Forums | MacLife

Howdy folks.   I have a huge pile of video recordings I need to edit with the least amount of stress.  They're all videos of orchestra concert performances, and need essentially the same amount of processing.

Here's what I need to do for each one:
1. Import the DV from my camcorder
2. Import the audio recording of the same performance from a CD
3. Line up the audio from the CD with the Video from the DV
4. Add titles for each piece
5. Add very basic transitions (essentially fade in, fade out.)
6. Export to iDVD for easy DVD creation (I don't have huge personalization needs for DVD authoring.)

Because I'm university faculty, I have the following programs all available to me for free and they're all already installed on my iMac:
* iMovie HD ('06)
* iMovie '09 (Which I don't use and can't stand.)
* Final Cut Express 4.0.1
* Adobe Premiere Pro CS4

I've been using iMovie HD for some time, and it works well for me, but it's always been a little bit of a struggle working with the audio editing I need to do.   iMovie '09 won't do the audio at all.   I've opened up Final Cut Express and Adobe Premiere, but they both look completely foreign and rather daunting.   I don't need to make a blockbuster here, I just need to quickly edit, title, audio-replace, and export my movies.

So the question is for you professionals:  Which software would you recommend?   Which will give me the highest quality with the least amount of stress?   Which has the easiest learning curve?  (Obviously iMovie HD is pretty easy.)   I want to chew through about ten concerts this weekend.   I'd rather not spend the entire weekend just figuring out how to work the software.

Last edited by Funkey Monkey (2009-04-03 2:37 pm)