Video editing software recommendation

[66steve99]

I'm sorry, I know this has probably been done to death and everyone really just pushes whatever they use, but I feel like it's worth a try! I am yet to try any video software that hasn't completely bamboozled me at the first step.

Planned usage:

CInematic drone videos of landscapes and wildlife from Air 3S. No text, no animations, no star wipes, no social media stuff, just trimming and joining clips and adding a music track.

I would like the ability to play with LUTs for the D-Log M and frame rates for cinematic slo-mo etc.

Current resources aren't huge:

HP Spectre-x360
Processor 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U (1.70 GHz)
Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable)
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

I do plan to upgrade in the next year or so but it will almost certainly be a PC due to cost and familiarity. I can handle a slow export of the final result but obviously I don't want to get bogged in the creative stages.

Of course I've heard all the general recommendations but I'm hoping that based on the above info there might be some agreement on something where the learning curve is worth the payoff for my use?

 

[Trevor_S]

DaVinci Resolve – Studio | Blackmagic Design

Professional video editing, color correction, visual effects and audio post production all in a single application. Free and paid versions for Mac, Windows and Linux.

www.blackmagicdesign.com

 

[Paul Holman]

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/studio

I doubt it would run smoothly on the OP's limited resources.

It also doesn't fit well with his comment;
" I am yet to try any video software that hasn't completely bamboozled me at the first step."
Resolve has one of the most complex UI's of any editing software.

From what I remember Adobe Premiere elements is one of the simplest editors to start with, if you're prepared to pay. Although I don't know if it will handle LUTs etc in future.

 

[DesertDrifter]

I've tried several - waaaay too much for me. I like simple. I stick with Windows Movie Maker. You have to search for how to download it because it's been discontinued. But you can get it. All my YouTube videos were created with it - see if it would be enough for you.

Larry G

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

 

[Adrian Harris]

I hate it when sales people ask me this question, but here I think it is very relevant:

What is your budget?

Once we know it will help us guide you with options.

Magix do Movie Studio at quite a bargain price (under £100 at 2025). And it was extremely simple to use when I tried it a few years ago.

I personally still use an old version of Sony Vegas, as it suits my personal needs.

 

[Adrian Harris]

Magi do a comprehensive suite of video editing programs from beginner to full pro.

I now use an older expensive profession program. But played with the basic version from Magix in 2018 and was very impressed. The newest version from Magix is currently only £36 in the UK. And you can download a free trial.