Video editing for novices round 2

[FLRon]

The sheer number of video editing software programs is overwhelming to say the least. I need something that I can use to turn MXF files into a video for my church. I’m currently using an outdated program that is becoming more glitchy all the time, and frankly isn’t all that great. I need a program that can handle the MXF files and doesn’t require an advanced degree in software engineering to navigate, and all for less than $300.00.
Thoughts/ideas?

[robj144]

DaVinci Resolve is free so you might want to try that.

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by FLRon

The sheer number of video editing software programs is overwhelming to say the least. I need something that I can use to turn MXF files into a video for my church. I’m currently using an outdated program that is becoming more glitchy all the time, and frankly isn’t all that great. I need a program that can handle the MXF files and doesn’t require an advanced degree in software engineering to navigate, and all for less than $300.00.
Thoughts/ideas?

Do you have an iPhone or Mac? I use multiple operating systems and have had some commercial video and audio editors but switched to what Apple includes, and getting a M1 type laptop last year with latest software and phone OS has made it even more fantastic.

If you're not using or intending to use the Apple platform I suggest a commercial Windows product with a large user base. That should get you something with good official support and maybe more important a program with lots of 3rd party such as YouTube learning content.

You need to be careful using outdates programs and operating system because they can be attack vectors during your Internet use.

[hubcapsc]

I use ffmpeg. It is mature and robust and receives constant
maintenance and updates. I've barely chipped away at its
many features. I make cell phone videos and use ffmpeg to
crop them, make clips from them, take frames from them,
add captions to them and normalize audio in them. ffmpeg is
a command line tool and is part of any normal linux - I use fedora...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FFmpeg

-Mike

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by FLRon

The sheer number of video editing software programs is overwhelming to say the least. I need something that I can use to turn MXF files into a video for my church. I’m currently using an outdated program that is becoming more glitchy all the time, and frankly isn’t all that great. I need a program that can handle the MXF files and doesn’t require an advanced degree in software engineering to navigate, and all for less than $300.00.
Thoughts/ideas?

Depending on what your notion of "an advanced degree in software engineering to navigate" is ,,,,,, I think almost any and especially any good full featured Video editing program is going to have a fairly steep learning curve, depending how close or not the basic's are to the program you currently use.

If your on a Mac computer Final Cut Pro is $299


But as mentioned even the free version of Davinci Resolve can give outstanding professional grade results

[FLRon]

I’m using a newish Dell desktop i10 processor computer with 32gb of RAM and dedicated high end video card. I do have a new iPhone, but I am taking MXF files(Canon pro camera) and putting them together to produce a video of our church service. Some programs won’t handle that file format so I would need a separate video converter.
I’ll give Davinci a try and see how it goes.

[Chipotle]

Originally Posted by FLRon

I am taking MXF files(Canon pro camera) and putting them together to produce a video of our church service. Some programs won’t handle that file format so I would need a separate video converter.
I’ll give Davinci a try and see how it goes.

If you do need a converter, I recommend HandBrake. Free and handles just about any format you care to, including MXF.

[kurth]

Originally Posted by Chipotle

If you do need a converter, I recommend HandBrake. Free and handles just about any format you care to, including MXF.

...and vlc, and free as well

[shufflebeat]

While you're exploring, check out Cockos Reaper's video capabilities.

You may even try using it for audio.

[keith.rogers]

Originally Posted by Chipotle

If you do need a converter, I recommend HandBrake. Free and handles just about any format you care to, including MXF.

+1. This would be my first stop with a format like that if you're having problems importing.

For editing, sorry, Mac guy here.