For the last couple of decades, Photoshop has been the blue-chip program for photo editing. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and often too complicated for non-professional photographers. As an alternative, PhotoImpact was approximately 20% of the price. It did everything that I needed, and it was very easy to learn.
I purchased and used its multiple updates from 2007 to 2017 when it ceased business. I continue to use software, but it has gotten very outdated. I searched for more modern software.
As a replacement, I tried using the updated free GIMP several times. Its learning curve was just too complicated for me. When several of the Nerd Night wanted to study Photo and Video Editing, I asked for advice from ChatGPT.
It said,
For a group of people over 70 who want to learn basic photo editing, don’t want to spend money, and prefer watching tutorials, I recommend the following combination of free, user-friendly software and accessible tutorial resources: (see Appendix A)
I selected Photopea and started using it. I was similar to PhotoImpact, and I found dozens of tutorials on YouTube.
Photopea (Web-Based)
o Website: https://www.photopea.com
o Pros: No installation required, works like Photoshop, supports layers, cropping, text, etc.
o Cons: Slight learning curve, but manageable with guided tutorials.
o Best for: Users with decent computer skills who want a Photoshop-like tool.
When it came to video editing, I had no question but DaVinci Resolve. Like my experience with photo editing, I had been using the purchased software, ProShow. I have also used it since 2007 to create slide shows. In the past, I used Nero, Roxio, and Comcast for “quick and dirty” and simple slide show videos for everyone. However, these programs are no longer available and don’t support video editing.
Unfortunately, DaVinci has a high learning curve. I tried it in 2020, but I gave up.
This was professional-quality software; it did everything, including slide shows and video editing, and it was free. In 2024, I decided to learn it and found excellent tutorials on YouTube.
PC Mag Review
DaVinci Resolve is professional-level video editing software; many current blockbusters, Oscar winners, TV shows, and commercials utilize it. However, it's also a favorite among ambitious enthusiasts due to its capable free version. We find the program overwhelmingly successful in combining video editing, motion graphics, color coding, and audio production modules with innovative tools. However, it's worth noting that mastering the program likely requires some time and effort due to its atypical video interface and workflow conventions.
Pros
• Plenty of editing tools for precise control
• Clear, well-designed interface
• Includes motion graphics and audio editing
• Fast render performance
Cons
• Requires a lot of system resources
• Complex software takes time to learn
I have successfully used DaVinci with 2017 technology, a Hard Drive, and 8GB RAM, producing small 20-minute videos. I recently purchased a new computer equipped with 2023 technology, including an SSD and 32 GB of RAM, specifically to use DaVinci.
As a fair warning, working with DaVinci is three times more complicated than photo editing. It included photo editing, video editing, and audio editing. I often spent ten times more hours putting together a video show than I did on photos. I blended “stills” with “video snippets”, tweaked the audio sections on the snippets, and then added narration and background audio.
One program we have not discussed is audio editing. With the development of video, I have retrieved songs for background music and created audio narration. The most commonly used software is Audacity. It’s free and enables one to record sound from the computer’s speakers or directly from a connected microphone and then edit it.
How to use Audacity to Record & Edit Audio | Beginners Tutorial (38)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzJ2VyYkmaA
Lastly, I definitely wanted VideoProc Converter. It is a one-stop video processing software that allows me to edit, convert, resize, and adjust large 4K/HDR videos, audio, and DVDs easily at hardware- and GPU-accelerated speeds, powered by Intel, AMD, and Nvidia GPUs, delivering buttery-smooth video editing and transcoding without compromising quality.
VideoProc Converter supports any video shot with GoPro, DJI, iPhone, Android, camcorder, or other 4K cameras (DSLR or mirrorless), and can process over 370 input codecs and 420 output codecs. Also allows for easy DVD backup and ripping, as well as downloading videos from over 1,000 media sources.
I routinely use VideoProc Converter to record any video displayed on my desktop, such as Facebook or PBS programs. I can patch of these copied video snippets into my DaVinci video. I have also used its AI version to upscale my videos.
It has a free version, but I immediately purchased the lifetime license. Check out this review (6)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQfnGV5cAU&t=192s
