I see that Sony have announced Vegas Movie Studio 9.

I don't know much about video editing software but I was wondering how this compares to Vegas Pro and if it would be a viable alternative.

If you want to get started editing I would think it is a very good start. It has most of the features of the Pro version and it is very easy to learn (compared to some other systems). It is also very competitively priced and they reduced prices for version 9 this year. You get a lot for your money. Make sure you look at the "Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Pro Pack" when you are deciding what to buy. It is great value and includes "NewBlue 3D Transitions and Effects". The main difference that I know about is that the video and audio tracks each are limited to 4 while in the pro version it is unlimited. I have never used the Studio version so I cannot talk in detail what the differences are between studio and pro but check this link out to see: Sony Creative Software - Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack - Vegas Family Comparison (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiopp/compare)

I agree that the Studio products are a great place to start.there is absolutely no reason to purchase Pro initially, that I can think of. The built in tutorial that comes with the Studio line is also awesome...

OK thanks.

I have a Sony EX1, will it handle everything I need for Blu-ray etc?

What does Pro offer that Studio doesn't?

The Pro version (8.0b) and Movie Studio Platinum 9 will both burn blu-ray straight from the timeline (from what I've read about VMS9 - I use Vegas Pro 8).

If you need AUTHORING for blu-ray, you may need the pro version with DVD Architect 5. I don't know that any "Movie Studio" version provides authoring (i.e. creating menus...)

If you're just getting started, I agree that VMS is a reasonable first step. However, the Pro version definitely adds a LOT of additional features.

The main difference that I know about is that the video and audio tracks each are limited to 4 while in the pro version it is unlimited. I have never used the Studio version so I cannot talk in detail what the differences are between studio and pro but check this link out to see: Sony Creative Software - Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro Pack - Vegas Family Comparison (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiopp/compare)

Looking at the comparison provided via the link I see that only Pro offers "XDCAM Support". Does anyone know what that involves?

If you need AUTHORING for blu-ray, you may need the pro version with DVD Architect 5. I don't know that any "Movie Studio" version provides authoring (i.e. creating menus...)

Ed, if you are referring only to BD authoring, your statement above is correct. But the version of DVDA that shipped with Vegas MSP8 does indeed do authoring with menus for other types of DVDs.

Have you had a chance to trial MSP9? Any improvements that make it worth upgrading from MSP8? You think MSP will ever see a 64-bit version release?

John, it means if you have an XDCam it will work with it. If you have an EX1 you need Vegas Pro, unless I'm mistaken.

I imagine only Vegas Pro will initially come out in 64 bit version as well, which will make your life much easier also, provided you have 64 bit system.

That's why I specified "authoring for blu-ray" in my statement - so, yes, I was "referring only to BD authoring"

I imagine only Vegas Pro will initially come out in 64 bit version as well, which will make your life much easier also, provided you have 64 bit system.

I do, I do!!! :)

hi,
so most of the professionals prefer vegas pro rather than premiere pro ?

hi,
so most of the professionals prefer vegas pro rather than premiere pro ?
Umm... it's probably fair to say most of the professionals on the Vegas forum prefer it to Premiere.

In fairness, Premiere has, I believe, a larger installed base. But if you really want what people believe to be industry standards with the largest professional following, you'll be choosing between AVID and Final Cut Pro.

In the meantime, most Vegas editors are happy to be editing with the speed, reliability, ease of dealing with multiple formats, unparalleled sound mixing, and general quality that Vegas provides for 98% of what most pro editors do every day.

Now, if you're conforming a film negative, or any of a host of other specialty tasks, AVID and FCP really shine, not only because of their native capabilities, but because of what third-party software developers have written for them.

If you're in and out of After Effects all the time, the Adobe CS3 Suite with Premiere offers some nice media management across AE and Premiere.

None of that describes my day-to-day work, and I'm very satisfied with Vegas. I also teach in a college program where we are FCP-based, and that's a good thing for us to be offering our students.

If you have an EX1 you need Vegas Pro, unless I'm mistaken.
Wow, I was just about to buy it too.

Does anyone know if that is definitely correct? That is, an EX1 will not work with Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro.

Sony Creative Software - Vegas Pro 8 - Vegas Family Comparison (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro/compare)

Look under XDCAM support