Windows live movie maker
This auto-installed piece of software is surprisingly good at doing basic tasks. In particular the clip splitting feature is very easy to use and allows precise cutting. Another really cool feature is the ability to change the playback speed of individual clips including the audio. Export options are varied and include the ability to upload directly to Youtube. The main downside is the surprising absence of the timeline (which was actually available in previous versions) and of more advanced features in general.Features: 1/5
Stability: 5/5
Learning curve: 5/5
CamStudio recorder (old version 2.6) (for screen recording)
While not video editing software per say, camstudio is amazing at what it does - record your screen view. It also has webcam and annotation functionality, but the main desirable here is that there is no watermark or limitations associated with this product which is fairly unique for this kind of software. There are several disadvantages unfortunately; firstly it has a file-size limit which it does not warn you about (so entire recordings can actually be lost if they go on for too long at too high quality), secondly rounding errors from the frame-rate capture and playback rate can cause the audio and video to desyncronise (however with careful selection of the frame rate this problem can be avoided entirely), and finally the product is not at all stable - in particular focus on a secondary program it uses for recording can cause the software to crash, however with care this problem can be avoided. Unfortunately there is a SERIOUS MALWARE concern associated with the modern version of this product which means I cannot recommend it at all. If you can get your hands on an old pre 2012 version of this product it is fantastic (as I have), however do NOT download the up to date version, it is not worth the risk.
Features: 2/5 but excellent as a screen recorder.
Stability: 0/5 including MALWARE/VIRUS concerns on NEW versions (very old versions are fine)
Learning curve: 5/5
If you chose to download this product (particularly a new version) you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. Again, if you can find an older version this product is well worth the time, however it is not worth the risk for a newer version.
VSDC free movie editor
Essentially a far more advanced version of movie maker, this product boasts an impressive range of features including allowing multiple media (including videos) to be placed on the same canvas and an array of impressive effects including rotation and movement of objects on the canvas. The editor has timeline functionality which is a plus, however while its cutting and splicing feature is slightly more advanced than movie-maker I do not prefer it as it can be very counter-intuitive. The timeline also does not allow media to snap into place, so unfavorable gaps have to be edited manually which can be a pain. The editor does also have useful audio effects, however will not allow audio to be decoupled from a video (although it does allow audio to be inserted) as movie maker will. While the effects make this program very attractive, it has fairly low stability and saving regularly is a must as unsaved files will be lost in the event the program crashes (which it will from time to time).Features: 3/5
Stability: 2/5
Learning curve: 4/5
Lightworks
Comes across as being quite a serious attempt to rival proffesional video making software, and in terms of appearance is quite good at conveying that (although the inability to minimize the window is pretentious and annoying). The range of effects (including keying and 3D) is quite impressive though will seriously underwhelm a serious producer, and keyframe functionality in particular makes this an attractive free alternative. For simple tasks such as cutting clips the software comes across as a bit cumbersome though and unnecessarily complicated.Features: 3/5 (but is keyframe based unlike VSDC)
Stability: 4/5
Learning curve: 3/5
Hit film express 3/ Hit film Pro (demo)
The effects library in the demo version is 2nd to none, and with a simple learning curve it almost seems too good to be true. Unfortunately it is too good to be true, with the demo version (despite being unlimited) only allowing 30 second 480p exports, and only then to Youtube! The express version while having no restrictions in exporting has a massively stripped down effects library which may be slightly inferior to light works. Still, if you want to impress in short-bursts this product is not going to be matched by any other, and hit film 3 express is a very strong movie editor in its own right although will seem disappointing in comparison. My only real qualm with the product itself (as opposed to its restrictions) is that effects cannot be applied directly to a clip in a timeline (with intuitive layers) but have to be applied to a new composite, actually its fairly similar to VSDC in this regard but far less intuitive especially as key-framing works for a select few things on the timeline (but in reality you have to edit in composite mode).Features: 3/5 (would be 5/5 without restrictions)
Stability: 5/5
Learning curve: 4/5
Blender
Turns out I was not being 100% honest when I said the above was 2nd to none, and blender is just as capable as Hit film in terms of effects, and is superior in terms of 3D effects. AND there are no restrictions. So what's the catch? A downright daunting learning curve, that will force you to spend hours in tutorials before you can do something remotely presentable. However should you master this product, the free particle engine, texturing abilities, and even the ability to code directly in python makes this product every bit as good as its commercial rivals (and probably better). The trouble is, trying to set this up as a video editor will require alot of work, and 2D effects, while possible are arguably harder to perform (especially for the beginner) than 3D effects.
Features: 5/5
Stability: 5/5
Learning curve: 0/5
XSplit Broadcaster (for livestreaming)
More accurately a live-stream editor rather than a video editor. For simple live streaming tasks it is great at what it does and is relatively simple to setup streams directly to Youtube Live. The express version is relatively stripped down in terms of features but does support keying, 3 scenes, and a wide range of media that would satisfy most. Stability is usually good although to ensure a stable live stream sometimes fine tuning has to be done which is not obvious.
Features: 3/5
Stability: 4/5
Learning curve: 4/5
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