Both of us have used various video editing and screen capture software. Video editing software is important and useful for any video you might want to publish on the Internet, on platforms such as Vimeo or YouTube. Screen capture software allows you to capture video of your computer screen: often used to create a video of a Power Point presentation and allows you to add voiceover and other features.
This post corresponds to our latest podcast episode of “Russ and Randy” – a podcast on Healthcare and Medical Internet Marketing. We hope you like “Video Editing and Screen Capture Software.” You can find us on iTunes …and now, ReachMD.com!
Russ and I have great experience with video editing software. When we each started, we independently used the “best” and most popular programs available for our respective computers: Mac (RVW) and PC (RF). As an Apple user, I used a combination of iMovie and Screenflow. As a PC user, Russ started with Camtasia.
Since then, programs have become cheaper, features have improved and we review our favorites to date.
QuickTime and Microsoft Movie Maker
In past episodes, we mention use of these two platforms. When we started, both were very powerful and offered basic features required to edit and upload videos. Apple no longer supports QuickTime for Windows. Movie Maker is no longer available from Microsoft.
iMovie
When I first started digital marketing, I wanted to make the point that your content needn’t be professionally generated. I still believe that self published is the preferred choice (more affordable, more engaging, more transparent) and started producing videos exclusively using on iMovie, principally because it is free (comes loaded on every Apple device).
I eventually purchased ScreenFlow because the use of the program was much more intuitive to me. I believe the features of the two are still comparable.
I am a creature of habit and I have become so used to ScreenFlow. It’s very easy for me to use and updates are very inexpensive.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is available for $129. Updates occur every so often and are inexpensive when your version doesn’t include free updates.
Importing video is drag and drop. The video editing timeline is fairly standard across most of the platforms. Screen capture is a breeze: record desktop video, add voice over, edit, publish.
You may also add music, images, graphics, etc. Still Mac only.
Camtasia
Camtasia is the PC equivalent of ScreenFlow. Originally, Camtasia was PC only, but now there are versions for Mac and PC.
The concepts are similar. The program is easy to use and has more than enough features to allow you to produce stunning, professional grade videos. Easy upload to your favorite video platform.
Camtasia is $199.
MOVAVI
This is a more recent platform. Russ is impressed with the power and ease of use of this Windows and Mac platform. MOVAVI is the choice for Windows users who are drawn to ScreeFlow, but at a cheaper price. The MOVAVI platform allows extreme versatility from video editing to screen capture (multiple products available).
Adobe Premier
Russ subscribes to the Adobe suite of products allowing access to the entire suite of programs (Creative Cloud) including Adobe Premier. Premier is used by professional studios, and, as Russ exclaims, has a high learning curve.
It is pricey and requires a monthly subscription. Price varies depending upon type of license and choice of apps. This may be an option for you if you can use multiple apps within the creative cloud, ie. Photoshop?
What Can You Do?
We recommend using an inexpensive program and giving it a try. Many of the products listed above have free trial versions and iMovie is free on all Apple devices.
With time, you will appreciate the various features, all can provide stunning results. Remember, if Russ and I can do it…so can you!
See you next week!
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Russ…and Randy
Healthcare and Medical Internet Marketing
Healthcare’s Rx for Web and Social