[SnappyPix]

Hi Guys

Firstly, thanks for all the really helpful advice on the forum.
Days of trawling have helped me decide on the Canon HF200 as my upcoming camcorder of choice.
As I understand it, the software provided is pretty basic.
I'm completely new to the world of camcorders, formats, editing etc, so would need software that would do a great deal of hand-holding, but with ability to tweak as I gain experience.
I just want something that will let me output to DVD/Blu-Ray really and to play on my Sony HDTV. Not looking to be the next Ridley Scott.

I'm considering buying a copy of Adobe Premiere Elements 8 - would this be a good choice? I use CS3 quite a lot, so am familiar with the Adobe layout.
Or, would something like Nero, etc, be a better choice (would prefer something that wasn't really hungry on PC resources - running a laptop with 2GB of RAM).

Any advice on good starter software would be really appreciated.

Thanks again for all the advice on here. I'm sure there are lots of lurkers like myself who really benefit from the wealth of experience on the forum.

[senu]

I didnt know there was a version 8
I have version 7 and its fine
Sony Vegas is also fine ..but if you are used to Adobes interface it takes some getting used to.

[SnappyPix]

Hi Senu

Thanks for your help.
Version 8 is due for release in a couple of weeks, I think.

[wattgn]

I have Windows 7 64 bit RC. Excellent OS by the way but sensitive to drivers.

I would suggest trying ALL the trials you can get your hands on.

My favourites were Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 14 (which I bought on Friday) and Vegas 8 (unfortunately crashed on my system).

Adobe Premier 8 had this 'trial software' written all over the video previews so I didn't bother trialling it.

Pinnacle though is a very nice bit of software to use and has the edge on Vegas for refinement and ease of use but many people think Vegas has more features for advanced users.

Grant

[senu]

Originally Posted by wattgn

I have Windows 7 64 bit RC. Excellent OS by the way but sensitive to drivers.

Even the 32 bit is fine

I would suggest trying ALL the trials you can get your hands on.

My favourites were Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 14 (which I bought on Friday) and Vegas 8 (unfortunately crashed on my system).

Vegas is normaly fine . its Adobe Premier & that is crasshing on my system..

Pinnacle though is a very nice bit of software to use and has the edge on Vegas for refinement and ease of use

Ease of Use andNice GUI ..isthat what you mean by rifinement?

but many people think Vegas has more features for advanced users.

It does.
I agree Pinnacle Studio actually has a lot more now from previuos incarnations by way of Keyframing buy Vegas has always had that and is more usable on modest hardware.
Also Pinacle Studio was until recently not as stable