Software
From Fieldworkguide
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[edit] Software
Although not quite “field” equipment, I think that if you are taking a laptop into the field you should be equipped to do some basic editing while you are there (e.g. you have to do an impromptu presentation). This has the added bonus of being able to edit your clips, so you can save storage space. Remember to bring plenty of [data storage] to back up your digital field recordings (still, video and audio) and any editing work you have done.
[edit] Video
As far as video goes, the i-Movie suite and Windows Movie Maker, on Mac and Windows machines respectively, which comes standard on almost all new machines, are surprisingly capable. The newer operating systems, MS Vista and Mac OS Leopard promise to have even better movie editors included in their standard software packages.
In my opinion there are three price points beyond that. One is around $50, one around $100 and the professional suites which run into the thousands. I think spending the extra money to get the $100 (the Ulead company routinely makes good software for example) is well worth the extra $50. As with all software, see what your university store carries and if they can offer you an academic discount. For Mac users upgrading to Final Cut is a great option.
- List of free video editing software- This webpage was compiled in late 2005, but is a great starting point for free video editing software you can download for either PC or Mac.
[edit] Audio
As far as audio software goes, Protools is a great option and has been a standard for years, but there are a number of very capable editors on the market these days.
[edit] Converters
I have routinely faced the problem of needing to convert media file formats. A CD copied to your hard drive in itunes, or a Video CD bought in a market in another country are often in unweidly or proprietary formats that do not work well with some programs. There are numerous programs you can buy, but also a few good free programs. For audio I have found programs by [Koyote] to work particularly well.
Recently there have been a couple of interesting websites that will convert your media files via the web. This requires a fairly fast internet connection (especially for video files), but has the advantage of being free and not requiring you to download any software. I have been very happy using both Zamzar and Media Convert.
[edit] Links
- Download.com- Offers a lot of software that can be downloaded from their website, including still, video and audio editors as well as media converters. Some of the programs are free and some are trial versions of commercial software.
