Affordable software? because Windows Movie Maker seems "gag me" (?)

Looking for an affordable software suggestion. My video experience is near ZILCH, but I can learn programs fairly easy. I got a Canon M5 not long ago and found that the VIDEO as-is and un-cut from the camera looks pretty nice when I just click a file on the computer and view it. Once I fed it through Windows Movie Maker it seemed to degrade a lot. By the time it was on Youtube, it looks like ... "$HIT" ...

I do nothing fancy. For example, a coast redwood was cut down due to a fire, and I returned to record what was left and explain some things from an arborists perspective. Just short 3 minute, 5 minute or 10 minute explanations. But I would still like it to look a lot better than what I just saw happen using movie maker.

Some of the video quality on Youtube is amazing, and maybe those folks are spending an arm and a leg on software or processing equipment. I haven't asked. but can anyone suggest software or something that's noticeably better than what I tried from Windows standard program?

No special effects needed really. If it can just cut and transition, that's enough. Free is okay, but I'm fine paying $50 to $150 for something. Preferably not more than that.

Thanks.

Da vinci resolve,free,as good as you'll get.
https://www.blackmagic​design.com/uk/products​/davinciresolve/

I use Magix Vegas platinum as well,very good but you'll have to pay for that.

I can second crofter’s two recommendations.

Resolve and the Platinum version of Vegas are pretty different, both are extremely capable for the money (free, and under $100 USD, respectively)

Vegas is a conventional workflow and layout, with strong timeline editing, and a conventional source - program - bin setup. A good product. I’ve not kept up with it since Magix bought the product line from Sony.

Resolve threw away some conventions. I’d find it harder to learn, mostly because I’ve been on a more conventional workflow/layout for so long. But, there are plenty of people doing great work in Resolve, they don’t seem to be posting about problems learning it!

DaVinci is ok,and I have used it, I general use Corel VideoStudio. While a bit buggy on sone FX functions, for modest projects it does just fine. It is reasonably priced - sale for Black Friday runs $40USD for Pro and $50USD for Ultimate.

GEWB

Both free:

https://www.blender.or​g
Don't be overwhelmed. Blender actually has a very nice and very robust video editing module.

https://www.openshot.o​rg
Very straightforward and very good.

https://m.youtube.com …continue=17&v=V​E6awGSr22Q

texkam wrote in post #18755796
Both free:

https://www.blender.or​g
Don't be overwhelmed. Blender actually has a very nice and very robust video editing module.

https://www.openshot.o​rg
Very straightforward and very good.

https://m.youtube.com …continue=17&v=V​E6awGSr22Q

Both of these look very cool.

Just curious, if you're an Openshot user? And, didn't really find much on sound. Does it give you the ability to deal with a clip's video and audio separately?

Does this address it?

https://m.youtube.com/​watch?v=xsd8OK5UqZU

Thanks texkam.

It looks like there are a couple methods that can be used.

Apparently audio and video will always be edited together in a clip, but, either can be turned off.

Audio waveforms *can* be displayed, very handy when editing dialog.

To edit/trim audio and video separately, you would duplicate the clip, have one instance video-only, the other audio-only. Then, you can split edit (aka L-cuts and J-cuts) to your heart's content. The ability to edit audio and video separately and together is important for intermediate-level editing.

It may not be as fast as some other editors, but, it *will* work. Not bad for free!