I Found a Decent Video Editor
Last Update: Apr 26, 2019
I have been an avid user of Camtasia for several years. However, recently, I became a bit disillusioned by the product. The recent updates didn't seem feature-packed enough to justify paying for updates. I opted not to upgrade.
As you are aware, when you don't upgrade software, after a while the company stops supporting older versions. This means that sooner rather than later, TechSmith (the company that created Camtasia) will stop supporting the version I have.
I decided to check out alternatives just to see what is available. I have done this in the past and most alternative video editors didn't measure up to Camtasia, until now.
I found a great software suite of products that includes screen and video capture along with a robust video editor. I thought for sure this product was going to cost as much (if not more) than Camtasia. To my surprise, it is free. Even if you decide to upgrade, you looking at a cost of $20 per year.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the company and don't receive any compensations or kudos from the company.
The software is VSDC and you can find it at:
http://www.videosoftdev.com/
The free version is not restrictive meaning you can save and there are no watermarks added to your videos. It also seems feature-packed enough for most uses. I have picked up the pro version upgrade. But, you can start without it.
My biggest complaint with the software is the documentation could be better. The company does provide videos and I have not had the chance to check them all out. But, I am sure they will include more or third-party people will fill in any gaps as they start using the software. Could be an opportunity for content for all of us - just saying!
Anyway, I don't see the downside of downloading and trying this software. It is still new to me so I admit to not knowing everything about it. But, so far, what I have used it for works and I am happy that an alternative to Camtasia seems to be available on the market now.
Enjoy!
Best Regards,
Jim
P.S. Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment on your experiences with the software both good and bad.
Update: I posted these in a comment below,but here are two more free video editors that are supposed to be decent as well:
https://shotcut.org/features/
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/ca/products/davinciresolve
Recent Comments
28
Hey Jim - there are dozens of video editors out there, far too much choice, so it's great to get a recommendation. Thanks :-)
What features in the pro version did you particularly want that are not in the free one?
Ian
Hey Ian, my main purpose for upgrading were the masking features, which I view as a nice to have. For the most part, the free version will serve most needs. It was cheap enough to not be too concerned with the upgrade, though. That's why I went for it.
Best Regards,
Jim
One effect is you can have video inside text, i.e., the fire clip would be bounded by the text message. It's also use for green screen to make someone appear as if they are on location, etc.
Thank you, Jim. I'm thinking about YouTubing, but surely don't want to spend much money on anything for it. I don't know enough to be spending much money on this. Really appreciate the information.
I have not tried out video editors but sure will try out your recommendation. Thank you for sharing.
Just to advance this concept a bit further, people from a Facebook group I belong to recommended other packages that are open source or free:
https://shotcut.org/features/
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/ca/products/davinciresolve
Hi, Jim.
This is a great find that is going to come in very handy shortly.
Thank you for sharing.
Paul.
Hi Jim. I've been using the Screencast-o-matic for a few years now and it does the trick. However, recently I wanted to add video to the end of a video I already made but this software doesn't allow that. Does VSDC allow that? Just curious. Thanks for the heads up about this. Alanna
I notice some really bad rating in a couple of reviews, apparently, it is not easy to use. You are obviously far more experienced than many here so write a training if you have time.
I think the biggest problem is it has so many features that it overwhelms people. As I have stated, it is new for me. However, it's difficult to beat that price. Perhaps I will create a tutorial as I learn more about it.
Awesome you are still here! Hope you are doing well.
This is a video tutorial (which does say some things do take practice) that will help you get started with it. No doubt, and with this program doing some things differently, there will be learning curves. These demonstrations should help folks get their feet wet with VSDC.
https://youtu.be/J0GK5o8j6LY
Daniel
Many thanks Daniel. I have never made a video, but have tried Camtasia with their starting 30-days free period. My biggest problem is the language, do not like how my non-native English sounds. Have been seriously thinking to start using a robot voice. Going to watch this video, best regards.
Consider that to others, it's an accent they're hearing and is likely perfectly fine. Most people, when they hear their voices in a recording, are usually disappointed with the results (which everybody but themselves hear in real life every day.)
You are the only person who needs to get used to how your speech sounds when hearing it on a recording.
In my opinion, using a robot voice would make your videos that much more inferior. When I come across a video that uses a digitized voice, I tend to pass it by.
Of course, this is down to you. This is just a suggestion that you don't revert to using a robot voice. It may have negative effects on viewers' trust.
See more comments
Thank you for sharing these video editors. I have just been using iMovie on my Mac, but for the limited videos I do, maybe a free one with less bells and whistles would be just fine.
Best wishes,
Karin :)