With the availability of free software, video editing has become very accessible to everyone. Though without any professional training, it can be very difficult for you to learn how to edit videos. But it’s still possible to do. From a family vacation road trip to a horror scene of a Hollywood movie. I’m trying to cover up a beginner’s guide and tools list for you to approach editing, even though you haven’t touched any editing software before. But before we start the process, we will need to research some things. Here we go.
Video Editing Computer
If you are a beginner, you don’t need to buy an expensive computer at first. Get a decent monitor and a video card, but both should be able to be installed on most new computers. If you have a computer already, check it with your video editing software whether it works or not. Because many older computers aren’t fast enough and if you have one of them, then, unfortunately, you’ll have to upgrade your whole system.
Your video editing computer should have a large memory capacity. Mac computers are very easy for beginner video editors to deal with.
Video Editing Tools
It can be very tough for you to choose the perfect video editing software for your device. There is a lot of software’s with different prices and different features. I recommend starting with a free editing tool if you are new in the field. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to edit your videos. Be patient and work through a tutorial of your editing tool.
- VideoPad Video Editor is a free tool for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8, and 10. It’s also supported on Mac OS X, iOS, and Android mobile devices. You can easily edit your video and add a music track with this software.
- VSCD Video Editor, available on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10. There’s also a paid version in the market. Movies can be exported for PC, iPhone, Web, DVD formats.
- Pinnacle Studio 20 has a lot of features and options at a low price. You can seamlessly work on drag or drop, speed up or down, and audio edit with this tool.
- iMovie is available on all of the Mac computers. It can be downloaded on iOS mobile devices. It’s totally free and featured. You can seamlessly work on your videos, still photos, and music with this tool.
Video Editing Accessories
Make sure that you have enough space on your computer to save all the necessary footages. For instance, a one hour of 1080i video from a mini-DV camcorder will take place nearly 42 GB. If you don’t have enough internal space, try getting an external hard disk.
To connect your computer, external disk and your camera, get several firewire or USB cables. Never forget to check manuals before buying your accessories because different computers and cameras support different connectors.
Make your Footage Ready
You need to work with your footage before you start editing. Different programs accept different formats of files. It’s better to shoot your video on a digital device because it’s easier to import the footages to software. But if your footage is shot with an analog device, then you have to convert it into digital format and then you can import it.
Tips and Tricks
With some tips and tricks, you could be nailing your video editing. The professional video editing websites or video editors follow these tricks so that their videos look so polished. Having the right computer, software, and essential accessories, a good video comes up in the end with patience and practice.
- The more footages you shoot, the better you can edit your video. You should always bring the videos that enhance your story. These videos can be used for smooth development in your movie.
- Use a tripod. That helps to prevent your camera from shaky footages. Shaky footages are always disgusting.
- Instrumentals are better. Lyrics can be distracting at times. So I prefer adding instrumentals to my videos.
- Don’t take a lot of wide shots because the medium range and close-up shots are better at keeping the viewer’s engaged in your story.
- Fresh eyes always reveal something. So try to take a break in the rounds of your edits. Desensitized eyes don’t see many things sometimes.
If you have the right tools and accessories, video editing is your cup of tea. But it takes a lot of time and practice to become a professional. Therefore, don’t give up if you fail for the first time, Professionals don’t become professionals in a day. They had to have enough patience and hardworking. I hope this video editing guide will help you and I wish you good luck with your video editing journey.