Sony Vegas

The Sony Vegas package is an amazing piece of software that allows you to edit and create DVD and Bluray discs (depending on what package you buy), and owned by Sony.
It allows you to build and create a professional workflow when authoring audio, video and BluRay, and is one of the preeminent software units to use when editing your DVDs.

In various ‘flavors’ from production assistant, to movie makers of various levels, the basic program ranges from $40 (suitable for creating basic videos, such as on Youtube and Myspace) to over $500, which gives users the ability to find the program suited to the level of skill of the user.

History and features

The Sony Vegas is currently in edition 9 (2010) but comes from very humble beginnings. Initially issued from Sonic Foundry, Sony bought it out and continued with it. Its features include unlimited tracks and video layers of any aspect ratio, and lots of features that allow you to edit and create in a non linear, customizable fashion. Users can program their own user based scripts, in C#, or install free plugins. Its features range from basic to fine grained, based on the cost of the software, but the basics allow everything from movies and slideshows to movies in HD.

Camcorders

It’s easier to use a Mini DV camera with this software, simply because most mini DV cameras use the format that is more easily editable – though the newer DVD camcorders, especially issued by Sony are also solidly capable of importing and editing into the software. But the most important feature to look for if you’re importing and editing direct is to make sure that your file formats are compatible.

File formats

Vegas can import just about any file type, including M2TS, MOD, MP3, MP4 and WMV, but is most comfortable in standard formats – it’s more predictable, and crashes less readily with standard formats. And as with any software, you should take care to save your files frequently, just in case. But mainly, the Vegas software, from Movie Studio to Pro is robust, solid and most of all, adaptable to anyone’s work flow.