Sony Vegas? How hard is the learning curve?

If I want to do more than iMovie or Windows Movie Maker 2, I was thinking about Sony Vegas.... any thoughts?

PD, I use Vegas, and it is different than any other editor I have used, it is really powerful and the learning curve is just about the same as other pro video editing applications. One quirk I haven't quite figured out why... Keyboard shortcut for playing Spacebar will play but when you hit it again to stop it will return to the place you had your time bar previously located, however for true play/pause you use the enter key. To me it was always the opposite or latter for the spacebar, I imagine they are mappable, but I have not fully tweaked around with the program.

It is a powerful program with it's titler, and its many transition/effects. Slow motion looks great, and it does a great job on HD (when using a proxy). Any other questions, I would be glad to give my testimony to the best of my abilities.

Edit:
For the price tag, I think it is WELL worth it. Even luckier if somehow you grabbed hold of a ed copy, your daughter is in pre-school right, then you should be able to apply ;)

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I have this program as well and am going to start playin with it. I have only played with it for about 30 minutes so far.

I hope to be able to make some really cool photo montages with it.

-Puma-

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I think I have some PDF (ebooks) on this program

if I find them i'll let you know so if you want a copy to read then I can share

PD, I use Vegas, and it is different than any other editor I have used, it is really powerful...

Edit:
For the price tag, I think it is WELL worth it. Even luckier if somehow you grabbed hold of a ed copy, your daughter is in pre-school right, then you should be able to apply ;)

If for no other reason (like learning something) this is one of the great compensations for attending community college in the evening. You can purchase Educational copies of software legally. Even if you take Basket Weaving 101 you can buy AutoCad (actually that is a special case it is usually a timed offering). From Adobe to Microsoft and beyond, software manufacturers offer low cost options through the schools and ed retailers as well as some standard outlets. Present your school ID and save as much as 75% when you purchase the full capability ED version. The only thing different is the lower cost and the label on the box.

Papa, I use Vegas for slideshows all the time. Setting up the pictures and transistions is no problem at all. A friend of mine is high on ProShow Producer and says it's VERY easy to make a slide show with it. I haven't tried that one yet.

If you need a hand with Vegas then let me know.

I use Vegas for lots-o-things. I started with montages and then realized, hey, why stick in the video area? This thing can do audio as well!

I just built my first pre-recorded love story last night. Now that I have my Rode Podcaster, I'll be doing pre-recorded messages with it as well.

Edit:
For the price tag, I think it is WELL worth it. Even luckier if somehow you grabbed hold of a ed copy, your daughter is in pre-school right, then you should be able to apply ;)

Well, they are both in Kindergarten... so, should I shoose Vegas, you think that counts?

Papa, I can't make a choice for an editor for you, ultimately it is your choice on what gives you the functionality and ease of use for you needs (not to mention your wallet).

I can give you a guide to help you out though, otherwise we would end up in editor wars just like DJ Software (and nobody likes that).

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That aside, vegas is very promising, constantly developed, updated, and it works! I use it, but i haven't grasped the full functionality outta it, I use SpeedEdit by www.newtek.com :) i would recommend giving that a try :)