Video Editing Software for beginners

Video Editing Software

[j_uprichard]

I am interested to know what programs people use to reduce video file size. I am currently developing an e-Learning course and want to include some avi video files that I recorded from my digital camera. The problem is that they are too large for the web.

What are the best programs to perform the following tasks:

-Convert the video file format (avi/mpg/mov)
-Crop the dimensions/ reduce dimensions (i.e. reduce file size)
-Edit the clip (in terms of starting and ending position)

I would like to hear people's exeriences in using these programs in terms of ease-of-use, functionality etc. Details of costs (of the different software) would also be of interest.

I guess I am after a simple program that will complete the above desired functions (no extra bells or whistles needed).

Thanks in advance, Jamie

[bill]

I don't have time now to go into all the bells and whistles, but take a look at VirtualDub and TMPGEnc. Those two should do everything you need. The down side is that you're going to have to do some reading up on their operation. Both are fairly well documented, but neither is particularly newbie friendly.

<added> Welcome to WebmasterWorld j_uprichard!

[j_uprichard]

Thanks for the quick reply bill and the kind welcome!
I'll check these out and post back when I've had a chance to give them a go.

Thanks again, Jamie

[scraf]

Just thought I'd mention that iMovie that comes standard with Apple computers is way easy to use, I was up and editting movies within half an hour.

You do however need a Macintosh of course.