By Brian Jones

Cyber Link’s Power Director 12 Ultra is an excellent alternative to Adobe’s video editing software. In reality, it is surely one of the top contenders in terms of power and flexibility. This program easily creates professional looking videos in minutes that you will be proud to show your friends and family. And it is fast. This has been one of the best parts about Power Director software in the past and it is only getting better. The big question is: Why upgrade every year? Some of the enhanced features include better chroma key (green screen), content aware editing has been improved, and H.264 encoding is speedier. These are all very useful improvements, especially the encoding. H.264 is used in many places and on many devices. A lot of times, video editing software will really bog down your system, but this program is designed to import, edit, and render quickly. CyberLink Power Director 12 Ultra is available for $79.99 to $99.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating System: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD, Blu-ray, 3D, and 4K support
• 100 multi-media edting tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

So many of our everyday gadgets are now capable of capturing video. What are we going to do with all of that video? Simple, make some great movies to share with friends and family online. Video editing software makes it quick and easy to put together our video clips and present them in a new and attractive way. We complied a list of the ten best video editing programs based on the following criteria:

1. Ease of use
2. HD and 3D editing abilities
3. DVD and Blu-ray disc authoring options
4. Sharing abilities on social networks and video sites
5. Included effects and transitions
6. Video capturing options
7. Number of editing tracks available
8. Help and support network

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

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Best Photo Editing Software

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More Video Editing Software

By Brian Jones

“Hard to use” and “complicated” are usually phrases that are synonymous with Adobe software products. The Elements lineup of software are the answer to the normally complicated and expensive core software most are familiar with. Ease of use is the name of the game in Premiere Elements 12. Just like we saw in the Photoshop Elements 12 counter part, Adobe has added in guided help to streamline the process of editing video to a polished final product. This is done with Guide View and Expert View. Once you have learned the ropes, turn on Expert View to get to the video editing on your own with enhanced editing function. Video Adjustment layers are another great new feature seen in this iteration. The adjustment layer controls effects on every thing under it. This means multiple clips are granted the same effect instead of having separate effects for each clip. This will save many users a good chunk of time and confusion. We really love seeing workflow improvements when it comes to software that receives a yearly update. Once your movie is created, Adobe makes it just as easy to share it. Burning your finished product to a DVD or Blu-ray or posting a video to any social media site can be done quickly and hassle free. Adobe Premiere Elements 12 is available for $99.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, XP and Mac OS X v10.6-v10.8
• DVD and Blu-ray support
• 99 multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

Back to Top Video Editing Software

By Brian Jones

Corel has always been right on the heels of Adobe’s excellent Elements series of editing software. Paintshop Pro X6 Ultimate is surely closing the gap. On top of being easy to use and powerful, this iteration has a ton of new features to make it even more useful. Paintshop Pro X6 Ultimate has a long list of features that most photographers, serious or not, will find extremely useful on a regular basis. Some of the new features for this version are 64-bit performance, enhanced RAW format functionality, 3rd party plugins, and the powerful “Perfectly Clear” one touch editing tool. This is a fantastic example of what photo editing software should be without having to spend many hundreds of dollars on features that you’ll never touch or bother to even try learning. Corel Paintshop Pro X6 Ultimate is available for $79.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating system: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, or XP
• Skill level: intermediate to advanced

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

Back to Top Photo Editing Programs

By Brian Jones

Photoshop is one of the most known photo editing programs out there on the market. It also has the reputation of being extremely expensive and complicated. Adobe’s Elements line of software is here to put those ideas to rest. Photoshop Elements 12 is a stripped down version of the full Photoshop and the answer to that expensive price tag. The elements version of photoshop is excellent for light editing, organizing your photos, and sharing them online. This balance is where you are going to see Elements beat out many other programs at this level. Some will be better at organization, while lacking in the editing arena. This is because Adobe created Elements program with the everyday photographer in mind. This program is ideal for the photographer that is going to make light edits like cropping and minor touch ups then share their images with friends and family online. This program is available for $89.99-$99.99.

What’s New in Photoshop Elements 12?

• Guided Editing mode to achieve special effects on your own like burst zoom, jigsaw puzzle, and photo restoration
• Quick Edit mode makes adding textures and frames a snap
• Expert Edit mode enables you to fine tune auto correction features
• Adobe Camera RAW support

Quick Specs

• Operating system: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP (limited RAW functionality), and Mac OS X v10.7-v10.8
• Skill level: intermediate to advanced

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

When it comes to digital photography, there are an endless amount of decisions to make. Your editing software is no different. We all know that Photoshop is the go-to editor for professionals, but what should the armatures and hobbyists use so they don’t have to drop a fortune on software? We have compiled a list of the ten best photo editing programs out there based on the following criteria:

1. Ease of use
2. Editing power
3. Organization options
4. Speed of program processes
5. Sharing options through e-mail and social networks
6. Tutorials and support availability
7. Import and export of many types file formats
8. Extra features like slideshow publishing and label making

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

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Best Video Editing Software

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Top 10 Graphics Cards

The graphics card is one of the computer components that will really make or break your machine. Most of the time big box store made computers include integrated graphics. That means there is no part of your computer dedicated to processing video… [more]

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The motherboard is one of the most vital components of any computer. It is where the processor, memory, and all of the expansion features like pci slots, SATA connections, and USB connectors. Different motherboards come with different feature sets… [more]

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It’s been just 3 years since Windows 7 was released, after the disaster of Vista. Windows 8 takes a pretty big turn on the Microsoft OS – for better or worst. Though many people are turned off by the Metro UI, we found it still has some great improvements technically and on the normal desktop view.

Don’t just pass this OS off because of the Metro UI – check out some cool new features that we think make Windows 8 worth the cheap $69 price tag.

Love it or hate it, the Metro UI is one of the sleekest touch interfaces you could ever use. For those with a touch screen, you will be blessed to have this super sleek and responsive interface. For those without a touch screen, it still works well with a keyboard. Pinch, zoom, throw, swipe your way around apps and programs like nothing. It really is a truly great interface. Touch screen fans have nothing to complain about.

Though it might be difficult at times for keyboard users – it still works well with a keyboard and mouse. And even if you don’t have a touch screen, you can simply just use the traditional desktop mode with Windows 8.

There is no doubting though – as a touch screen interface, Metro is one of the best.

The Task Manager? So what? Oh it matters. The Task Manager in Windows 8 is new and improved, not just in looks (it is super sleek), but also in functionality and information provided. Everything running is separated into sections based on what it is (Application, background processes, windows processes) so you know whats running exactly.

Don’t know what that process is? Right click and “Search Online” – making it one step easier. This all on a sleek color coded interface drilling down to the nitty gritty to manage tasks on your machine. Truly a great and overlooked improvement in Windows 8.

With better support for multiple monitors you can micro manage each monitor. Each monitor can get it’s own task bar, without the need of a 3rd party app. With the tap of a switch you can also turn the primary monitor into the secondary and vise versa.

Oh yea – you can have Metro on one monitor, and the normal desktop on another. How cool is that?

People often overlook technical improvements which alone make your computing experience much more enjoyable. Windows 8 boots up faster then light, especially compared to Windows 7. Were talking about as little as 17 seconds (sometimes less) to boot up, and this stays consistent down the road. A great overlooked featured.

Not just this, but navigating apps, switching screens, using Metro, is a very fluid and fast experience with minimal to no hiccups.

I love this one personally the most – file history. With file history you have the option to continuously back up your personal documents from certain folders to a 3rd party device (hard drive, or even cloud) – and it’s very customizable.

It will backup files automatically once set up – and you can even go browse a single files history and choose the version you want. Freaking awesome!

In Metro it’s a snap (literally) to put apps side by side and multi-task. Let’s say you have Internet Explorer open and then want your iTunes library open also. Simple drag it on the screen and it will snap next to the Explorer, taking up only 1/4 of the screen.

A very useful feature for multi-tasking and keeping an eye on something to the side. Again, overlooked, but super helpful.

You go to sell a computer, and you spend hours deleting everything off it to make sure you leave no traces for the new owner. You have to download 3rd party apps, jump through hoops, restart, on and on again.

With reset – Windows 8 makes it easy to simply do a one click wipe – that will wipe the entire computer clean in a snap. Super simple, super useful.

Searching Windows 8 is a breeze – right from the start screen. Just start typing (seriously, just start typing) and results will start popping up. You can even search within that app right away. It’s a nice fast feature.

The file manager screens now have the Microsoft Ribbon toolbar you might be familiar with if you ever used Microsoft Office products. This offers a ton of useful features (some new) in a nice interface.

Using the file manager is now like using a full on application. It’s a nice feature that I really enjoy.

Hate it or not – you really can’t speak for it if you haven’t tried it. In the short few days I’ve had my copy of Windows 8, I have fell in love with the Metro UI. I do most of my work on the traditional view, but when I’m messing around the Metro UI is a blast to use.

Even with a keybaord, it’s super easy to switch between Metro and the Original desktop – or do like me, use 2 monitors. Metro on one, desktop on the other. It’s super sleek and you won’t notice any lag.

Windows 8 is a great big jump forward and I believe in the right direction. Though it has an emphasis on Touch based devices, it still caters to it’s normal users and offers plenty of reasons to upgrade for them as well. At a price of tag of just around $69 you can’t go wrong. Upgrade today!

Pick up Windows 8!

By Brian Jones

Roxio Video Lab HD has a great mix of available and missing features, making it a very unique product in a sea of consumer video editors. This is one of the cheapest video editing programs that supports 3D video. Which is pretty impressive. Because it is on the cheaper side, you are going to be missing a lot too. The green screen, image stabilization, advanced DVD menu templates, and a strong media manager are not present in this software at all. If you are not looking for features like these, Roxio Video Lab HD does just about everything else very well and easily. It is available for $15.99-$49.99 online.

Quick Specs

• Operating System:Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D support
• 32 multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

Pinnacle Studio HD 15 is a solid video editor with all the basics and a little more. Pinnacle is very good about working with your computer’s hardware and not bogging it down with a lot of resource hogging operations. This means it tends to crash less. Help and support are areas where this product really comes in handy. There is free email, phone, and live chat support as well as an included manual and tutorials online. If you have any trouble or questions, there will never have to be a worry when using this software. Pinnacle Studio HD 15 is available for $50.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating System:Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD support
• 2 multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

If you are looking for your first piece of video editing software, Serif Movie Plus X6 is probably going to be the one. This program is exceptional at the editing basics and provides a little deeper functionality equally well. This software is very beginner firendly with its QuickMovie Studio mode where all you have to do is drag and drop video clips into preset themes. This makes is quick and easy to create great looking videos with no experience at all. It is a little more expensive than some of the beginner level video editors. This program makes up for the price with the great set of included tutorials and instructions. Any question can be answered within the program in multiple places or in the included manual. Serif Movie Plus X6 is available for $77.69.

Quick Specs

• Operating System:Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD and Blu-ray support
• Unlimited multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

Nero is has been turned to for CD ripping and burning solutions for a long time. Now they are in the game of video editing. Nero Video 11 is a middle of the road editor available at a great price. If you are looking for something that makes putting simple videos together easily, Nero has done it. A great feature is the Windows Live Movie Maker compatibility. Some people may be more comfortable with the free editor from Windows, but may be looking for more. This compatibility makes Nero a great program to put some extra final touches on projects started elsewhere. Since Nero also has a great reputation for authoring CDs, you know you are going to be able to make some great looking DVDs and Blu-rays with Nero Video 11 easily. This software is available for $43.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating system: Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD and Blu-ray support
• Unlimited multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

For those looking for a scaled down video editor that has just about everything you really need, Video Suite 10 might be worth looking into. This program has 3D support which is pretty surprising for something as bare bones as this. This software really shines when it comes to converting file formats and device comparability. It support more than 200 mobile devices right out of the box. This is a great feature if you shoot a lot of video with your tablet or smartphone. This program is a little lacking on the video editing side, but it has all of the basics you need for most projects. If you are looking for heavier edits to your video, it may not be the right choice. Movavi Video Suite 10 is available for $59.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D support

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

3D video is still pretty slow to be adopted by consumers and industry alike. MAGIX knows there are some out there who want to explore the unexplored. Movie Edit Pro MX Plus is for those who want to brave the new world of 3D video at home. This software is one of the most powerful consumer level 3D editing tools out there. It supports a number of different 3D effects like transitions and titles. It also supports all conventional 3D displays and output formats. MAGIX Movie Edit Pro MX Plus is available for $61.15-$99.99.

Quick Specs

• Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D support
• 99 multi-media editing tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices

By Brian Jones

There are a lot of video editing programs out there and it can be hard to decide which one will be the best for you. CyberLink Power Director 10 Deluxe is surely one of the top contenders when it comes down to it. This program easily creates professional looking videos in minutes that you will be proud to show your friends and family. And it is fast. This is one of the best parts about Power Director 10. Video editing software can really bog down your system, but this program is designed to import, edit, and render quickly. The included Magic Movie Wizard makes everything even easier too by adding things like cuts, transitions, and fixing shaky video. CyberLink Power Director 10 Deluxe is available for $51.49.

Quick Specs

• Operating System: Windows 7, Vista, and XP
• DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D support
• 100 multi-media edting tracks

Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian

Prices