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Written by phoenix
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Sunday, 16 March 2008 |
What I would consider minimum hardware requirements:
RAM: 512MB, though 1 GB would be better.
Hard drive: This in part depends on how many clips you want to keep on the computer. I generally only keep the current 2-3 projects, until I'm sure they are done, and then archive them to an external drive. You could also archive them to DVD or CD. I made it work with a 30GB drive for years. One thing you do want is a faster drive speed, 7200 rpm or better. The faster the drive speed, the more quickly it can access data and speed up the processing of your vid.
Processor: This is harder as the different chips are hard to compare with each other. Basically, the faster the chip, the faster your processing time. Pretty much all the new computers out there have a clock speed that can support vidding.
DVD Burner: I call this a necessity for two reasons. First, you can archive if you run out of drive space. Second, you can watch your vids on your TV, send them to your friends, etc.
Software:
Choosing software can be a daunting task, especially when you look at some of the prices.
If you aren't sure you want to spend a lot of money and you have Windows XP or a Mac, you can use Windows Movie Maker (WMM) and iMovie, respectively. Each of these programs comes with the operating system. Be warned that WMM is geared toward editing home movies and will not have the ability to use multiple audio and video tracks, but it is a good place to start and get your feet wet.
Now that you've determined you want to vid seriously and are willing to spend some money, you have some options. Note: Prices are approximate and from company websites. Better deals may be found and companies may run occasional specials lowering the price.
IMPORTANT! Know your system specs when selecting software. While a program my operate with the minimum, it is best to have at least the recommended. If you have an older computer, you may be able to find and older version of the software on ebay that would be more compatible with your computer, though, obviously, it would have less features than the latest version.
In the $100 price range are the following programs. They are all very similar and have many of the same features, though they have different interfaces. I would highly recommended downloading a trial version. Of course, this may not be feasible if you are on dial-up unless you have a lot of patience. 
Sony Movie Studio ~ $90
Ulead Video Studio ~ $100
Adobe Premiere Elements ~ $100
There may be other programs in this price range and I will add them in as they are brought to my attention. Both Movie Studio and Visual Studio have been described as user friendly. I have not heard that description used with Premiere Elements.
Now, for a powerhouse program, in the $400+ range there are:
Sony Vegas ~ $450
Ulead Media Studio Pro ~ $499
Adobe Premiere ~ $700
In the case of Vegas, you can upgrade Movie Studio to Vegas at a cost savings, so you would not be throwing away your purchase price of Movie Studio if you decide to upgrade in the future. Advantages of Vegas over MS include:
-Unlimited number of tracks for audio and video
-Additional effects/transitions
-Ability to render to HighDef
-Extreme control over tracks through keyframes to include reversing
Like Vegas, MediaStudio Pro offers and upgrade from Video Studio discount and, from preliminary reports, many of the extras are the same. Additions include:
-Ability to flip a clip
I have not noticed this feature for Adobe, but Elements is a new product for them. |
