Video editing using Linux

Video editing using Linux

When you have to edit video, Linux is not the first choice on many people's minds. Most of you will think Apple or Windows. And I don't hold that against you. My viewpoint is that I want to keep everything I do in the 'open source' world.

Many of you will immediately think of the Adobe suite of products or Finalcut. Adobe is expensive and I prefer not to encourage the use of a pirated version. Apple is also an expensive eco system.

I have been in computing since 1985. You tend to learn a few things over time. How many people do you know with a pirated copy of Photoshop or Windows?

To avoid all that I moved to Linux.

What I use:

• Linux Ubuntu 14.04LTS (Trusty Tahr)
• Gimp - Ver 2.8.10
• Inkscape - Ver 0.48
• Blender - Ver 2.69
• Kdenlive - Ver 0.9.6

Gimp to edit pictures/graphics, Inkscape to edit vector graphics, Blender to edit 3D objects/animations for video and Kdenlive to edit and render the final result. Total cost of the above - $0.00

Open Source software has been given a bad rap over the years by some small minded people. The features in all the above software has grown over the years. Now they may not match the current versions of commercial software feature for feature. But I'll lay odds most of you don't use all the features either.  All the important features are there.

Here's a place to start if you too want all the tools to be able to create professional video:

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

Start from the ground up... install a new operating system. It's really easy. Just follow the instructions. All the software I mentioned is available from the Software Centre within the operating system and will only take minutes to install.

There is also a thriving community that will help you at no cost whatsoever.

http://community.ubuntu.com/

I do suggest you dual boot your computer so you keep all your Windows stuff intact. Check that your computer is built using compatible hardware to Linux. The older the machine is, the better. There may be a piece of hardware that Linux may not handle (like Bluetooth) but be patient as Linux gets updated far more regularly as Windows. And one day your Bluetooth will work.

Samples of my work:

http://www.americanthunder.com.au/
http://www.americanthunder.com.au/photo-shoot-lexie/
http://www.americanthunder.com.au/photo-shoot-with-ashleigh/

Advantages I see in using Linux:

• No more viruses
• Better security
• Computer speed
• Open Source - Free Software
• Excellent community help
• Huge YouTube tutorial support for everything

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