So how many Avid users do we have here? Have any of you also used Sony Vegas and can give me a decent comparison? I've been noticing that a lot of employers looking for video editors are looking for the ones who know Avid. I've been using Sony Vegas since about 2007 and I'm wondering if I'm finally hitting my ceiling. Any input?

I've been listening to the "Final Cut Pro X Grill" podcast from Chris Fenwick for a while. He talks with editors from all over the country, including Avid and Premiere users. He says the choice of editing tool varies geographically. Some people in City X prefer Avid, while City Z uses Premiere for the most part. If that is true, does that force you to learn Avid? Or maybe try Premiere? Or move?

Most pros that I know are either on Premiere Pro or Final Cut X -- with most entertainment professionals adapting Final Cut (though it can only be used, of course, on a Mac).

Avid used to be the gold standard -- particularly because an Avid system included the software and massive hardware configuration as one package. Final Cut X is both more affordable and more dependable.

You might also want to check out Adobe's Creative Suite, which offers a free 30 day trial. A subscription is not terribly pricey, and it gives you access to the whole Creative Suite of programs and every current revision!

But I guess it all really depends on what limitations you're hitting with Vegas, Kent. What do you need in editing software that you're not getting?

Steve, I think Kent is saying he is having a hard time finding work as a video editor because of his lack of experience with Avid.

That's it exactly. I found a job listing for a video editor that I can't apply for because I have zero knowledge of Avid. In fact, most jobs require either that or, like you said Steve, Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. I have yet to see any of them looking for Sony Vegas experts. lol

True. Vegas is the software that, for some reason, never gets any respect among the pros.

Although it certainly deserves it!

Well, considering that you already know HOW to edit video, all you have to do is get familiar with a different system. I understand Avid is a very expensive purchase, but you could buy Premiere Pro (or the trial version?) and a one-month subscription to Lynda.com, go through the tuts and be on your way to that new job!

Avid has a 30 day trial as well, and I was going to cram. Unfortunately (actually, fortunately), I'll be starting a new job doing boring non-video/photo stuff, so I probably won't have much of a chance outside of work to really mess with it.