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(Best video editing software for Mac, Price: $299.99) Supported platforms: Mac only FCP or Final Cut Pro is a premium software developed by Apple Inc. For Mac computers. GoPro Studio is the official video editing software for GoPro videos but it is not free! If you are a Mac user and looking for a nice free video editing software for Mac to edit Gopro videos, I will highly recommend you MovieMator Free Mac Video Editor: the best free alternative to Gopro Studio. The Best Video Editing Software of 2018 Whether you're a weekend GoPro shooter or a full-time video professional, you need editing software that's powerful but easy to use. Here's how the best.
The Rundown
Our Top PicksBest From Hobbyist to Pro: Final Cut Pro X
If you want a video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience (and you plan on growing as a video editor while using it), then Final Cut Pro X is well worth your consideration. It may take a few tutorial videos to really get yourself ready to start doing much, but once you get your feet wet, you can do basic editing and learn more and more advanced tricks over time.
While Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing tool, it’s approachable enough for hobbyist videographers to get on board with. And it has a bit more reasonable price than some of the other serious pro video editing software. As a pro software, it comes packed with handy features to help you realize your vision.
The latest version of Final Cut Pro X has the multi-track timeline needed for editing but brings in the future of video and pro features. It supports 360-degree video, graphics, and effects. You can edit together video from multi-cam recording setups and easily switching between multiple angles. And, you can create HDR content. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Apple offers a free trial so you can see if this one is up your alley before you dive all the way in.
Most Accessible Apple editor: Apple iMovie
If you really just want to get started editing videos on your Mac, or even on your iPhone or iPad, then the easiest way is to get Apple iMovie. This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go.
For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video with a clear flow. You’ll be able to combine multiple video files, layer different video and audio tracks, and add title screens to your video without much fuss. It even includes video filters and some special effects, including picture-in-picture.
The latest version of Apple iMovie keeps up with the trends in video, supporting 4K video editing. So, all that 4K video you capture on your iPhone can be turned into a movie in iMovie. If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.
Best for Pros: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC (Creative Cloud) software is a powerful video editor for professionals putting out movies, short films, and the like. Of course, it’s also a viable option for hobbyists looking to sharpen their teeth on a video editor that gets used in professional positions. If you’re not trying to go professional with your editing quite yet, you may want to check out the next pick.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a constantly evolving video editing software, as Adobe rolls out updates over time. Rather than buying a single edition of the software, you pay for a subscription as long as you’re using it. An added perk is that the software isn’t exclusive to Mac, so you can switch between different computers with different operating systems if you need to.
That subscription gives you access to Premiere Pro for editing all sorts of video, from 3D and even 8K. You’ll also be able to handle audio tracks, add graphics, manage light and color, and effectively put together whatever video you can imagine. If you use Adobe’s other software, like Photoshop or Illustrator, then Premiere Pro will be a great option for easily integrating different workflows.
Easiest-to-Use Cross-Platform Editor: Adobe Premiere Elements 2018
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 is almost exactly what it sounds like. It’s a stripped down version of the pro Premiere software. This does make it a little less capable, and new features aren’t constantly rolling out to it, but it works as an easily approachable video editing software for those just getting started. And, without a subscription model, you can pay for the software once and you’re set.
If you’re an amateur just getting started with video editing, and especially if you’re not planning on going pro, then Premiere Elements 2018 will be an excellent pick for you. While Premiere Elements does give you plenty of tools for putting together multiple video, image, and audio files into one complete video, it also has some tools to help you make a better video if you’re not a savvy editor already. Plus, the software is available on both Mac and PC.
Premier Elements 2018 helps you organize the files you’ll be using in your video, and it can guide you through the editing process from beginning to end. It will also let you add in some fun little effects to spice up your video. https://slimyellow414.weebly.com/best-external-hard-drive-for-mac-pro.html. And, in keeping with the times, it supports 4K video.
Best Open-Source Software: Shotcut
Shotcut is highly versatile free video editing software available on Mac and PC. Once you get past the somewhat steep learning curve, you’ll find you can do quite a lot with Shotcut. And, since it’s a free software, you have the option of seeing whether or not you like it without having to pay a cent.
Shotcut is a multi-track editing software like any other serious software, and you can readily rearrange the workspace to suit your editing needs. Shotcut supports a wide variety of file types for both input and output, including 4K video. Plus, you can edit audio, color, and lighting effects in Shotcut.
Best financial software for mac users. Though Shotcut isn’t the easiest software to just pick up and start editing videos with, the nature of being a free software means plenty of people are using it and making incredibly helpful tutorial videos or guides on how to use it. And, if you want a readily portable option, Shotcut is it, since you can run it directly off an external storage drive.
Best Starter Freeware: Lightworks
Lightworks blends the offerings of a free editing software with a paid one. Compared to Shotcut, it has an easier learning curve, but some of the features that you’ll want may be part of the paid Lightworks Pro version, such as the ability to export your final product in more video formats and higher resolutions.
Whether or not you need the free or paid versions is a question you can answer for yourself later on though, as either will let you import a wide range of file formats, easily edit together multiple files, manage your audio, add titles, and tweak your visuals.
The free version of Lightworks will be a fine option for anyone who isn’t concerned much about video resolution, as you’ll still be able to output web-ready 720p videos. But, if you try out Lightworks, like how it works, and want to stick with it as your video editor of choice, you can upgrade to the Pro software and start putting out high-quality video. Plus, Lightworks is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you’ll be able to stick with Lightworks even if you stop using a Mac later on.
Best Freeware: DaVinci Resolve 15Gopro Video Editing Software Free
If you’re ready to get started editing all kinds of videos and putting out the final product in a high-quality, 4K format without having to pay a cent to do so, then DaVinci Resolve 15 is a great option. While there is a paid Studio version, you’ll really only need to go with that if you’re planning to do some collaboration or want access to a few of the software’s more advanced tools and effects.
For the most part, DaVinci Resolve 15 is going to give you plenty of functionality to take your footage, organize it with data to help you find what you need, and edit it all together. Once you’re done, you can output in just about any format you need, whether you want the highest quality or something that’s ready to upload quickly to YouTube.
If you want a video editing software you can get serious with, then DaVinci Resolve 15 fits the bill. It’s just a bonus that the free version is so capable because it’ll give you a chance to try it for yourself and see if it feels like something you can really use.
Best for Tutorial and Presentation Videos: Camtasia
Camtasia is particularly handy if you’re planning to make videos that will use footage captured from your computer screen. Best hd for mac. That’s because it’s a screen recorder and video editor built into one product.
With Camtasia, you’ll be able to record the screen and audio of your computer or even your iOS device. If you’re putting together tutorial videos, this capability will be incredibly useful. Plus, you have the option of adding webcam footage on top of the screen-captured video.
Beyond screen-capture, Camtasia also gives you multi-track timeline editing and tools for transitions, animations, audio and video effects, and annotations. If you want to make a presentation video, you can also add in a PowerPoint. So, whether you’re an educator, business professional, or just trying to put some tutorials up on YouTube, Camtasia offers tools you can use to capture and edit the video you need. A free trial will give you a chance to see if its tool and features a good fit for you.
What to Look for in Video Editing Software for a Mac
Free vs. paid - If you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the world of video editing, a free software program is probably your best bet. If you have more advanced needs, you’ll likely need to pay to access the features you’ll need. However, most software programs have free trials that let you try them before you buy them.
File compatibility - Before you commit to a new program, make sure it’s compatible with the type of video you’ll be shooting. While some programs support 4K video, others don’t, and yet others will support 3D and 4K. Be sure to consider both the input and output formats you’ll need.
Extra features - Most video editing programs can handle the basics—merging clips, adding transitions, and laying down audio—but the extra features are what will take your video from amateur to expert. Look for handy features like multi-track timelines, filters, special effects, and more.
More and more so, drone – and the aerial photography and videography it’s capable of producing – is becoming commonplace. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and models, they can be specially ordered online or picked up at a local electronics retailer without any hassle. But as more people are gaining a bird’s eye view of the world, more people are seeking out the best software to edit drone video.
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Hundreds of programs capable of making edits, but not everyone is created equally. We’ve gone through the trouble of analyzing six of the industry leaders, explaining in detail just what makes them so popular and the advantages they have to offer artists.
✔ Best Drone Video Editing Software (6 Picks)
Update: Read our AirMagic Review(a new dedicated drone photography software)
1.) Final Cut Pro X
Overview:
Final Cut Pro X, Apple’s innovative editing software, is a leader in editing software for a good reason.
Virtually any filmmaker can benefit from the power packed into Final Cut. It features a brand new, intuitive user interface, including a “magnetic timeline” capable of color coding clips and overlapping video lanes for organizing complex projects. It also offers direct access to photo and audio libraries through its comprehensive program browser.
For die-hard Final Cut users, it’s a hard departure from the UI of older models – in fact, the leap was drastic enough that it’s driven away some consumers that preferred the way things used to be. Nevertheless, the majority of users have responded positively to the updates.
Aside from having multiple plugins available, it’s capable of directly importing content from cameras or drives. Upon completion, a project can be uploaded directly to Youtube, Facebook, and other social media websites.
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For drone photographers looking to get their work off the field and online as quickly possible, posting directly to social media is an undeniable plus.
Unfortunately, Final Cut Pro has one major flaw when it comes to compatibility – it’s only usable on the Mac. Because of this, it’s completely inaccessible to a large percentage of videographers.
Its shortcomings are overshadowed by the image quality produced on output. With no issues processing RAW HD 4K footage, it features some of the best color and detail rendering available on the market. Furthermore, its rendering speeds far exceed the baseline performance, allowing users to simultaneous import and edit.
Final Verdict:Final Cut Pro X is a sleek, solid choice for working professionals seeking a polished end product in an efficient package. However, it does have a few shortcomings and is inaccessible for those using any hardware not produced by Apple.
Related Post: How to Get Started with Aerial Photography Using a Drone
2.) Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Overview:
One of the first nonlinear editing systems out there, Adobe released Premiere back in 1991. Today, it continues to be one of the leading editing software available, providing frequent updates to support evolving tech. In its most recent iterations, it’s done some serious revamp regarding UI.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC now allows edits to source footage, saving countless hours of editing. Notably, it’s also upped it multicam support, with the ability to sync up to 64 angles at once. For drone users, this could mean seamless transitions between ground and aerial shots.
As far as compatibility goes, it transfers easily between Adobe programs such as After Effects. It supports a wide variety of video, animation, and audio formats. And, unlike fellow competitor Final Cut Pro, it is usable with both Windows and Mac products.
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Its main shortcoming lies in its comparatively slow rendering time. It also struggles to process ultra HD 4K footage and lacks export presets supporting the larger frame size. Outside of output, it’s also only available by subscription rather than a one-time payment. For the long term, this means that Adobe can be a bit pricey when compared to similar products.
Final Verdict: If you have an existing Adobe Cloud subscription, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the tools Premiere has to offer. If you can get past its slow speed, it has a lot to offer in an intuitive format.
3.) DaVinci Resolve 12.5
Overview:
As far as free video editing software goes, there’s no beating DaVinci Resolve. Its capabilities and workflow stand up strongly against paid programs like Premiere and Final Cut, offering many of the same features. Described as a “Hollywood-caliber” program, it may not look much different from other editing software. However, it does sync with tactile controls such as the state-of-the-art Fairlight audio console for precision edits. Notably, it’s often praised for its top of the line color correction technology, offering a series of sliders, wheels, and curves to get your footage looking its best.
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DaVinci can be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux hardware (although running on Linux does involve purchasing the Studio upgrade). However, it’s inexpensive price tag means that it sacrifices some of its ability to process file formats – which includes the standard. MOV format employed by many drones. Even with the Studio upgrade, DaVinci is lacking in the compatibility department.
Luckily, Resolve does an excellent job on the output rendering front. It features a render queue, making it perfect for batch processing jobs. Like Final Cut Pro, it’s also able to deliver directly to video sharing sites like Vimeo and Youtube.
Final Verdict: If you’re on a budget but not willing to sacrifice quality, DaVinci Resolve may be your best bet. It offers all of the basics a videographer could ever need or want, despite not being able to process certain file types.
4.) GoPro Studio
Overview:
As you might have guessed, GoPro Studio is designed specifically to process and footage produced by GoPros and other similar action cameras that are commonly used on drones. With automated uploads and imports, editing presets, and audio syncing, this software is designed to work for those still learning the ropes of videography. However, the simplicity of the program means dealing with a few annoying limitations. Among the most problematic of these limitations is not being able to see audio levels and make volume adjustments for easy listening.
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As far as compatibility goes, GoPro Studio has the advantage of being able to work with footage produced by a variety of different cameras (despite being a GoPro specific product). Though it is compatible with Windows as well as Mac, it has a few limitations when working with the former.
One of the major disadvantages of working with GoPro Studio is its sluggish processing power. And unlike other software, which offers paid upgrades, GoPro has no enhancements to remedy the slow rendering issue. At one point, there were paid “Premium” and “Pro” versions available, but for unspecified reasons, GoPro has been in the works of discontinuing said products.
Final Verdict: The main thing that GoPro Studio has to offer is convenience. If you’re a beginner, it’s easy to understand and bringing in drone footage is likely to be uncomplicated. However, more experienced videographers may feel that this software is lacking.
5.) Lightworks
Overview:
One of the most underrated programs available, Lightworks is certainly worth looking into. The UI is easy to configure and customizable so that you can make the program fit your tastes. Unlike other programs, Lightworks features a series of free-floating windows with options that can be easily accessed or dismissed at your convenience. This design suggests that the people behind this program are hyper-aware of the fact that each editor has their unique style.
As one of the most compatible options available, Lightworks can be used by all three of the major operating systems. This alone sets it apart from other professional grade video editors. Better yet, it has one of the widest file support ranges of any program.
With background import, rendering, and export optimized for maximum speed, Lightworks does not fall short on its ability to process and output footage. In fact, it has been used by Hollywood filmmakers in the production of films like Pulp Fiction and The Wolf of Wall Street. But don’t be fooled – this software is not flawless. The biggest drawback for many potential consumers is the price. Like Premiere, it is available by subscription, which can quickly surpass the costs of other comparable programs.
Final Verdict: A great alternative to bigger names like Premiere and Final Cut, Lightworks can live up to the needs of any professional. If you purchase it, take full advantage of all that it has to offer – gaining access to the program’s full capabilities may break your budget.
6.) CyberLink PowerDirector
Overview:
In theory, the Power Director by Cyberlink program is a prosumer’s dream. Specifically, it’s designed to allow casual filmmakers the arsenal of a full-fledged powerhouse program with the ease provided by a novice NLE system. Some have described CyberLink’s user interface to be overwhelming. With a somewhat busy design, it’s not as intuitive as it should be for its relatively inexperienced target audience. For drone users without videography experience, navigating can be a challenge.
However, one of the biggest issues with PowerDirector is its incompatibility with Apple products. Like Final Cut Pro, ignoring this huge subsection of the market means missing out on thousands of potential users.
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But. CyberLink does shine when it comes to output. When stacked against the competition, the program consistently comes out with the fastest rendering time. Based on this fact alone, it is often ranked among the top tier of video editing programs currently available.
Best Gopro Video Editing Software For Facebook
Final Verdict: The Power Director by Cyberlink Best raid backup for mac. isn’t up to par with the competition, and Mac users won’t be able to use this program at all. However, it’s unbeatable output speed is difficult to brush off.
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