The (From 2036 Lounge version) file is an *.wmv Windows movie file - 44100kHz 16 bit lossless - except glitches near the end a couple of times - all the time you upload - glitches from utube.
The other (Riders of the Storm) is *.avi file 48000kHz 24 bit - no glitches from utube uploading.
Had those up before, just leave them up for the heck of it.
 
The buffalo one is just a cheap HD Ready camera with internal mic on a windy day.
Camcorders have to probably be around $1000 to start getting sorta good and more way more for better equipment.
Still movie edit programs can only do whatever and cheap ones do cheap audio usually although even Windows Movie Maker can make a video (capture also) and have stills and video all on the same video - usually sound does not have all the options, and if more options they usually want a few dollars more for the software.
 

Fog
I use corel myself, but if I had a mac I'd use final cut pro
 

I find the production world got very divided over Final Cut when X was introduced.  Apple apparently wanted to make the product more appealing to consumers so they made it more like final cut xpress. Based on talking with colleagues and reading various trade publications and sites, I think Apple lost a good chunk of professional users but may have picked up more consumer level users.

Microsoft has a free movie-making program called Movie Maker. I know someone who did exactly what your friend wants - stills set to music. Search, it's easy to find. After he becomes addicted, then it's time for sony Vegas. Even the inexpensive version is way powerful. Typically, the flagship model from a few years ago becomes the bargain version.

should have said dub, that it's partly that I don't like avid / m-audio etc.. so won't use any of their products after using 4 over the years. Also adobe went with the subs model.. so again , not a fan of that either.
 
 
 

Be a dark horse - go with Vegas....

cclarry
Are you looking for "cheap" or "Good"?

Most of the "low dollar" programs have the basics to do this...

If you want "quality" then you're talking Nuendo, Sequoia, Vegas etc...

If you want to get "dirt cheap" you can still get the Dell deal of 
Sony Movie Studio Suite for $49, which has Movie Studio Platinum, Sound Forge Studio, 
Acid Studio and DVD Architect Studio....normally $140....

It will do what your are looking for...just not "the best"

http://accessories.us.del...;acd=12309201887460817

Just noticed this.  Didn't know Sequoia and Nuendo did video editing.  Will have to check into that unless I am misreading.

IMHO one of the best "Host" (pun intended) for video editing/production with regards to features vs workflow (familiar workflow) vs bang for the buck is Sony.... in addition, I agree with others; Studio version will do nicely for short productions i.e good enough for music video production - it's been said many times.... (kinda like using Audio / DAW) "Put the good stuff in (get it right at the source) and then the rest should come together nicely.... eventually.... I guess lol!

As for Movie Maker? It just doesn't tickle me enough, though my wife uses M/Maker for sharing family videos. If you only intend to do basic production such as; photo slides? Then I guess Movie Maker will do fine.

But what the hay, I'm just passing by, what do I know? lol. Hope you choose wisely, whatever suits your workflow and needs, try before you buy :-)
 
 
 
 

Another +1 for Vegas Movie Studio version...  I've only had it for a few months with very little time to actually use it, but so far I'm pleased with the way it operates.  It does seem like a good fit for a DAW user, probably because of it's heritage. 
 

Although I have mentioned free alternatives, I have always been a big can of Vegas. It no longer is my primary editor, but I still recommend it die to ease of use compared to other products

cclarry

Jeff M.
I picked up Cyberlink's Power Director 12 Ultimate since it had decent reviews.
I wanted to try out a fairly inexpensive solution rather than commit to something like Vegas. 
 
So far it's done everything I've needed it to do - PiP, greenscreen, time lapse slideshow, multiple "tracks" of either video, stills or audio to end up with the composite video.
Lots of export options for quality and burns to DVD or BluRay.
 
Lots of fx, most of them are cheezy though.
I just use in/out fades & simple transitions, since those look better.

Jeff, 

I agree...I have the Director Suite....and yes, for  a mid level program it is excellent.
You can get a lot of "better" effects by buying the "plugins" for PowerDirector.

PowerDirector will do most everything and renders well...so, for the home enthusiast/semi-pro or even Pro,
if you don't need ALL the bells and whistles, it's a very good option...
 

I agree with the two of you. I have Power Director Ultimate and it's slick.