Video Editors

New digital video cameras usually come with some form of editing software, however there are alternatives, including some free offerings.

Free software includes Avid Free DV from a highly acclaimed producer of top-end editing systems, and Microsoft's ubiquitous Windows Movie Maker, which ships as part of the XP operating system. Also free are Wax and Zwei-Stein, though it can be challenging to get the best out of these products. Mac users are well catered for, with a version of Avid Free DV and also Apple's iLife.

If you want to edit online, try Jumpcut.

There is plenty of choice if you are looking for editing software which has a price tag. Adobe offers Premiere Elements (cheap, and good value), and Premiere Pro (titanically expensive). Ulead has Video Studio, and Pinnacle produces the very popular Studio.

Sharing Video

Publishing video on the Internet has never been easier or cheaper. One of the best sites is YouTube. There are thousands of original videos to watch, and you can upload your own video for public access or just to share amongst your "friends". As well as being able to view videos on the YouTube web site, video hosted by YouTube can also be embedded in your own web site. An example of this can be seen here.

Video sharing sites do vary, so it is worth comparing the features offered, for example editing facilities, upload and duration limits, quality, speed, and the like. It is a relatively new and very competitive area, as video sharing providers jostle to become something like the Flickr of the video world, so look out for newcomers and be aware that over time some sites will disappear.

Sites that may be worth considering include:

blip.tv - New York site with principles.

Dropshots - Good self-organising video and photo sharing site.

Google video - Yes, they are everywhere

Jumpcut - Excellent editing facilities

VideoEgg - Very easy to use

Vimeo - Clean interface. Currently no editing facilities.

Note that a number of sites are still in beta, and most are achingly fashionable with the often self-concious use of cutting edge technology and design. It is also worthwhile checking out the terms and conditions of use, otherwise you may unintentionally give away more rights to your work than you would normally expect.