Video Editing Software for Windows

Get the Right Video Editing PC Software for Your Needs

If you take video editing seriously or want to enhance your hobby to a new level, then you will need to purchase dedicated software. The range of prices and capabilities is huge, and there are many questions you'll need to consider before making a purchase. eBay has a large range of models to choose from.

The software packages on offer range from basic functionality, right through to something you might see creating videos you'd see on television. For less than the price of a coffee, you can even try out a piece of software to see if it can do what you are looking for. At the higher end of the price range, you are looking at advanced features such as filters, motion/object tracking, customisation, and even live TV multiple source switching. Research your video editing needs carefully to ensure you are buying a product with enough functionality for you.

This depends on how advanced the software is. Item descriptions will include the minimum system requirements for video editing, but it is famously demanding on any home computer. If your price range is going into the hundreds, then you will need an equivalently expensive PC with the correct specifications in order to run these programmes properly.

The range of software on offer means that specific brands and versions are definitely better suited to different needs:

• Pinnacle Studio 20: An affordable place for beginners to start with a lot of functionality
• Sony Vegas: At the lower end of the price range this can represent a big step up from cheaper software.
• Sony Vegas Pro: Ranging into the hundreds of pounds, this is for professional use.
• Adobe: Similar to Sony Vegas, some products are good for the serious amateur and others for high-end professional work.
• Cyberlink: Mid-range and well regarded for its speed and accessibility

This will affect what you can do with the edited video. If it is for home, personal or non-profit use then you can use a licence-free category. However, if you wish to sell or distribute your work commercially, then a commercial licence will be necessary. These are, as a consequence, more expensive, as you will be using the software to generate your own income.