Churches today do video. Sharefaith is helping them do it. The time will come, however, when you want to take video to the next level, with sophisticated editing and extra effects. There’s a problem. Video editing software is often very expensive. How do you do refine video and enhance church video experience without robbing from your building fund or causing no small stir at the next business meeting?
In order to help out, we’ve selected some of the best and most affordable video software that churches can use to edit our videos. We don’t get any money for mentioning these programs. We’re simply making a recommendation to you so you can improve your church media.
Adobe Premier Elements 8
The Good: Adobe is a trusted name. The interface is slick, smart, and powerful. You can do just about anything with this single tool. The online library has a host of templates that you can use for your videos. Works great for HD and even Blu-ray. Professional-level power without the expense.
The Bad: Nothing too terrible, except that the product is a bit hard to learn. A few classes would be helpful. Because the program is so feature-rich, it can also be time-consuming simply to learn how to make it work.
The Cost:$94.99
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
The Good: Besides having a very cool name, Core VideoStudio Pro X3 also has a very cool look. The program runs quickly and seamlessly. The interface uses easy-to-access editing tools. In addition, Corel VideoStudio has an impressive array of power tools.
The Bad: If you want to do more than meekly drag and drop files, you’re going to need to take some classes on how to use this program. As a professional-level piece of software, it takes a hefty learning curve to get productive with it.
The Cost: $79.99
CyberLink PowerDirector 8 Deluxe
The Good: I’ve always been skeptical of software that had “cyber” in its name, but this one is decent. For the ordinary video editing, this will do the job. The program even has special effects tools, and supports HD. It’s also very inexpensive as video editing software goes.
The Bad: Even though it markets itself as a home movie tool, it can be a bit tough to learn. Disk creation, in particular, is bewildering.
The Cost: $49.95
Magix Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus
The Good: It’s a great program if you’re looking for full-bore power, plus some other handy tools (like direct publishing to YouTube) and even 3D animation adaptibility. It’s well-suited to someone who knows what they’re doing.
The Bad: If you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to video editing, Magix Movie may not be your best option. Learning to do the cool stuff is a bit difficult. Oh, and if your computer is already gasping for breathe and slowing down, don’t install this program. It taxes your processor and can really slow things down.
The Cost: $89.00
Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9
The Good: Go ahead and perform a jaw-dropping “wow” at the array of features and capabilities of this program. It’s powerful. Sony doesn’t disappoint when it comes to all things digital, and their video editing tool is one of the best.
The Bad: You may have expected it from a program that is powerful. It’s also kind of difficult to learn. Once you do learn it, though, it really pays off. If it’s any encouragement, their tutorial system is both fun, easy, and very helpful.
The Cost: $73.99
For a church that is serious about its video editing, the Sharefaith-recommended software is Sony Vegas Pro. The price tag is big ($599.95), but the capabilities are astounding. The Platinum edition will do the job, however, at a substantially lower cost.
Video editing actually makes sense when you have real videos to do stuff with. Sharefaith has hundreds of such videos. If you’re not yet a member, sign up and get started with some video in your church.