Vegas for amateurs vs. other less costing software

wbtczn wrote on 5/21/2004, 6:48 PM

As I've stated in another post, I've downloaded the trial version of Vegas 5. The other editing software I am using is Canopus' Let's Edit / Ulead DVD Movie Factory.

Does anybody have experience with both packages who could tell me the pros / cons of staying with Let's Edit vs. shelling out the big bucks for Vegas?

I'm not looking to be the next great Hollywood director / editor...just looking to make some cool DVDs with home video for family and friends.

Thanks for the input!

Comments

MyST wrote on 5/21/2004, 7:10 PM

Did you look at Screenblast by Sony?
http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=856

Mario

wbtczn wrote on 5/21/2004, 7:22 PM

I meant to include that in my original post. I do have Screenblast, too. It came with my DVD burner. How does that compare to Vegas?

JohnnyRoy wrote on 5/21/2004, 7:35 PM

Screenblast is Vegas’ little brother. It’s the same interface will less function. If you have Screenblast version 3 you should have 3 video tracks and 3 audio tracks which should be plenty to get you started. If you have only two video tracks then you have version 2 and I would definitely get version 3. If you ever outgrow Screenblast, everything you’ve learned is directly transferable to Vegas so you don’t have to start over learning a whole new interface.

~jr

ReneH wrote on 5/21/2004, 8:06 PM

If your looking into expanding your skills and the overall complexity of your videos, get Vegas 5.0. Nuff said!!

busterkeaton wrote on 5/21/2004, 9:57 PM

Screenblast is probably enough for your needs. If you ever want to upgrade to Vegas, don't pay full price. As a Screenblast owner there is an upgrade price.

Orcatek wrote on 5/22/2004, 6:43 AM

As others have said Screenblast is great. I also like Pinnacle Studio 9 (you can get a demo) for ease of use, but not as flexible as Screenblast.

I moved up to Vegas, as the things I was doing got more complicated and it was taking 4 different products to do things. Product X did this, and Y did that. Vegas does it all.

For home videos for friends and family, Vegas will be overkill. Once you get hooked, then move up. Sony does have a good upgrade path.

DavidMcKnight wrote on 5/22/2004, 7:20 AM

I agree with the Screenblast --> Vegas path. I myself came from Studio 8 to Vegas; don't know about Studio 9, but 8 was/is prone to crashes and instability.

riredale wrote on 5/22/2004, 9:29 AM

I came here via the StudioDV/Studio7/Vegas3/Vegas4 route. The danger of starting out on Vegas might be that your focus is distracted by all the bells and whistles. A parent probably wouldn't let a kid learn to drive on a Ferrari!

So I guess I'd vote for Screenblast also, even though I've never seen or used it. Down the road, if you ever find yourself saying, "Darn! I wish could've done THIS to that scene!" then you know it's time to get Vegas. But temper that impulse with the fact that Spielberg could probably still turn out a masterpiece with just Screenblast or StudioDV.

kameronj wrote on 5/22/2004, 11:36 AM

My 2 cents.

If you have the money to spend - get Vegas. Cut out the small bits in between.

If all you are doing is video capture turned around to DVD....then stick with what you got.

Vegas is a pretty dynamic application and can handle pretty much allthe curves you can throw at it....but if it is just a matter of money...and you have the money to spend - spend it on Vegas (and be done with the thinking part).

Vegas rocks.

wbtczn wrote on 5/22/2004, 1:23 PM

Thanks for all of the input. I think I'll stick with Screenblast for now. I knew there was an upgrade price for Vegas, but I wasn't aware that my Screenblast would apply. That's something good for me to keep in mind.