Adobe Premiere Elements 10 Review: A Review and Photo Gallery of Adobe's Beginner Editing Program
An Easy Editing Program Anyone Can Use
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 is the editing program that can be used by anyone. It’s simplicity stems from the overall structure of the program and the features that are included. Beginner editors can easily edit their first short film or feature with this version. Adobe combined advanced elements with simple features to make this software easy and fun to use. If you are deciding on editing software to try for your project, consider this program. You can easily create your video and photo projects while learning about new tools along the way.
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 User Interface
If you are familiar with Adobe Premiere Elements, then you can tell that the basic workspace hasn’t changed drastically. The basic user interface is still streamlined and simple, which is one of the appeals of this program. It will be very easy for an editor to work with this user interface while finding the necessary tools her or she needs.
What is most prominent on the user interface is the improved project organizer on the right side. Adobe has incorporated a larger area to hold each video. Editors can now see six examples of their work within the organizer, rather than the small number that was included on previous versions. On previous versions, you would have to scroll down numerous times to find all of your videos. In addition to holding videos, the project organizer also holds a number of photos. This feature can also be seen on previous versions.
There a few other things you can instantly do with the new, friendlier user Interface:
- Easily manage all fo your data (Videos, Images, and Audio).
- Quickly add video effects and transitions.
- Create titles.
- Produce the finished project.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, new and old.
Timeline and the Improved “Sceneline”
When you begin editing your project, you will see that your video or videos are instantly placed in the project organizer. You can drag the desired video onto the timeline to begin piecing together your project. Adobe gives users two ways to edit their video on the timeline. As you see, there is box feature where the video is placed in a box, with the another video following the first one. This feature is called “Sceneline”. With the “Sceneline” feature, users can see their scenes on the timeline. This is a good feature if you want to see your scenes or photographs as you are editing.
In addition to the “Sceneline”, Adobe Premiere Elements 10 also has the traditional timeline. The timeline gives you an instant breakdown of your video, the audio, the time of each shot, and the time between shots. There is also a larger bar under the shot that is on the screen. This indicates the length. The timeline is ideal for editors who are accustomed to this standard format. However, the timeline format for this program can be a bit confusing due to the many elements that are included. The confusion stems from the multiple tracks on the timeline, as well as the way you can arrange clips. The timeline can still be used easily. Editors will just need to learn the additional features.
Effects and Transitions
Like previous versions, Adobe Premiere Elements 10 has the simple effects and transitions section. This section allows editors to easily incorporate effects and transitions into their video. This section is unique because the color correction feature has improved. Color correction is usually seen on more advanced editing programs. Adobe Premiere Pro has an advanced color correction feature that beautifully changes the color of video with a push of a button. With this software, Adobe attempts to bring the advanced color correction feature to a basic editing program.
In addition to color correction, editors can add a variety of transitions into their videos. The standard fade-in and fade-out transitions are pretty popular with beginner editors but they can test their skills by using more advanced transitions. Adding transitions is an easy process with this program. To add a transition, all you have to do is click on one of the boxes on the right and drag it onto the timeline. The ease of adding effects and transitions can also be seen on previous versions of the program.
Making DVD Menus
Adobe attempts to give editors options for creating DVD menus for their projects. This feature may be fun to use if you are creating a family video or a fun project, but it may not be appropriate for a professional video project. Each DVD menu option is colorful and filled with interesting designs which may appeal to many people. The DVD menus are classified by theme, and an editor can choose one based on the theme of their video. If an editor wants to use one of these DVD menus, he or she can click on it and add their desired information. Fun and edgy DVD menus can also be seen on previous versions.
Importing Your Video and Photographs with Ease
This software allows users to easily import their video clips and photographs. Users have options when importing their videos and photos. An editor can refer to the right side of the screen and select their method of importing media under the “Get Media” tab. Editors can import media using a DV camera, an HDV camera, a flip camera, or they can import media straight from one of their folders on their computer. This step is pretty straightforward, and the media is imported very quickly.
The Many Ways to Convert Your Video
Once you have completed your video project, it is time to convert the video. This program allows editors to convert the video in a variety of ways. Users can refer to the right side of the screen and choose the best file format for their project. Editors have the choice of converting their video to AVI, MPEG, Adobe Flash Video, WMA and Quicktime. After the editor has chosen the desired file format, he or she can choose where to save the video. After all of those details have been determined, the editor should click “Save.” The conversion process will begin after the editor saves the video. Again, this step is pretty straightforward and easy. Adobe even explains each file format. This feature is great for beginners.
Panning and Zooming Your Video
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 gives editors the ability to pan and zoom the video they have already shot. Once the pan and zoom button is clicked above the timeline, a new window will open. The editor has tools at his disposal. He can use these to pan his video and zoom in on certain spots. The clip also includes a mini-timeline that lets the editor see the length of the video as he or she pans and zooms. Besides being an important addition to the program, this feature is really interesting.
Mixing Audio
This editing program allows editors to mix audio with ease. The audio mixing feature is simple to use and it doesn’t skimp on detail. Each component of the audio mixer is straightforward, and the labels are easy to recognize. This mixer is ideal for a beginner who is learning audio mixing for the first time. The audio mixer is also an ideal tool for completely muting the audio on the video.
Sharing Your Video
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 allows editors to share their videos in a variety of forums. Videos can be rendered and shared via social networking sites like Facebook and Youtube. Adobe Premiere Elements 10 also gives editors the option of converting their videos to another video format. Converting a video is rather easy on Adobe Premiere Elements 10. All editors have to do is click on the “Share” tab on the upper right corner, and choose how they want to share or convert their videos. The speed it takes to convert or share the video depends on an individual’s computer system. The average time it takes to convert or share a video varies from 3 to 15 minutes.
The Verdict
Adobe Premiere Elements 10 is ideal for the beginner editor. This editing program is easy to use, with a few exceptions. Despite the program’s minor cons, this software is a winner when it comes to easily putting a video together. The program allows the novice editor to create a video or film project that can rival any filmmaker’s.
Overall, I have enjoyed using this editing program. I have used the previous versions and I could tell that Adobe improved on the overall structure of the program. The full version of Adobe Premiere Elements 10 can be purchased for $99.99, and an upgrade of the program can be purchased for $79.99.
Do you have experience using this program? Any tips or tricks to share? If so, be sure to visit our comments section below. We want to hear from you!
