Movie making question

[33Vortex]

Ok so I got Pinnacle's Studio 11 Ultimate yesterday, the problem is that it doesn't accept the video files captured with Fraps. I found a conversion application, DVDate, which converted the Fraps file so that it could be used in Studio 11. It is of no value however because in the conversion process it makes any file 4:3 aspect. I'm using a 16:10 screen and want to use that format in Studio 11, which isn't a problem. The problem is to find a conversion app which maintain the aspect ratio of the original file.

Anyone familiar with this and know a fix? 

[33Vortex]

Studio 11 might be a good program, I don't know never used it before, but if I'm unable to import Fraps .avi files, screw Pinnacle. Downloaded a trial version of Sony Vegas and the .avi files from Fraps work without any problems whatsoever. I may uninstall Studio 11 to return it for a refund and get Sony Vegas instead.

[Fulmar]

Studio 11 might be a good program, I don't know never used it before, but if I'm unable to import Fraps .avi files, screw Pinnacle. Downloaded a trial version of Sony Vegas and the .avi files from Fraps work without any problems whatsoever. I may uninstall Studio 11 to return it for a refund and get Sony Vegas instead.

I've never used Pinnacle before, but Sony Vegas comes highly recommended from me and I'm sure a lot of other people.

[33Vortex]

Does Sony Vegas adapt to the resolution of the first clip, or do you have to set the resolution for the film manually? Is the resolution customizable or do you have to select a standard format?

[Kermit de frog]

Does Sony Vegas adapt to the resolution of the first clip, or do you have to set the resolution for the film manually? Is the resolution customizable or do you have to select a standard format?

With Sony Vegas, you can select a standard format or a custom format.  From the resolution, to the frame rate, to the pixel shape and even the bitrate for audio and video.  You can use any encoder you wish.  Be advised that one person on this forum says he can not import fraps into his Sony Vegas.  I've never had this problem nor have I heard of this from anyone else.  I use WinXP Pro SP2, Creative sound card and an Nvidia graphics card.  Everything works fine on my end.  You can download a trail verson on sony's website.

Here's some information I just posted to applies to you.

Sony Vegas now has cheaper versions.
Prices are around $60, $80 and $500 at amazon.com

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/vegasfamily.asp

I'd go with the mid tier Platinum edition at the very least.  Not sure what the difference is between the low-end and mid tier, but the Pro edition just takes restrictions away and allows you to control your workflow and speed up editing on complex and long films.

A book I like to refer to once a month is called "Inspired 3D Short Film Production" by Jeremy Cantor and Pepe Valencia.  Half the book doesn't really apply to AH films, but it's the other half that has inspired and helped me along the way.  It will provide you with the right questions to ask yourself during your storytelling days.  You can probably buy that book on amazon as well.

Good luck FBClaw and have fun in the future.

[33Vortex]

Ok thanks, Sony Vegas seems to be what I'm looking for. Wish I'd known a few days ago! Already tried the trial version and Fraps film work just fine.

Are there any effects included with Sony Vegas?

[Kermit de frog]

I have 4 links in my signature.  All made with Sony Vegas.
Yes, Vegas has effects included as well as hundreds more you can buy from 3rd party companies.

[Fulmar]

Yeah, the stock effects in Vegas are pretty good.

[33Vortex]

Is it possible to upgrade to Vegas Pro at a later time if you'd want to?

[Latrobe]

I, for one, hate Pinnacle Studio. The version I have kills the quality of the film no matter what format I put it, or what resolution I have it. That's probably why I haven't been able to finish some of the films I have stocked up in my film folder, I don't have a program to work with.

Would love to be able to buy Sony Vegas though!

[splitatom]

the only movie editing program i have used was for school iMovie which is prety good program

[33Vortex]

Latrobe, and anyone else who's interested.

After using both Pinnacle Studio and Sony Vegas I arrive at the same conclusion. Pinnacle Studio is junk, too limited and with a rather childish GUI. You can not import *.avi files straight from Fraps but need to convert them first. When making a DVD you are limited to the default names for menus (My Home Video), it's not even possible to change it. How stupid is that? These and other limitations of the software makes it a complete waste of money. So, unless you can get it for free, don't buy it!

Sony Vegas Movie Studio on the other hand is much more user-friendly with a wide range of options to handle the media you need and to integrate it into your movie project.



Quick version:
Pinnacle Studio = 
Sony Vegas Movie Studio = 

[Latrobe]

I would already have Sony Vegas if it wasn't so expensive! 

[Fulmar]

I would already have Sony Vegas if it wasn't so expensive! 

Look at Adobe Premiere.  Vegas is a bargain.

[33Vortex]

Pinnacle Studio 11 Ultimate = 10 GB of "waste of space"