out of it. There isn’t much you can’t accomplish with 3D animation these days, from creating realistic 3D models of the under real estate to animating characters for an instructional film.

Blender can help you spice up your movies a little, and it might offer a great deal of value if you find someone who learns the ropes. Since it’s a little strange, there are plenty of resources available online to help you get started, including tutorials and support.

Adobe Effects After

Incredibly versatile, this software allows for a wide range of uses. We can’t get enough of it. Marketers would benefit most from this software if they intend to create complex or unique motion graphics, extensive motion tracking (such as tailored movies for Vidyard), or animated instructional videos.

Similarly to Premiere, it receives regular upgrades that add new capabilities, has a wonderful support group, and provides access to an almost infinite number of lessons. C4D, a separate piece of 3D editing software, is included as well and can be used in tandem with it. Many fantastic third-party plugins, both commercial and open-source, are also available. While motion graphics is where We find the most use for it, We have been known to transform someone’s eyes into monster eyes for Halloween or use a green screen on occasion.

Avid Media Composer

For many years, Avid Media Composer was the go-to programme for cutting-edge movies in Hollywood. Historically speaking, it was the first major NLE (non-linear editing) application. Timelines, media bins, and editing tools are standard fare in NLEs. Historically, Avid has been the most costly alternative. Recent films edited in Avid, such as “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” demonstrate the software’s prowess with special effects and intricate cuts. Avid is a sure bet if you want to film movies in Hollywood or at least pretend to. It’s the industry standard for cutting Oscar-winning movies and hit TV shows. You should bring Avid with you to Hollywood.

Pros

• High-definition (HD) video and media editing from the ground up
• Blending in Scripts
• Media organisation with dynamic folders
• Using a plethora of cameras in post-production
• Alter HDR
• Real-time multi-user collaboration

Cons

• More difficult to learn, especially at the outset.
• This is not a finalisation tool; further software is required.

To our knowledge, this is the most feature-rich free video editor available. You can quickly transform your footage from amateur to professional with its many advanced features, such as speed control, colour correction, and footage stabilisation. If you want to add professional gloss to your films without spending a lot of money, Avid is a great option. It’s not without its drawbacks, however; the free edition doesn’t handle 4K or very many image formats.

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Corel VideoStudio

Corel VideoStudio provides the same features as the other high-end tools on this list, such as 360-degree VR and 4k compatibility. Still, it’s the first consumer video editing software to feature motion tracking, which, if you’re not familiar, is a tool that lets you follow a target object around as you edit. This would come in handy if, for example, you wanted to draw attention to one of your characters by pointing an arrow in his direction, obscuring his face, or giving him a hilarious hat. Even though motion tracking is included in most of the items below, Video Studio has one of the most advanced tracking systems available. Video Studio’s slowness is a common complaint, especially when compared to the more nimble CyberLink PowerDirector and Pinnacle Studio.

DaVinci Resolve Studio 16

Used extensively in the entertainment industry’s post-production and finishing processes by huge collaborative teams. Multiple people can work together in real time in DaVinci Resolve Studio.

Pros

• Complete 3D environment with around two hundred and fifty tools
• Processing of floats in 32 bits
• Up to 16-camera multicam editing
• Iconic colouring books
• Grading in a Wide Dynamic Range
• Visualising Grades in 3D Stereo Vision
• Audio in 3D using Fairlight
• Working together
• Neural Computing by Da Vinci: Time travel, biometric authentication, and more
• Amazing post-production and finishing tools

Cons

• Need for a lot of computing resources

Edius Pro 8 

The industry standard for journalists and videographers covering live events. It works wonderfully for little projects and routine video editing.

Pros

• Accepts all common file types for importing
• Renders and edits at lightning speeds, surpassing the industry standard
• Multi-camera support
• Modifiable, clear, and simple to use interface

Cons

• More difficult learning curve
• Help for long-running image sequences
• Lighten the load on the visual processor (10 bit)
• Users of Windows Only
• Not a good choice for big shows.

CyberLink Powerdirector

Having already pushed the definition of “software” to its limits, we will now do the same with “beginner.” Since CyberLink PowerDirector’s interface is relatively simple, we decided to include it here. However, the UI contains a dizzying array of customisation settings and visual modifications. A lot of information can be intimidating if you don’t take the time to absorb it all.

When it comes to rendering times, PowerDirector is among the best video editors available. Aside from that, it maintains a constant presence in the realm of innovation and technological advancement. In addition to being one of the first systems to enable 360-degree VR film, PowerDirector was also at the forefront of the transition to 4k.

Pros

• Rendering at the speed of light
• Massive Effects Bundle
• Simple to use and understand
• You can choose between a subscription and a one-time payment.
• Intro and outro creation using the Nesting project

Cons

• Products made in Taiwan
• Source panel lacks trimming functionality
• The sheer variety of available editing tools can be intimidating to novice users.

Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X is yet another nonlinear editing system used in Hollywood. Also used Final Cut as their video editor. Final Cut X’s movie-editing capabilities may feel more natural to Mac-natives. The latest release is compatible with moving images in both 2D and 3D, as well as audio, graphics, and more. For $299.99, you get full access to the software forever. This ensures that it will be a worthwhile investment for the future. Most Mac users still stand with Final Cut Pro X, however others have defected due to a less-than-ideal overhaul of the program’s workflow.

Pros

• User-friendly
• The Media Department and Editors Did an Excellent Job

Cons

• Mac users only
• This new, pathless timeline hasn’t gone over well with everyone.
• Just 64 viewpoints

In spite of its youth, Final Cut Pro X appears to be maturing into a capable editing programme. Even though we’ve only dabbled with FCPX, We convinced that Apple’s goal with this iteration of Final Cut Pro was to reinvent the entire editing process, not just the interface.

The old, linear paradigm has vanished. The bin-based organisational language has disappeared. Instead, FCPX’s trackless, magnetic timeline is one of many new features designed to make editors’ workflows more efficient by eliminating the need to manually create and assign tracks and move clips between them. Apple’s “trust the software” design philosophy is on full display here.

The method of media organisation used by FCPX is equally revolutionary. Bins in FCP7 are replaced by “events” and “keyword collections,” range-based keywords take the place of “subclips,” and “favourites” and “ranges” replace markers with duration information. The level of efficiency and organisation here is outstanding. In the FCPX paradigm, for instance, a clip can be part of several different keyword collections simultaneously without being duplicated. So, if you want a clip to show up in two different places at once, you don’t have to duplicate it and save it in a second bin, as We have often done while working with Premiere Pro to manage Broll and interview choices. Keywords maintain a project in a searchable and organised state, setting the stage for a more manageable revision.

Independent filmmakers and production businesses may be using FCPX less frequently now than they did in the past due to the program’s shaky beginnings. There’s no disputing that FCPX is gaining followers, particularly among industry newcomers who have yet to “buy-in” to a certain editing ecosystem. For our part, We want to follow Apple’s FCPX as it evolves, as We believe it to be a brave new direction for the company. It’s no secret that FCPX is only available on Macs.

HitFilm 4 Pro

This software is perfect for individuals who need both a compositor and an editor. Something like a hybrid of Adobe’s Premiere Pro and After Effects. HitFilm 4 Pro is a great choice if you need to combine content from multiple sources into one seamless video.

Pros

• Easy to learn and use even for beginners
• Low cost
• All-in-One Colour grading
• The stunning hyperdrive effect and realistic gunfire are only two examples of the full 3D effects made possible by the particle engine.
• Use the editor itself to add animation
• Incorporated rigging and animation tools

Cons

• Very few file types can be used together
• The cost of the yearly subscription to the updates
• Having a text editor that is only so capable would be helpful.

Lightworks 

Is more than 20 years old and has been used to edit such blockbuster movies as That of the Wolf of Wall Street and Pulp Fiction. Professionals that edit videos for a living utilise it because of its sophisticated editing tools and portability across multiple platforms.

Pros

• All the most common file types and formats can be used without any problems.
• Videos can be easily shared with others thanks to predefined export profiles.
• You can use every resource in your timeline
• Functions on all major operating systems

Cons

• Atypical workflow takes getting used to
• Lacks a smart content analyzer
• Maximum output resolution 720p MP4 format

Media Composer

Composers for media have been the standard in the field for many years. Many people, especially those working in the film and television industries, rely on it since it is a stable, cross-platform NLE. There aren’t many bumps along the way; it just delivers. When it comes to teamwork, Media Composer is unparalleled; all of your editors can work on the same file at the same time. Whenever a user makes and saves a modification, the modifications are immediately visible to all other users.

Media Composer follows a bin-oriented/track-based paradigm similar to that of Final Cut Pro 7 and Adobe Premiere Pro, albeit there are some key variances that may cause some confusion. In the early days of nonlinear editing, Avid had been an offline editing system whose sole purpose was to send the final creative cut to a negative cutter. That is to say, it was designed from the ground up to support a digital-to-film workflow, and it has been refined with the help of expert editors over the course of many years. Avid’s approach to metadata management, the program’s facilitation of different stages of the editing process (in distinct “modes” of operation), and even the layout of the keyboard have all been influenced by this. It could be argued that Media Composer places less value on user friendliness and presentation than do Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro.With so many Wedding Videographers out there it can be confusing to choose the right one. Check out our top picks here. 

The powerful trim option in Media Composer is worth the learning curve for some editors because of the program’s historical ties to film, which impacted its design. Media Composer is superior to Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro when it comes to precise work that deviates from their normal, contextual timeline editing method.

Avid Media Access (AMA) is the program’s underlying architecture that enables users to connect to native camera formats without resorting to any kind of format conversion. Some editors claim that performance suffers when using AMA linking, and We haven’t tried it myself. However, unlike Premiere Pro, Media Composer is built to work with DNxHD, Avid’s mezzanine codec. However, AMA linking allows editors to instantly begin utilising Media Composer’s robust features.

Sony Vegas Pro 

An excellent choice for those working in the gaming or sports industries or in the editing of reaction videos. Users looking for a versatile, cross-platform video editor will find it beneficial here.

Pros 

• Best timeline 
• Easy to learn
• Drag & drop files directly
• Ideal for audio editing

Cons

• Windows users only
• Motion tracking and image insertion pose unique challenges.

Sony Vegas Pro is, without a doubt, not cheap. Motion tracking, High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatibility, 360-degree video editing, video stabilisation, speed adjustment, masking, and quality colour correction presets are all still available. This is aimed at the savvy marketer who can afford to put in the time and effort required to create a polished final result. If you’re going to spend the cash, you should either be familiar with the program’s best features or have someone on staff who is.

Nero Video

Nero Video is one of the more affordable alternatives on this list. You can probably do worse as far as entry-level video editing software goes, and it already has many of the tools and effects found in competing packages. However, you should probably avoid spending any money on video editing courses. Nero just can’t compete with the other products on this list in terms of speed and usefulness, and if its selling point is its pricing, isn’t exactly inexpensive.

Pinnacle Studio 23 Ultimate

Favourable to the effects and filter addict who wants complete freedom of expression. There are more than two thousand effects and filters available, along with improved colour grading options.

Pros

• Advanced colour correction capabilities with over 30 LUTS
• Redesigned video masking using shape and panel masks that are now included in the timeline
• Transparent-background video clips can be exported.
• Professional-grade toolset with lightning-quick rendering, full 360° VR editing, and Multicam compatibility
• The ability to process in batches without the use of ancillary programmes

Cons

• It’s not always easy to track motion.
• Inconsistent 360-degree virtual reality (VR) implementation
• Crashing has been reported on occasion.

Premiere Pro

Some former Final Cut Pro 7 editors even refer to Premiere Pro as “FCP8” because of how easy it is for them to make the switch. As with FCP7, Premiere presumes a bin-oriented/track-based paradigm wherein editors “stack” media in timelines. When We switched to Premiere from Final Cut Pro 7 in 2012, it took us about 3 days to get set up with the programme. Premiere even has a keyboard setting that is optimised for FCP7.

As with any debut, there are unique aspects to this one. While understanding them may take some time, benefits such as After Effects compatibility make the effort worthwhile. Adobe is always adding new features to the premiere and takes suggestions from users very seriously.

Last but not least, while both Avid and FCPX allow for the editing of native media, the premiere is built specifically for this purpose. Even though you can transcode media to other formats-like Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD-Adobe has not developed its own mezzanine, or intermediate, codec. Many indie filmmakers and independent production companies use the premiere now. It works on multiple systems.

Red Giant

Plugins from Red Giant can be a lot of fun if you’re willing to invest time and money into learning how to use them properly. The possibilities with their trapcode suite were revealed to us through experimentation. Virtually any type of volumetric VFX is possible, from light to smoke to rain to snow. The level of intricacy of these plugins varies greatly. If you want your title cards and bottom thirds to look like they came straight out of Hollywood, you can use motion graphics software to accomplish that effect.

It works with a variety of programmes, though Adobe is where its strengths lie. You won’t have to go it alone with your investment, as there is extensive documentation and guides available.

Filmora from Wondershare

Filmora is as versatile as it gets for free video editing software. When it comes to video editing, Wondershare’s typical offering is Filmora, which is both simple and high-quality. However, the company also offers FilmoraGo, which is designed for mobile editing, and Filmora Scrn, which is designed for screen recording and editing. Filters, overlays, motion components, transitions, and a smattering of royalty-free music are all included in the user-friendly, straightforward layout. Find the perfect wedding video company to help capture those special moments here. 

Most modern video editing software will support 4K and gifs, but Filmora shines when it comes to adding titles to your videos. Filmora has some intriguing titling features for the price, though it can’t compare to the functionality of, say, Apple Final Cut Pro X, which could also superimpose 3D labels over your videos and rotate them on three axes. Filmora’s “Easy Mode” is another selling point for those new to video editing because it allows you to make professional-looking videos with minimal effort (just drag and drop clips, pick a theme, and add some music).

Video Copilot

Both their courses and plugins are fantastic, and We can’t wait to try them out. They provide a bundle of materials that includes numerous media types, such as audio effects, motion graphics, and 3D features like fluid and particles. You can get an optical flares kit for roughly $125 if you want to channel your inner J.J. Abrams, or you can buy an action essentials package for around $100 if you want to channel your inner Michael Bay. This is a bonus for the thrifty marketer who wants to spice up their films just a little bit. It works with other popular editing software like Premiere, After Effects, and Final Cut Studio.

These tools can help you make the most of your footage whether you’re a complete novice or deep in the editing process. We are not at the beginning of the film industry at this time. Even if they don’t understand the technical reasons, audiences will notice a lousy cut. The success or failure of your video marketing plan hinges on the quality and originality of the content you produce using these tools.

Conclusion

When it comes to professional-quality video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is without question the industry standard. It’s not the norm, though, for all professional video editors. If you’re a video editor, you should start your testing with the programme that’s utilised by the vast majority of working professionals today. For a long time, Avid Media Composer was Hollywood’s go-to programme for creating innovative motion pictures. After Effects from Adobe lets you make elaborate animated films, motion-tracked graphics, and more.

When it comes to HD video editing, nobody does it better than Avid Media Composer. In addition to not supporting 4K, the free edition is limited in the number of picture types it can open. With support for 360° virtual reality and resolutions up to 4k, Corel VideoStudio has one of the industry’s most sophisticated tracking systems. For journalists and videographers covering live events, Edius Pro 8 is the gold standard. CyberLink PowerDirector was an early system that supported 360-degree virtual reality filming, and it was also an early system to support 4K resolution.

If you pay $299.99, you can use the programme indefinitely. The trackless, magnetic timeline in CPX is just one of several improvements made to streamline editors’ processes. This is a perfect example of Apple’s “trust the software” approach to product design. There’s no denying that FCPX is gaining traction, especially among newbies to the field. If you need to edit footage shot on different devices into a single movie, HitFilm 4 Pro is an excellent option.

Lightworks has been around for over 20 years and has been used to edit numerous successful films, including The Wolf of Wall Street and Pulp Fiction. Collaboration is where Media Composer truly shines.

Content Summary

1. The best way to learn about video editing is to talk to professionals.
2. In the world of video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro stands head and shoulders above the rest.
3. On the other hand, not all expert video editors use Adobe Premiere Pro.
4. Having the ability to simply add captions and subtitles to video will help more of your message stick in the minds of viewers.
5. Cons Discouragingly low-quality sound Refraining from using tags in online media Blender You’re very psyched about the prospect of using this software to make 3D animation.
6. An expert user of Blender could be very valuable, as it can be used to add some pzazz to your film productions.
7. Adobe’s Post-Production Tools After This programme is quite flexible and may be put to many different uses.
8. In addition, C4D, a standalone 3D editing programme, is included and can be used in tandem with the main programme.
9. Recent movies like “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” both edited in Avid, showcase the software’s capabilities with special effects and sophisticated cuts.
10. If you want to make movies in Hollywood, or at least look like you’re making movies in Hollywood, Avid is your best chance.
11. It’s the typical method used to edit blockbuster movies and TV shows.
12. In our research, we found this to be the most feature-rich open-source video editor.
13. With its numerous high-end capabilities, such as speed control, colour correction, and film stabilisation, you can easily elevate your footage from amateur to professional.
14. Avid is a fantastic choice if you want your films to look more polished without breaking the bank.
15. The Corel VideoStudio When compared to the other premium products on this list, Corel VideoStudio is on par in terms of capabilities, including 360-degree VR and 4k support.
16. But it’s the first consumer video editor to offer motion tracking, which, if you’re not acquainted, is a function that allows you track a target item as you make changes to the footage.
17. As you’ll see, motion tracking is built into a lot of these products, but Video Studio offers one of the best systems out there.
18. We decided to include CyberLink PowerDirector because of how easy it is to use.
19. A bewildering number of options for changing the look and feel of the UI are, nevertheless, available.
20. PowerDirector is one of the fastest rendering video editors out there.
21. Adobe Premiere Pro CC In Hollywood, Final Cut Pro X is employed as yet another nonlinear editing technology.
22. They, too, edited their videos in Final Cut.
23. Mac users may find the movie-editing features of Final Cut X to be more intuitive.
24. While the vast majority of Mac users are still committed to Final Cut Pro X, some have jumped ship due to the program’s less-than-ideal redesign of the process.
25. There is no longer any place for the outdated, linear model.
26. The terminology used to categorise things in boxes is no longer in use.
27. The trackless, magnetic timeline in FCPX is only one of several new capabilities that aim to streamline editors’ processes by doing away with the need to manually build and assign tracks and move clips between them.
28. This is a perfect example of Apple’s “trust the software” approach to product design.
29. FCPX also employs a novel approach to media organisation.
30. FCP7’s bins have been replaced by “events” and “keyword collections,” “subclips” have been replaced by range-based keywords, and markers with duration information have been replaced by “favourites” and “ranges.”
31. Example: in the FCPX paradigm, a clip can belong to multiple keyword collections at once without being duplicated.
32. Of course, FCPX is only compatible with Macs.
33. The Professional Version of HitFilm 4 Those in need of a compositor in addition to an editor will find this programme to be an excellent choice.
34. Something that combines the strengths of Premiere Pro and After Effects from Adobe.
35. If you need to edit footage shot on different devices into a single movie, HitFilm 4 Pro is an excellent option.
36. Simply incorporate animation within the editor itself. Added support for rigging and animation Cons There aren’t many compatible file formats. The expense associated with a yearly subscription to the updates We could use a text editor with limited capabilities.
37. Media Composer is the best programme for collaborative editing since it allows multiple editors to view and make changes to the same project at the same time.
38. Like Final Cut Pro 7 and Adobe Premiere Pro, Media Composer uses a bin-oriented/track-based paradigm, but there are a few important differences that may cause difficulties for new users.

FAQs About Video Editors

What Are The Limitations Of Free Video Editing Software?

Free video editing software will typically come with various legal and technological restrictions. Because the manufacturer of the programme must pay licence fees for certain codecs before using them, the company is unable to distribute free software that is capable of working with common file formats.

Is Lightworks The Best Video Editing Software?

Lightworks has a unique user interface compared to most other editing software, despite the fact that it has been around for a long time and is utilised by many video editing professionals. Users just starting have reported that Lightworks has a relatively shallow learning curve, and its user interface is quite straightforward.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Video Editing Tools?

This video editing application does not have a mobile version, and you need to sign up for an account before you can use it or export your project.

In addition, because no feature allows for collaboration, another one of the program’s drawbacks is that you cannot invite other editors to participate in the creation of your project.

What Are The Common Video Editing Issues That Editors Struggle With?

During the video editing process, editors frequently struggle with audio issues that are out of sync with the video. A great video cannot have mismatched audio in any way, shape, or form. Even while the video editing software makes it possible to make adjustments to the sound levels of the entire video clip, many video editors find that doing so is a challenging undertaking.

Is Digital Video Editing Worth The Time And Effort?

To determine whether or not investing one’s time, energy, and, most importantly, money into a pastime is worthwhile, one must consider both the activity’s positives and negatives, similar to the evaluation of any other pastime. When done with the energy required for artistic expression, editing digital video can be an enjoyable and thrilling experience.