Sony Vegas Pro or Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum?

[Denholm]

Hello folks,

Recently I've been looking to purchase video editing software. I've always been impressed with the Sony Vegas suite and am wondering which you feel would be more beneficial for basic movie editing evolving to larger-scale work.

I've been looking at Sony Vegas Pro 11 and Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11 Production Suite. Which do you think would be the better choice?

Thank you for your insight.

[BoilerDown]

The Pro line is their professional product.  You probably don't need it, unless you do, which if you were a professional you would know.  Lol, sorry for the sarcasm, but seriously, unless you're sure, get the Movie Studio line, as its very good for its price.  And don't bother with the Production Suite unless you know you need it, its quite a bit more expensive than the regular HD Platinum version and, in my case at least, I would have no use for the added features.  And the Sony Vegas web site has a very good comparison chart showing what each version (Pro included) offers compared to the others.  Also be sure to utilize the free trials if you're not sure.

This is all general advice, as you haven't been very specific about what you were planning to do with the software.

[Denholm]

The problem is I don't exactly know what I'll be using the software for. I'll be editing movies and videos on behalf of a local aviation organization. I've edited a few of their movies before, but at this point it's beyond my ability to simply snip footage and move it on the timeline. My best guess is that it will turn from simply editing movies for the purpose of showing off to a more tutorial-style movie editing requiring effects, music, sound effects, visual effects, word tools, etc...

I'm sure you've experienced it before. Once someone realizes you can do more than they expected, they ask you to do more than you're capable of. Therefore, I'd prefer to have the right tools in the first place to provide me with the ability to handle upcoming challenges.

[guncrasher]

get this one 90 bucks sometimes it goes on sale as low as 50.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832135304

and this is a comparison of all of them.  the above product has almost everything the top of the line has except for 600 bucks less.

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope/compare


semp

[jigsaw]

Review of editing software (from last year)

http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

I've used Pinnacle Studio for quite a while. Last year they were bought out by Avid. In addition to releasing Pinnacle Studio version 15, Avid came out with "Avid Studio", which I switched to mostly due to the very low upgrade option. Some things to know should you consider Avid... their support is horrible. If you're running Win7hp you'll have to install additional C++ kits first (works fine on pro or better). After jumping through the hoops it's not bad software.

If I were getting into editing fresh, just going off that review and my own research I'd most likely go with Power Director or Vegas.

[Denholm]

Thank you for the additional insight. Boiler, I take it semp's chart is the one you were referring to? Very helpful.

[BoilerDown]

Boiler, I take it semp's chart is the one you were referring to? Very helpful.

Yes, that's it.