Simple video editing software?

[michaelmorris]

I very occasionally put together astronomical time lapse sequences. 

What I'm after is some really simple, idiot proof, cheap/free software for adding a title page and possibly some music. Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

[PhotoGav]

Are you a Mac or PC sort?

[Horwig]

For me it would have to be Avid media composer, they now do a free version:

http://www.avid.com/media-composer-first#Overview-Download

 

Huw

[michaelmorris]

1 hour ago, PhotoGav said:

Are you a Mac or PC sort?

Sorry, should have said - Windows 7 PC.

[Bizibilder]

You could have a browse here:  http://listoffreeware.com/list-best-free-video-editors/  I have no idea if any of them are any good!!  

[michaelmorris]

3 hours ago, Horwig said:

For me it would have to be Avid media composer, they now do a free version:

http://www.avid.com/media-composer-first#Overview-Download

 

Huw

Thanks Huw

Unfortunately it isn't Windows 7 compatible.

[Horwig]

1 hour ago, michaelmorris said:

Thanks Huw

Unfortunately it isn't Windows 7 compatible.

Yes it is, but it must be 64 bit pro version

[Mick J]

I would suggest for simple, windows movie maker unfortunately microsoft have dropped it alltogether.  The version (2.6vista) linked from @Bizibilder post is a bit old, you can find installers on the net for 'Windows Essential 2012' movie maker V16.4 was part of that package.  I know some have trouble getting V16.4 to run on modern computers (possibly why microsoft have dropped it) but it has always worked for me (only install MM not other essential's).

A free version of Da Vinci Resolve is available, not simple but very stable and useable, I was impressed when I played with it a couple of months ago.  I had memory problems with it and eventually installed a cheap graphic card on my desktop, strangely no problems on my slightly lower spec laptop?

DaVinci Resolve 14 Public Beta download from bottom of the page (Win,Mac & Linux)  also a good manual and forum and the usual youtube stuff.

[michaelmorris]

6 hours ago, Mick J said:

I would suggest for simple, windows movie maker unfortunately microsoft have dropped it alltogether.  The version (2.6vista) linked from @Bizibilder post is a bit old, you can find installers on the net for 'Windows Essential 2012' movie maker V16.4 was part of that package.  I know some have trouble getting V16.4 to run on modern computers (possibly why microsoft have dropped it) but it has always worked for me (only install MM not other essential's).

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately the movie maker program won't load on either of my Windows 7 machines.

[michaelmorris]

In the end I plumbed for Windows Movie Maker.  It's simple to use and does exactly what i wanted it for - to add text and music.

 

 

[malc-c]

29 minutes ago, paulss said:

Sorry for bumping in, but I'm also on the lookout for a simple video editing software. I wonder which one you have tried so far and can recommend to the rest of the world?

HitFilm Express is one, but if you really want a decent powerful program that is free then it has to be DaVinci Resolve

[fozzybear]

9 hours ago, malc-c said:

HitFilm Express is one, but if you really want a decent powerful program that is free then it has to be DaVinci Resolve

+1

[Mick J]

Also look at Shotcut,  runs on most os, lots of tutorials.  https://shotcut.org/   

( If you like a dark theme go with version 22, version 23 is very new  - see site for what an why)

Edited May 11, 2023 by Mick J

[malc-c]

1 hour ago, fozzybear said:

+1

The thing is that whilst Resolve is a powerful application, and may look daunting at first, it is simple to use - with drag and drop to the timeline, simple in and out trimming and pre-sets for rendering the final video.  If you do then want to get fancy with effects or transitions beyond basic wipes or crossfades it's all there