Functional Video Editor for 2009

[Butters]

Software packages change, and I don't want to go necro on any old post.
Here is the situation:

I'm doing a 1 time "family" video presentation that will be playing in the background on a big screen at a restaurant. I want something fairly full-featured but with enough addons like titles, captions, transitions, overlays, etc, that will keep me happy and show that "some" effort was done.

I haven't been in the vid editing arena in years, but I do have an idea at whats out there, and I don't really want to waste my time downloading and installing various packages. I just want to go off of a recommendation.

I'm basically going to edit about 15-20 minutes worth of video, and I want to transition in some still photos. Total play time probably about 30-40 minutes.

I'm using Win7-64bit. Its going to be a 1 time use thing, so there is no point in me going all out on a package, but if its worth it, I'll look into it.

Otherwise I'll just use Panasonic's crapware editor or just try to find Windows Movie Maker or something

[primesuspect]

I just bought <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3467298-10440023?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16832105469" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.newegg.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">premiere elements 7</a> from adobe for $99 and I think it's pretty damned swank.

Unfortunately, the 30 day demo puts a nice fat watermark across the entire video, so you can't use the trial for a single project.

Still, it'll definitely do the job in a very slick way.

[UPSLynx]

Premiere is stellar. Haven't used elements, though I'm sure it would fit the bill for your project.

Sony Vegas is another good, affordable choice that's simple yet will give you good results.

Unfortunately, there really isn't an affordable choice for editing software, it's all rather premium.

[Butters]

I went ahead and got it. It natively edited .MOD which the camcorder I have uses and had more than enough bells and a few whistles.

As much as I'd like to buy from that link, and support IC, I found a bundle deal containing Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements. I've played the "game" with the Photoshop, so I figured I might as well get this package. I saved $30 by using the coupon code below, so I got both for $119.

FUN0FFERS08H0BBY (https://store1.adobe.com/cfusion/store/index.cfm?store=OLS-US&view=ols_prod&category=/SpecialPages/PshopPremElements&promocode=FUN0FFERS08H0BBY&PID=2446784#category=/SpecialPages/PshopPremElements&view=ols_prod&loc=en_us&store=OLS-US)