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New to Video Editing – Vegas Purchase Questions
Hello all. I am new to editing and trying to captain a documentary project. I am thinking of using Sony Vegas Pro because it sounds as if it will be the easiest to use to get professional documentary quality. My questions are as follows:
1. Will the files (mp4) from a JVC GY-HM100U import and edit easily?
2. Since I am trying to save money, would it be a good idea to buy Pro 10 or Pro 11? Basically, is 12 worth the premium $ for a newbie?
3. Is Vegas Pro the easiest system to learn? I have tried Adobe with Photoshop and absolutely hate it.
Thanks
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4 Replies
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1. Yes they will. I have a JVC GY-HM750U and use XDCAM EX ClipBrowser to re-wrap the files to MXF format but the mp4 files will work just fine.
2. You can no longer buy Pro 10 or 11 from Sony, only through a 3rd party.
Since you’re a newbie to editing, I’d buy Movie Studio Platinum 12 ($95.00) or Movie Studio Platinum 12 Suite ($125.00 – includes Sound Forge Audio Studio) instead of Pro 12.
If you find that you need the extra tools and features that Pro has, you can always upgrade at a reduced price.3. I work at a community college and use Vegas because I can get students editing with minimal instruction.
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The reason I was wanting to go with Pro 12 is that I felt like it would handle a full length (90 min) documentary better. From what I understand, Pro allows for unlimited audio and video tracks whereas the lesser version have limits. Is this correct? Is this something I should be concerned about or, like you said, just use Movie Studio suite?
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Movie Studio can handle 20 tracks of video and 20 tracks of audio while Pro is unlimited.
If you think you will need more than 20, go ahead and buy Pro.
There is a comparison chart showing the differences between different programs at https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope/compare
Both programs have trial versions so I highly recommend downloading the trial versions and playing with them to see which one you like better.
Only do one at a time though and start with Movie Studio as it will be easier to learn. -
Benjamin
Just be aware that if you intend to get serious and start working with other cameras such as the Panasonic P2, you will be unable to ingest the footage unless you have Pro. Of course, you can always start with the consumer version and see if you like it then upgrade later for a small cost.
The Pro version also supports Smart Proxy editing
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