Windows Movie Maker vs VideoSpin: Which is Best? (Part 4)

I'm trying out several different video editing software programs for my summer project. After spending considerable time on the Mac using iMovie and Quicktime, I decided to switch over to the PC and try a couple of free programs before exploring online editing programs. For the PC there are two options: Windows Movie Maker and Pinnacle's free VideoSpin. Let's start with Windows Movie Maker (WMM).

For a free program, Windows Movie Maker is not too bad. I was able to import different types of video, with the exception of HD video files, but most people who are going to be working with HD will probably spring for a more robust video editing software package. For standard video WMM is just fine. You can read more about my first impressions with the program here: Editing Video with Windows Movie Maker - Video Series (Part 3) and the results of a movie created using Windows Movie Maker are below.


Trimming Bush from Coop on Vimeo.

Windows Movie Maker is probably the most widely used free video editor for Windows, but there is another out there that can give it a run for its money. It really just depends on what your needs are. And let's face it. If you're looking for free, you're probably not looking to be a master video editor. You just want to get your video from your camera and onto the web with a little bit of style as quickly as possible. Both WMM and VideoSpin can do that.

Both are easy to use. You just locate your video and audio files from your hard drive, arrange them on a timeline, and start clipping or rearranging. VideoSpin requires you purchase an upgrade if you want to use MPEG 2/4 codecs, and that will set you back $15, but it's probably worth it. You can add a variety of transitions, sound effects, and titles to your movie in both programs. Adding titles is one place where VideoSpin wins over WMM. It has some pretty fancy title options that I'd never seen before. I liked that. I also like that VideoSpin gives you the option to upload your finished videos directly to YouTube or Yahoo! Video. That's a time saving feature I like.

When it really comes down to it, both programs will work just fine for the average movie maker on the cheap. Just remember, you get what you pay for, and VideoSpin will give you more features for an inexpensive price when you're ready to move up in the world of video editing. VideoSpin is basically a slimmed down version of the commercial Pinnacle Studio, which normally sells for $50. Windows Movie Maker is free and when you've out grown it, you'll have to move on to something else.

For more information on my video project, visit Coop's Word Wiki, and read more articles below.

• Summer Project Video Experiment: HD Video on Mac (Part 1)

• Playing with a Flip Mino Video Recorder

• Summer Project Video Experiment: HD Video on Mac (Part 2)

• Editing Video with Windows Movie Maker - Video Series (Part 3)