What is the simplest, best video editing software package available for under or around $100 USD?

You can download a Adobe Premiere Elements 7 trial. Pinnacle was purchased by Avid (professionals use Avid to edit their blockbuster films). Studio version 12 is out.

You can buy it for 49.99. There are to other versions as well: Studio Plus $99.99 Studio Ultimate $129.99 pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/C... Ulead was purchased by Correl. Their new editing software is: VideoStudio x2 $89.99 All three programs have trials.

You'll need to register to download them. These are all PC programs. On an Apple, there is always iMovie or Final Cut.

Check for student discounts on software. The simplest? Pinnacle claims to be the simplest.

I can honestly say it is Pinnacle Studio. I started using it and loved it. I have since gotten my two best friends to use it.

One was familiar with video making, the other had never done any in her life. It took her about 10 minutes to get familiar with it and make her first video.

However, it is 79.99 on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Studio-Plus-Version-12/dp/B001AMYZBW/ref=pd_cp_sw_2?pf_rd_p=433272301&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001AMSZSQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0KVMKF0YTVYSWH5VQEBK.

Well considering the fact that you are a newbie then I would reccomend you check out the following sites so you can get acquainted with the art and the options that are available for you within the $100 price range. The site pcmech dot com will give you are very good rundown on the art of video editing, starting with the definition and gradually progressing to the more technical stuff. It has Window Movie maker,WinMOrph and links to some Free OpenSource Software like Virual Dub ,a good starting  point.

I have also made a pointt of listing for you some additional supplemental  material to augment your knowledge and expand your choices check the forum out, I hope you get what you are looking for.

Short answer:My recommendation is Cyberlink PowerDirector. cyberlink.com/multi/products/main_4.html... the product details and get free trial here, but buy it for less elsewhere, e.g. Amazon.)Long answer:A similar question was asked recently here:msnbc.msn.com/id/27721638/vp/28738394@Spoon responded with a link to this comparison chart, which you might find useful:video-editing-software-review.toptenrevi..., when I was investigating video editing software I downloaded a few of the ones that offered a free trial period and tried them out. My favorite was Cyberlink PowerDirector.

It was both simple to use, and could do some very powerful things. The price is nice too. The help is a bit thin though, so sometimes you just have to discover how things work by playing around.

Corel VideoStudio (aka Ulead VideoStudio) also worked well, but had rather less features, and the interface was less intuitive and harder work for me. However I would have been satisfied to go with this if I hadn't found a better alternative. Sony Vegas Movie Studio was probably the most powerful and professional of the three.

I believe its big brother is actually used in the movie business. I liked the interface, and there was lots of useful how-to documentation. I might have gone for it, but I found some of functions didn't work for me.

I think it always crashed somewhere in the process of trying to get my finished work onto DVD. Apart from those, I think I found Premiere overcomplicated, and didn't bother looking into it much. I didn't try the others either because they don't offer a free trial period, or by then I'd discovered I was happy with Cyberlink PowerDirector and it wasn't worth the time to keep looking.

If you decide to go for PowerDirector, check which version you need. The "Deluxe" version is only about $50 on Amazon at the moment, and fine for most uses. If you are planning to make Blu-Ray discs or something like that you might need the "Ultra" version which is currently about $90.

I will suggest you two of the software I have experience with:Corel VideoStudio Pro X2This is a very good consumer-level video editor, and it's an especially fine choice for users with less-powerful PCs who want to edit HD video. But Corel VideoStudio Pro X2 isn't the best choice overall. Very good capture, trimming features.

Good range of output options. Good slideshow effects. One-button YouTube upload.

New drawing tools. Innovative DVD menu templates, HDV, AVCHD proxy editing. VideoStudio lets you: * Grab photos and video from anywhere – camcorders, cameras or TV * Edit with the easy Movie Wizard, or with hands-on professional editing tools * Make movies pop by adding titles, music and special effects * Create movie & slideshow discs to share with family and friendsFeatures overview: * Complete video solution * Easy and powerful video editing tools * Creative control of effects * End-to-end HD support * Includes Corel® WinDVD® video playback softwareA complete review you will find at the first link in the source tab under "Corel VideoStudio Pro X2" and the second is the link to the official website where you can buy it for $89.99 Full Package.

The second one is Easy Media Creator 10This bundle sports a polished new appearance and is more comprehensive and easier to use than previous versions of Roxio. It targets those uncomfortable with traditional authoring and conversion tools, but has task-specific components that will also attract experienced users. Slick, Vista-inspired redesign.

Quick access to basic tasks. Added support for iPods, cell phones, music DVDs. Automated music tracks.

Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 Specification * Organize thousands of photos & create custom views to find photos * Edit video with Timeline video editor * Let Video Doctor automatically fix video color, contrast and brightness * Add multiple 2D and 3D effects; adjust their duration and speed * Overlay multiple images, text or video clips; create picture-in-picture effects * Create slideshows with music in standard or high definition * Add a SmartSound soundtrack to slideshows and movies * Capture and edit HD video * Auto-fix your camera phone photos * Show off any picture on your mobile phone without borders or bars * Upload video to YouTube * Create gifts with your own photos and templates for cards, calendars and other projects A complete review and some very helpfull oppinions to make a decision you will find at the first link in the source tab under "Easy Media Creator 10" and the second is the link to the official website where you can find all the futures of the softeware and where you can buy it for $79.99 or you can try the second link for the standard version for only $48.99.

You can try the new green screen video editing software 123 video magic pro and it's well in your budget.

Adobe premiere elements140$ at adobe, but ive seen it for 120.

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