Camtasia: Is It The Best Video Creation And Editing Tool?
I thought I would write a quick blog post about Camtasia, which I have used for many years. I also thought it would be interesting to find out what other Wealthy Affiliate members use to record their screens and to edit their videos.
When I first purchased Camtasia, I think there were probably not many options available. I used some software called Cam Studio, which, if I remember, was fairly basic but easy to use. I believe that most people were using Camtasia at the time, so that's what I went for.
I'm guessing that I have been using Camtasia, which is made by TechSmith, for around 15 years. I also use Snagit, which is a simplified version, which is also made by Techsmith. Snagit is great for taking quick screenshots but also includes screen recording software. So, if I make a video about Camtasia, I have to use Snagit to record the video.
Although I have been using Camtasia for a long time, it has many features that I don't know how to use. I haven't been creating fancy videos; I tend to make my videos raw with often no editing, rightly or wrongly! Quite a few videos I create are "How-to videos", so I don't feel they have to be particularly fancy; they just need to explain the process step-by-step.
Techsmith offers a certification course for users who have a maintenance agreement. A maintenance agreement, which I have for both Camtasia and Snagit, allows me to have free telephone assistance if needed and I don't have to pay for any more upgrades. So, I always have the latest version of the software.
I started the certification course some time ago, however, there is quite a bit to learn as it's a fairly comprehensive software. Plus, their functionality is improving all the time and offering more features. I must admit that there is quite a lot to remember, but I am trying to put everything I learn into action.
It would be interesting to hear what other members use for video creation, editing, etc. Also, has anyone completed the certification courses for Camtasia?
Thank you for reading.
Roy
Recent Comments
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I used it a few years back to learn to make videos. Little Mama of the wealthy affiliate recommended this as per my request. Now, I plan to use Canva to do it. I subscribe to Canva and like their service.
Thank you for commenting, Anusuya, it's appreciated.
That's interesting, Anusuya, you probably still have it on your computer, even though it may be an older version. It is good software and it was certainly a popular choice in the early days, I believe.
That's interesting about Canva, I use Canva quite a bit, but generally to make YouTube thumbnails. I do have the pro version of Canva. I think it's one of those platforms where I am only using a tiny percentage of what it has to offer.
All the best.
Roy
Hi Roy,
I used to use Screenpal (Screen-castomatic), which was good but I let my subscription lapse at the time. Now I use the paid version of Loom to do my screen recordings and voiceovers. The editor in Loom is not as good as the Screenpal one was, but it does the job for what I need it for. I use Giphycapture to create specific gifs of screen movements that I include in my help documentation. That one is free.
It sounds like Camtasia has lots of great features.
Cheers
Melissa
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for commenting, it's appreciated.
It's amazing what's available on the market today. I must admit I haven't heard of any of the three names that you mentioned; however, Rudy did mention ScreenPal. It sounds like ScreenPal is a paid product rather than free, I wasn't sure.
It's interesting to hear what works for various members. To be fair, Camtasia has a lot to offer, but I'm only using a fraction of what it has to offer, I will try and change that!
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Roy
Depending on what you want it for, Loom is good and there is a free version. I believe it allows you to create (and store) 25 videos. You can do screen only; screen with voiceover; and screen with you in the bottom corner.
It's worth a look if you're checking out other products.
Cheers
Melissa
It's always good and interesting to know what's on the market, Melissa. If people are not creating too many videos, probably the free version is okay. I may have a look, just out of curiosity!
I'm sure I will stick with Camtasia, but it is interesting to know what other products are available etc. It's amazing how things change as time goes on, especially technology.
Have a great day.
Roy
That's great, Roy. Although I have never used it but will have to check it out sometime.
Myra 💜
There may be more tools available now, Myra, so it may be worth keeping an eye on this thread to see what other members use. Thank you for commenting.
Roy
There are lots of videos about how to use Camtasia, Nellya. I believe they also offer a free trial of the software. Their support is very good, especially with the maintenance agreement it allows me to actually speak to someone and they will even look at my screen, if necessary.
Thank you for commenting.
Roy
Wow, Roy! I have never used it. I am going to Flirt with Rumble in a little to coincide with Mel's YT channels! We shall see how that turns out!
Jeff
Thank you for commenting, Jeff.
Camtasia is something that I have used for years, although I have never gone really deep with it. I just use it in a fairly basic form, although I feel it would be good to go deeper! Hence, the extra training that I'm doing!
That's good, Jeff; things have changed so much over the years there are probably a lot more options available now. It will be interesting to hear how you get on with Rumble. I think the more people use Rumble, the better, as it will start to become a household name. At the moment, as soon as we think of video, we think of YouTube!
I'm all for trying different platforms, especially with the YouTube narrative. They need some competition. I think Twitter will probably soon bring out a major video platform, which may make YouTube a bit tearful!!
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Roy
As soon as I can do my deep dive into it, Roy, I will know more then! I am in no big hurry!
I'm sure that "X" will do just that!
Jeff
It will be interesting to see what happens when you carry out your deep dive, Jeff! One step at a time, I guess.
Yes, I'm sure that Twitter or X will do that at some point, let's see what happens!
Time for bed now!
All the best.
Roy
Yes, indeed, Roy! I just got off the phone with Mel, so that was nice!
Sleep well, my friend!
I'll reach out tomorrow!
All the best to you, as well!
Jeff
That's good, Jeff! It sounds like you have a great friendship, which is fantastic! It's always to be able to encourage others.
Do you actually use the phone to call or do you use Skype or something similar?
Thank you Jeff, I will catch you soon.
Roy
No, Roy, most of these are actual cause! I have unlimited everything with my cell phone, for only $45 /month!
It works really, really well!
Enjoy your new week!
Jeff
That sounds good, Jeff! So you can call anywhere in the world with no extra charges? It sounds like a good deal! I'm glad it works well, Jeff.
My wife has something on Viber, where she pays a ridiculously small amount and can make calls to Europe or Greece, in our case. Admittedly, she still has her standard phone subscription, but it's still a very good bonus and a good price.
Enjoy your day.
Roy
Yes, indeed, Roy, but only if there is an American phone number that is attached to it like, Mel's!
I'm not too sure about it other than that!
That sounds interesting, and very good, indeed!
Enjoy your day, as well!
Jeff
Okay, so Mel has an American phone number, that makes a difference, I guess!
The Viber option seems to work very well. My wife was using Skype for several years to call telephone numbers abroad. That was good until Microsoft wrecked it!! Hence why she went over to Viber!
Roy
Yes, Roy! A Wisconsin number! When Mel calls me he uses Skype because they had some $2.99/Mo special for an extended period of time that came up! She might want to check into that, as well!
Jeff
There are some great services around for telephones, Jeff! Do you remember that not many years ago, it cost a fortune to call abroad! You literally had to stand in front of a clock to check the time!
I actually get a certain amount of Skype credit, Jeff, which comes with Microsoft 365. I don't use it a lot, but it's very useful when I call abroad or call a number that I'm not sure about. I appreciate the heads up.
Have a great day.
Roy
Thank you, Jeff!
I finished early yesterday as a customer had confirmed the wrong date, so we had to reschedule! But that's okay. In other words, she thought I meant the following week rather than yesterday! It happens!
Have a great Thursday.
Roy
These things happen, Jeff, however, it was nice to be home in good time.
A very happy Friday do you.
Roy
After an awesome, Thanksgiving, I am now playing a lot of catch-up ahead of some impending snow, Roy!
Jeff
That's good, Jeff, I'm really pleased that you had a great Thanksgiving time, that's fantastic. My apologies, I don't even know if I wished you a happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you can catch up with everything.
That's not good, Jeff, is the snow early? And is it possible with global warming!!😂😂 Apparently, it's going to be cold here this coming week, although dry, I believe.
Have a fantastic Saturday and stay warm.
Roy
I Believe that you did, Roy! It was GREAT!
Catching up is a bit tough right now, but I'll manage!
The snow is coming but it should not be too bad--2 to 4 inches.
Happy Saturday, and a fire is going now so that should held!
Jeff 🔥
It's great that you had such a nice time, Jeff, I call that doing life!
I hope you're able to catch up, Jeff.
I hope you can stay warm in the eBay home, Jeff. If you're having snow at the end of November, when does the snow season end, Jeff? It doesn't seem five minutes ago that we were talking about the excessive heat!
Keep that far going and stay warm.
Roy
We have to have those times, Roy, otherwise life would drive us batty!
I already know that I will never catch up. I'll just keep plugging along with each new day!
It probably ends in January to late February! A long way to go!
I might be burning furniture before it ends, but God always provides!
Jeff🔥🔥
Good times make the world go around, Jeff!
I think that's all we can do is to keep pushing forward; there is no point in becoming frustrated as that will slow things down. And I don't mean that you are, but sometimes I can have feelings of frustration through not achieving enough.
That's hard, Jeff, although you are probably used to it by now.
Yes, let's believe for more wood to come in, take it by faith!
Have a great day.
Roy
I am used to it, Roy, but at the same time, it can be frustrating!
We just need to keep pushing forward, no matter what. We only have this one life, after all!
My wood guy said he would being more over, so we shall see!
Happy Tuesday!
Jeff
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Back in the day, I used Jing from Techsmith for screenshots and 5min videos.
.
Camtasia is decent, I only used ut a couple times during the free trial.
I now use ScreenPal
Rudy
I remember using Jing, Rudy, I'm not sure if it's still available; I believe it was free. I now use Snagit to do the same job, although it can be used as a screen recorder as well.
I must admit that I hadn't heard of ScreenPal , Rudy. Is that free or paid, or maybe both?
I believe you can have a 14-day trial of Camtasia, which is enough to test the software.
Thank you for commenting.
Roy
I think snagit replaced Jing...grin.
Screenpal is the rebranded version of Screencast-O-Matic.
It is free to use, I decided to purchase the paid version, well worth the value in editing options.
Rudy.
I must admit I liked Jing, however, Snagit is very good and definitely gives value for money.
That's interesting, Rudy, I didn't know that about Screenpal.
I guess the majority of these companies offer free versions, but I am sure the paid version gives more features.
Thank you for the confirmation.
Roy
You're welcome, Roy!
Screenpal is easy to use, can add audio tracks for music or voice overs. And at $69 a year, well worth it.
Thank you, Rudy, I appreciate your input.
That sounds like a similar price to Camtasia, Rudy. I used to have to pay for upgrades, but now I pay for the maintenance pack, which includes some good features. Which includes free upgrades, good training and good support.
I just looked up the maintenance cost and it's £55 per year, although you have to initially purchase the software.
Have a great day.
Roy