Movie Studio Plat. vs Premiere Elements

[dsttexas]

I worked with PrEl with various releases from 3 through 9 for several projects, then with 10 had some issues we couldn't get around so I got Movie Studio 12 / DVD Arch for my last project about three years ago. I kind of preferred PrEl's interface more, but mostly due to experience.

About to start up a big project - really lots of years of family videos to edit down into I expect multiple DVD's. 16 VHS tapes already converted to AVI's with WinDv, 12 Hi8 cassettes yet to be converted / imported, and a number of .mov files from my digital camera. My Sony Hi8 digital video camera is kaput, so will have to find a way to convert cassettes into mp4 or avi file format somehow, but will likely pay the estimated $120 repair cost as not a lot of other options.

Before investing lots of time for this project in the latest version of Movie Studio or PrEl, do any of you have opinions on pros and cons of current versions of these products?

Thanks all. I have had wonderful support through the years from you folks!
Don

[Steve Grisetti]

That's always the most difficult question to answer, Don. Which is better. And I always say it's a little like saying which is better: A VW, a Toyota or a Ford? Is an SUV superior to a sporty economy car? Is the new variable transmission superior to traditional gears?

And it's really just impossible to say. It depends on the way you like to work.

If you haven't used Premiere Elements since version 10, it's definitely worth checking out the latest versions. Adobe did some major overhauls in version 11, and they've created a program that does more things automatically and works better with a wider variety video formats. In fact, I must confess that, when I need to edit video, Premiere Elements is the first program I reach for.

As for Movie Studio, it's also a great program with a number of great advantages. But it will be interesting to see where this program goes now that Sony has sold the product off to Magix. Maybe its next generation will take the best features of each and really blow the competition out of the water!

[Chuck Engels]

Good to see you back Don

I still prefer Premiere Elements over pretty much everything else. I do like ProShow but more for slideshows with some video, Premiere Elements for mostly video with some photos. Then again I have used them both on some projects

Might be good to know a little more about the project before we commit to anything, how many cameras, what resolution, what about audio and music?

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Are trial versions of both available? If so, that could help you decide.