EDITING

Smartphone

There are number of video editing apps available for smartphones such as iMovie, Lumafusion, Kinemaster, Filmora, InShot, PowerDirector, etc. 

These editors facilitate a video filming and editing workflow where there's no need to transfer your footage to an external device. The functionality is usually much more limited than desktop editors, and they're often a bit harder to use, particularly if you need to make precise adjustments. You also have to make sure, as with any device, that you have plenty of space available to edit efficiently.

I tend not to recommend any apps which commit you to a subscription, I personally prefer either a free app, or one where you pay once then you own it. 

IPad or Tablet

Similar to the smartphone option, you can both film and edit through a tablet or iPad. You could also film on your phone, then transfer to a tablet using a suitable file transfer option. 

There are some more advanced editors available to tablets and iPads, depending on the specs of the device, such as the recently released DaVinci Resolve for iPad. Other existing apps such as iMovie, Lumafusion, Filmora, etc, have more advanced features on tablets that aren't available on the smartphone version, and they are often much easier to use due to the larger screen size. 

Laptop / Desktop Computer

Computers still currently remain the most comprehensive and efficient way of editing video footage. Generally they're easier to operate, once you've done a tutorial or two, and they're capable of much more advanced and nuanced edits. 

It's always essential to establish an efficient way of transferring your footage from your video recording device onto your computer or hard drive to retain the highest quality, as well as having plenty of free space on your computer to ensure the processor can keep up.

Free / low-cost editing software for laptop / desktop computers:

1  DaVinci Resolve – Free (Da Vince Resolve Studio is the more advanced paid version)

DaVinci is the free editing software offered by Blackmagic Design. It has a similar layout and symbols to Final Cut Pro, though some of the terminology will of course be a bit different. For a free software option it’s very powerful and offers some great colour grading options. Because it’s free you could always download it and give it a try, and they have some free PDF downloads of instruction manuals in the ‘Training’ section of their website. Because this is a high spec piece of software, if you have an older or lower spec computer or laptop the program may not function optimally. If this is the case, I’d look at one of the simpler options listed below.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/training

2  iMovie - Mac Only

For those who have a mac computer or laptop, iMovie is a great free option to get you started and I would recommend it first and foremost.

If you need to upgrade your computer to a more recent operating system in order to download iMovie, but don't want to upgrade to the very new 'Big Sur' in case of compatibility with older macs, or Catalina due to incompatibility with 32bit programmes, you can still upgrade to versions such as 'Mojave' or 'High Sierra' by accessing this link: Older Versions of Mac OS

There is also another way to try and download iMovie, which requires the assistance of an up-to-date iPhone, iPad or alternative computer. You have to download and install iMovie using a device that supports the actual (current) version of iMovie, using the same Apple ID login details used for your Mac.

Once you have completed the above step, you can try in the App Store > Purchased App you will have the icon of iMovie and click on it to download the most compatible version for your operating system. There should be an automatic prompt / popup: ‘Download older version of iMovie’, just click yes. It is archived and available only for customers that they have already purchased the app. Worth a try.

3  Avid Media Composer First

This limited version of Avid Media Composer is completely free, and a great way to get to know the Avid editing suite. It would accommodate the majority of basic editing needs, with only the more advanced editing features being saved for the full pro version. It does have a bit of a more complex registration process, but if you can handle that, it’d be a good starting point.

4  Lightworks – Free Version Available (Upgradable to Pro for some more Advance Features)

Lightworks is another reputable editor, and their free version would still facilitate a decent editing experience. The system is a little different so it might require a bit of a learning curve to get used to the interface, but again, it’s free so you could always download it to try it out, and if you like it work away. You can only export to 720p resolution with the free version. They provide a few tutorials on their website to get you started. They also have offer student discounts on their Pro version should you choose to invest in the system.

https://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=162&Itemid=246&start=QuickStart

5  Adobe Premier Elements - Paid

More basic version of Adobe Premier, the most expensive on the low-cost list. The software itself is around €100, but they do a free trial also, so you could see if you like it, and they often do student discounts. It would be another windows friendly alternative for iMovie, but it can also be used on Macs if anyone is looking for a stepping stone into the Adobe editing world. 

Pro editing software for laptop / desktop computers

For those of you who may be ready for, or already have access to pro editing software options, below are some links to free trials & educational pricing for two key software options.

1. Final Cut Pro (Mac Only) - Final Cut Pro do a 90 Day Free Trial in addition to a Pro-Apps Bundle for Education with includes full versions of Final Cut Pro, Logic, Compressor, Motion & Main Stage all for €226.27.

2. Adobe Premier (Mac & Windows) - Adobe does a 7-day free trial and educational pricing. 

3.     Avid Media Composer (Mac & Windows) - Avid does a 30-day free trial of its pro software and educations pricing. 

4.    DaVinci Resolve (Mac & Windows) - DaVinci Resolve Studio is the full paid version and is currently €275.