Summary
Highlights
Finally, CapCut is reviewed. The creator notes its free accessibility without an account, though many features are locked behind a 'pro' subscription. Keyframing is smooth and allows for good animations without motion blur. Finding free transitions and text presets among the paid options is a struggle. A key limitation is the inability to keyframe effects like blur. Despite these drawbacks, the creator finds it suitable for making YouTube videos.
The video starts with the creator highlighting the high cost of editing software like Premiere Pro and the need for free alternatives. He plans to test eight different free programs by recreating a specific video to evaluate their ability to handle animations, transitions, keyframes, text, and audio design. He first showcases the original video made in Premiere Pro.
The first software tested is Da Vinci Resolve. The creator warns about downloading from unofficial sites. He finds keyframes easy to use and customize for smooth movements, though he notes the dark interface can be challenging. Motion blur needs to be applied manually using a separate effect. Adjustment layers are possible but require using 'nodes', which the creator dislikes. Text animation is straightforward and effective. Overall, Da Vinci Resolve is considered a strong free alternative.
The creator accidentally downloads Filmora while trying to find HitFilm Express due to misleading advertising. He finds Filmora to be a smooth software with a good UI. It offers basic animation presets and similar keyframing to Premiere Pro, though less intuitive. Transitions are readily available but lack deep customization. A major drawback is the absence of adjustment layers, necessitating grouping clips for zooms. The text presets are a highlight. To export without signing up, the creator resorts to screen recording.
Finally, the creator tries HitFilm Express. He notes its unique interface and a steep learning curve, suggesting listening to the tutorials. Despite the initial difficulty, he finds some cool effects like particles and simulations. Keyframing is initially challenging to locate but becomes easier once understood. The software includes motion blur, which is a positive. Transitions are simple, but adjustment layers are missing. The text tools are described as the weakest point.
Next up is Shotcut, an open-source software. The layout is simple. Keyframes are decent once mastered, but the absence of adjustment layers or nesting means zooms must be applied individually to each clip. Transitions are criticized, but overall animation is acceptable. The creator suggests users consider Da Vinci Resolve instead.
Lightworks is described as a difficult experience, feeling like a step back in time with its traditional, film-editing-like approach. It lacks adjustment layers and motion blur, making the animation process lengthy and frustrating, taking over an hour for a relatively simple task. The creator expresses his dislike for the software.
Moving to laptop-based free editors (iMovie, CapCut, Adobe Express), the creator first uses iMovie. Despite its limited customization and reliance on presets, he is surprised by its excellent UI and user experience, even surpassing Premiere Pro in terms of smoothness and ease of navigation. He enjoyed making the video with iMovie.
Adobe Express Video Editor, a purely web-based software, is then tested. The experience is compared to editing in Google Slides or PowerPoint. While it allows for some interesting outcomes and could be useful for quick team collaborations, it's generally deemed unpolished and basic, leading to a corporate presentation-like final product.
The creator concludes by expressing renewed appreciation for Premiere Pro's customization, UI, and workflow. He highlights CapCut's desktop app as a surprising hit in terms of free features. However, he firmly recommends Da Vinci Resolve as the best free editing software available, especially for beginners. He also promotes his own Da Vinci Resolve presets available on his website.