Better than iMovie

I'm busy editing my 3 month holiday in South Africa with iMovie (first time - new to Mac's), but the program seems a bit limited. Is there another piece of video editing software for a Mac that's alot better than iMovie?
(I know you get the really expensive ones like Adobe, but I'm looking for something that will equal Nero 7 for Windows, maybe something a bit better or expensive)
Thanx

define 'better' ...?
iM is excellent to import from miniDV, trim&crop material, add some simple transitions & titles... that is 95% of consumer level (.. and editor's) work..
'better' in means of 'more options':
Final Cut Express
$$ (=cheaper than FCP) but a steep learning curve too ...

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DVD looks different/better than imovie

I did a quick search in this forum to see if this has been discussed before. I'm sorry if it has; I'm new in this forum. Anyways...
I'm trying to edit video that I dumped from a video camera and DVD onto my powerbook g4 1.33ghz w/1.25ghz ram. I'm not having any real issues with the editing process itself. My problem is that, when I burn a DVD of the movie (using iDVD) it looks entirely different than on the laptop. I've even tried using a secondary screen to do the editing on (regular computer monitor). The secondary computer monitor looks the same as the laptop. But, again the burned DVD looks totally different. On the computer, it looks kinda like it's in dropframe but I'm using 29 (or whatever that higher setting is). But when I burn the DVD and play it in a regular DVD player, it looks much crisper, smoother and less pixelated. Will it help if I max out my laptop RAM to 2ghz or is this just a problem inherent in the preinstalled 64MB video card? If it's the video card, I'm thinking about upgrading to a macbook. Will a macbook video card be powerful enough not to have this problem? Any help/suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

bobwex123 wrote:
I use DV tape (not HD), import to iMovie 09 and burn to DVD with iDVD....
... If I upgrade in FCE and spend some time with the interface, will the final DVD quality be better than iMovie 09?
definitively YES.
as widely known, iM08/09 has this little *skip-field problem* with interlaced sources (miniDV imports are always i, independently, what camcorder marketing says), plus a gamma-prob.
details on our website:
http://sites.google.com/site/theimovieoutputproject/
you avoid these probs by using a 'real' dv-editor, as iMHD6 or FCE ..
sidenote: settings in the editor, on transfer and iDVD have to be correct for best quality. as: sequence settings 'fit' to camcorder, NO 'Export using QT conversion', iDVD is set to same standard as camcorder (PAL vs NTSC); project length <60min (=for highest bitrate in iDVD).
+disclaimer: I may profit from linking to my site.+

Quicktime 7 pro export h.264 better than iMovie quicktime setting?

Hi, wondering if anybody knows if Quicktime 7 pro will export h.264 files (mp4) with better quality than going thru iMovie 11 and using the Quicktime plugin? The results are ok with iMovie but wondering if Quicktime 7 Pro would export better as a standalone unit? Looking to make super small files from chopped up dvd's that will play on all mobile devices..Been using baseline profile setting in iMovie Quicktime plugin so it plays on iPhone 3g as well.. Thanks everyone!

I am trying to create very small files from a DVD , just simple chopping the DVD up into sections...when I use Handbrake to rip the DVD to a small h.264 (mp4) file the quality is surprisingly good...if I rip a higher quality mp4 to use in iMovie the export to smaller h.264 files don't look nearly as good when trying to get files sizes equivalent to Handbrake...I have tried ripping the highest quality video from DVD to use in iMovie '11 but when trying to export using QuickTime plugin to get h.264 (mp4) files they don't look that good...basically if Handbrake had editing capabilities the chopped up files would look better from there...
You are experiencing a process of diminishing returns by continuously re-compressing the video from less efficient codecs to more efficient/same efficiency codecs at the same or lower data rates which tends to degrade quality with each re-compression. My recommendation would be to purchase the Apple QT MPEG-2 Playback component ($20) and use it with MPEG Streamclip for your work flow. (Note: If you are using Lion, the component installer won't work correctly and you will either have the use the Squared-5 beta utility to install the package or install the codec manually.)
A better work flow would be to load the DVD titles (VOB file data) to MPEG Streamclip and edit the content there in its native MPEG-2/AC3 or MPEG-2/PCM compression format. You can set in/out points the same as using QT 7 Pro and save the segments as separate files using an alpha-numeric filename convention denoting the order in which you later want to merge the segments. Once all segments are saved, just drop all of them simultaneously back to the MPEG Streamclip work window and they will be merged in the proper alpha-numeric order. You can then fix "timecode breaks" and export the final product to your targeted compression format. Since you only re-compress the project once, depending on the codec/settings you use, your final file should approach the quality achieved in HandBrake. I.e., this is the main benefit of editing in the original "native" codec used in the DVD content.

Will Final Cut Express be any better than iMovie for colour resolution

Hi
I have just made the move from a Laptop/Windows to a Macbook Pro, whilst running on the Laptop i used Ulead Video Studio V10.5 to capture and edit DV movies from my Panasonic NV-GS180. Once I learnt the basic the output results were very good, eg. an mpeg movie file of around 2.5GB for an hour of video.
Since moving to the Mac I have uploaded 2 recent DV tapes into the standard iMovie application. I have done a simple upload with minimal editing just to prove the quality of the output. I have output into H.264 format and the resultant file is around 2.5GB for an hour. The quality of the video is very poor compared to the equivalent on the VS10.5. Now, so by "poor quality" i mean the colour resolution is literally rubbish, on VS10.5 there are many different shades of the same colour, whereas in iMovie there is literally two. The resolution also looks worse, but I have read that iMovie doesn't handle the original interlaced video from my camcorder. So, I am more than willing to but Final Cut Express if my two problems with iMovie are addressed to achieve the same quality as VS10.5 on my old windows XP Laptop. There's no Trial like there is with Aperture, which I have recently bought to improve on the original installed iPhoto.
Any help, advice or comments gratefully received.

hi Ian
In store, we were using an huge Mac, whereas I am using a Macbook Pro. I must admit I did not try iMovie in the store to check the quality was equally as bad. But I can confirm that since installing FCE4 on my Macbook Pro at home and capturing the same piece of video that the colour resolution is the same as in store, so all is good.
Cheers
Gary

IMovie capture quality better than anything FCP can offer for consumer DV?

As a newbie to FCP, I have not found Capture, sequence, and export settings that is equal to or better than what iMovie 08 can create. Prior to this, I've been using iMovie 08 which is extremely user friendly. Just plug in the fire wire connections and it auto detects only one setting for DV. I am not sure what format it captures in but it does a good job. When I export out of iMovie 08 I use "using Quicktime" and choose the Uncompressed 8-bit NTSC method. The result is a decent, non-interlaced looking .mov file.
The first time I tried to capture with FCP I chose the easy setup, where I would capture in the NTSC DV, sequence would be NTSC DV and export using the current settings in quicktime. The result was an interlaced and lowered quality vid.
I have also tried the following combinations with no success with quality comparisons w/ iMovie 08:
capt: NTSC dv, seq: NTSC DV, progressive exp: Uncompressed 8-bit
capt: Uncompressed 8-bit, seq: Uncompressed 8-Bit exp: Uncompressed 8-bit
This last one came close, but still iMovie 08 was better.
My assumption is that FCP would contain the settings to duplicate or even out perform iMovie's export quality for consumer video dv. I viewed iMovie as little brother and FCP as big brother. Shouldn't FCP produce equal to or better quality than iMovie 08? And what are the settings for this?
Thanks

Thank you for clearing up my confusion. How is my export from iMovie 08, using "Uncompressed 8-bit" coming out progressive (I see no interlaced, odd/even scan lines)? Is this export dropping lines/information? If so, uncompressed is not an appropriate name for the export.
I understand what you are saying about "getting quality back" on export. My initial question was comparing the quality of an iMovie 08 export vs. FCP export and having the problem of a lowered output from the FCP export.
If anyone has the time, would they try a short experiment:
1. From your DV source, camera or deck connect to your computer
Capture a short clip via iMovie 08 a short clip in standard 4:3.
Export using Quicktime, Uncompressed 8-bit setting
2. From your DV source, camera or deck, connect to your computer.
Capture the same short clip to FCP using Easy set up for NTSC DV. Export with current settings.
3. Compare the two.

FCE helps making better quality videos than imovie?

I have been using iMovie HD and it looks like its corrupted and cannot re-install it since I lost the disk image.
I am thinking of going to FCE over upgrading to iLife 09.
Does FCE helps making better quality videos than imovie?

Eswar M wrote:
... Does FCE helps making better quality videos than imovie?
if your source is miniDV/Standard - yes.
if your source is 720p or iFrame - no.
in terms of speed and simplicity - iM09 is 'better'.
in terms of options and feature - FCE is by far superior.
note: iM09 is no 'upgrade' of your version, but a from ground off new app.
another note: FCE has a very steem learning curve, but after managing that is a fantastic tool!

Exported file via FCE better than from iMovie directly

Have imported in iMovie a video 1080x1920i and exported in two different ways as follows:
A) Directly by iMovie HD 1280x720
B) Transferred to FCE and exported HD 1280x720
The video exported from FCE (via iMovie) is slightly better than from iMovie directly even though the resolution and settings of the formats are the same. I would like to stress that the quality difference is very s m a l l, it just seems a tiny bit clearer.
Does anybody know why this is and what I could do to get the same quality as exported from FCE???
Thanks

Open both files using QuickTime Player and then open the Movie Inspector window.
Compare the information for each files and note the differences.

Will future iMovie be better than current version?

I am really frustrated with my current version of iMovie (08). I would like to see the old version come back...the one that allowed me to edit sound levels EASILY and had the timeline on the bottom. Is there a chance this will come back?
I just liked that way I could sit down and edit the video, add soundtracks, adjust sound levels, etc WITHOUT referring to video tutorials and help files.
Thanks in advance.

I am really frustrated with my current version of iMovie (08)
Give iMovie 11 a try, it's a definite improvement over iMovie 08.
I would like to see the old version come back...the one that allowed me to edit sound levels EASILY and had the timeline on the bottom.
If you like iMovie 06 better, as MANY do, you can continue to use it. I find that it works perfectly with my Mac Pro, iDVD 08/09/11 and the latest Mac OS. I use iMovie 06 more than iMovie 11.

IMovie look better than FCP HD

I am doing some experiments to find the best way to edit a project for an ad for the web. Something is not adding up on FCP 5.0.4. The project requires a lot of screen grabs from a software that I am developing, the screen grabs look great in FCP until you hit play, then all the text becomes completely unreadable, smudged out, really bad. In iMovie HD the images stay the same quality whether stopped or playing.
Likewise, I had to shoot the screen with a video camera in HDV 1080i60, due to the screen record software being too slow to do what I need it do do, even the text from HD video in FCP looks fine when stopped, but smudged out when playing and not readable.
There must be some missing link here that I don't get, surely FCP can't be producing lesser quality output than iMovie, right?

hey there Tom,
the choice will most likely rest upon which version of OSX(probably OS 10.2 or 10.3) & which QT version (probably 5.x or 6.x) will work best w/ FCP 3 & if you have those to install, especially the OS. but you maybe right about using FCP 3 on an older DP G4 as opposed to using the newer FCE 3.5. sort of a tough call.
good luck.

Is the external isight better than the internal?

I have a macbook, but I am considering purchasing an external isight as well. I know the external has auto focus (I do not believe the internal does) but I am more interested in color. Does the external have better color and low-light picture? Is the same 1/4 inch chip from the external used in the internal, or is the internal a lessor chip?
I enjoy the macbooks isight, but I would like to make some movies with iMovie. The internal is not overly impressive with it's colors when doing this. Sharpness is also not excellent, it seems the external will definitly improve upon this.
Any input is greatly appreciated. I would really like to hear from owners of both cameras who could possibly compare and contrast these two.
Kalel

Hi Kalel,
I agree with Eddie. I have an external mounted on my G5 at the office and an internal on an Intel iMac at home. If nothing else, the ability to reposition makes the external the hands down winner.
Personally, I believe the external records ambient light better than the internal, but I have different lighting situations at both locations.
Both the internal and external have autofocus.
One of the best additions you can get for either one is a program called iGlasses. I has been mentioned many times in this forum with plenty of user comments.
Good Luck
John

Recording hd video on iphone 4, better in imovie app, or desktop?

For some reason, my imovie recordedo on my iphone and imported looks worse on the desktop version than on the app. Anyone know what parameters or settings should be used to import the iphone 4 hd videos into the desktop version? I would rather use the desktop version, but the app version looked perfect. Also, if you shoot widescreen, the app version doesn't care, however the desktop version squeezes the picture really wide. Anyone have any remedies for this?
alan

Thanks for your reply . I've removed the cover when doing both tests I mentioned. The earphone I used is at good condition and I don't see any problem with it. I've also reinstalled the iOS as your instruction, but still no luck, the video sound still has noise.
I've decided to export the video file to my PC to see if I can hear sound better or not, as it's hard to hear and sound except noise with the external speaker on my iPhone even at maximum volume. On my PC I had to increased playback volume to 100%, set volume booster to 300% and applied noise reduction plugin (I use Media Player Classic on Windows 7) to get an acceptable sound (still noise but better than the original). If I don't boost the volume, it's hard to hear anything. I don't expect it to be crystal clear like the voice memo (using the bottom mic), but too much noise like this is really bad.
So I think it appears to be a hardware-related problem. I will later consider to send it to a phone repair shop or keep it and accept this bad video sound problem . In Vietnam we just have Apple authorized resellers but don't have any official Apple repair shops, that's why I'm still confused as I don't really trust those phone repair shops to handle my iPhone. Anyway, thanks again for your comment .
P.S: it maybe a little off-topic, but do you know any video recording app that using the bottom mic ?

Does FCP perform better than adobe premiere elements on a MacBook Pro?

does FCP perform better than adobe premiere elements on a MacBook Pro?
Background:
* just trying to decide what to go for re video editing app with more features than iMovie
* last time I'd tried Adobe Premiere Elements on my MacBook (but it was before I had an SSD) the performance was not good - it was sluggish to the point I really didn't want to use it
* so this question is just about whether in general FCP X performs better on a Mac (you'd think it would no, as it's made/optimized for a Mac)
My MacBook:
Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

Elements is essentially an amateur app and Premiere a professional one similar to the discontinued Final Cut Pro 7.
FCP X is a radical new approach to editing which like Marmite, you either love or hate.
It is probably between the 2 in capabitlity but much closer to Premiere.
Some might say it was better than Premiere, whilst other long standing broadcast editors would disagree.
It all depends on your standpoint and I am trying to give an unbiased appraisal.
Some of the techniques it uses are way ahead of all other apps and this is what worries people who have an established way of working, though as I mentioned in another post, there are a few omissions which have upset those editors.
Some might say (echoes of Jeremy Clarkson) that FCP X is the most advanced editing app on the planet albeit with a few teething troubles.

Is a dedicated graphics card better than an integrated graphics card for running Logic Pro?

I am trying to figure out if a dedicated graphics card is better than an integrated graphics card for using Logic Pro. I have heard opinions supporting both. From what I have been told a Mac mini with an integrated graphics card would work just fine. I have also heard that a modest dedicated graphics card could also benefit Logic Pro. Honestly, I have heard more people saying that the integrated graphics card on the Mac mini would do the job. But still, I have heard a couple people (even 2 senior Mac experts) state that a dedicated graphics card (iMac) is the way to go. Maybe a Mac mini with integrated graphics card will do the job, but an iMac would do the job better, I don't know, if anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

One thing is Logic Pro and another thing is Final Cut Pro. Logic Pro is a music production app, so it doesn't use the GPU heavily and you can use it with an integrated GPU without any problem. However, video editing apps like Final Cut Pro or iMovie will note the difference

Is there a way that i can downgrade my iOS 7.1 on my iPhone 4 to iOS 6xx? battery life not good, and performance isn't better than iOS 6.. Please apple i am really disappointed with iOS 7 on my iPhone 4

Is there a way that i can downgrade my iOS 7.1 on my iPhone 4 to iOS 6xx? battery life not good, and performance isn't better than iOS 6.. Please apple i am really disappointed with iOS 7 on my iPhone 4, it can runs great on iPhone above 4 such as 5/5s/etc.. iPhone 4 just good with iOS 6...

No.

Why does a DVI or VGA look better than HDMI for 2nd Monitor

Why does a DVI or VGA connection for a program monitor look better than HDMI. I've tested this on several systems with CS5x and CS6. The full screen output from premiere definitely looks worse with HDMI.
I can often see visual differences with the Windows GUI as well, over sharpening of text and lines, harsh rendering of gradients. It looks like a VGA signal displayed on a television.
I've looked at the NVidia stetting and it appears to be set to 1920x1080 at 60hz either way, DVI or HDMI. On one Acer 20 inch monitor the was VGA, HDMI, Composite, Component, and Digital Tuner, but no DVI. The program monitor has always looked blah from the HDMI. So I recently switched the connection to a DVI to VGA adaptor, and now the video looks so much better.
Any thoughts or explanations?

Just because the monitors accept a 1080P signal doesn't mean their native resolution is 1920x1080. At 20 inch they very likely can scale that signal down to the native resolution of the panel which may be 1600 x 900 or another resolution that is 16 x 9 resolution. That scaling can be done by the GPU or firmware on the Monitor depending on the video driver options and the firmware options. That scaling is also the most common cause to text and icon blurriness you are talking about. As an example there are Pro monitors that accept a 4K signal but scale it down to 2.5K or 2K on the actual panel. You might try going into your video card settings such as Nvidia control panel and look for the scaling options. Select GPU scaling and see if the preview is better. If that doesn't work select no scaling and see if it's better if the monitor firmware handles the scaling.
Eric
ADK

Better than iMovie

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