Tools

Beginner

PC
Photo Story: Allows user to create slideshows, and digital stories where photo’s can be cropped                      rotated, and edited. Users can add effects such as black and white, titles and music.

Pros: Very user friendly, lot’s of creative freedom.

Cons: Only one music track, only uses still photos.

Cost: Free download for Windows Machines.

For more information on Photo Story click here.

MAC
iPhoto: Allows user to create slideshows, and digital stories where photo’s can be cropped, rotated,              and edited. Users can choose from a variety of themes to create unique looking
             presentations.

Pros: One touch creation, great organization and customization.

Cons: Not as intuitive as Photo Story.

Cost: Free with iLife inclusion on Apple machines.

For more information on iPhoto click here.

Intermediate

PC
Windows Movie Maker: Allows user to create simple but creative video digital stories, where videos                                        can be cut and edited with various effects, titles, and transitions.

Pros: Simple step by step directions, fairly intuitive navigation. Easy video capture.

Cons: Boring, predictable title effects, file organization can be confusing.

Cost: Free download for Windows Machines.

For more information on Windows Movie Maker click here.

MAC
iMovie: Allows users to create creative interesting videos that can be cut and edited with a variety of              effects, and themes.

Pros: Very user friendly, new versions offer very precise editing.

Cons: New version each year, has been changing layout drastically since ’06.

Cost: Free with iLife inclusion on Apple machines.

For more information about iMovie click here.

Advanced

PC
Adobe Premiere: Allows user to create professional level video editing with multiple video and audio tracks, and a multitude of effects and features.

Pros: Can import Final Cut documents, and has speech recognition.

Cons: High learning curve, and can range from $300-$700.

Cost: $300 for upgrade, $700 for total package.

For more information about Abobe Premiere click here.

MAC
Final Cut Pro: Allows user to create professional level video editing with multiple video and audio                          tracks, and a multitude of effects and features.

Pros: Very professional, high quality videos. Extremely precise editing.

Cons: High learning curve, and can range from $200-$600.

Cost: $200 for express version, $600 for full version, $1,200 for full production package.

For more information about Final Cut Pro click here.