Best Digital Video Editing Software

While the rest of the best digital video editing software on this list is designed with the casual user in mind, Adobe Premiere Pro is strictly professional. PC World gives the program a 92 out of 100, for a "Superior" rating. The reviewer noted the program's power, features, and DVD menu-creation abilities, with the final verdict that the program has "plenty of power and few peers."

If you need a full range of multimedia editing capabilities, Adobe Creative Suite packages Premiere Pro with Adobe After Effects Professional, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop Extended, Adobe Flash Professional, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Soundbooth, and Adobe Encore for all your post-production needs.

Website: Adobe Premiere Pro

PC Magazine makes the bold claim that Adobe Premiere Elements is the "best editing/authoring combination on the planet for home and novice business video producers" with its ability to create polished videos with a range of effects and titles. It was an Editors' Choice program with a rating of 4 out of 5. Readers liked it even more, giving it a full 5 out of 5. It was also given a "Superior" rating at PC World with a score of 90 out of 100. CNET gave it a 7.8 out of 10, enjoying its quality and precision, but finding fault with its lack of "fun" filters and easily-cluttered workspace. As an added feature, the program allows users to create video playable on PSPs and iPods.

Website: Adobe Premiere Elements

Roxio Easy Media Creator was an Editors' Choice pick at PC Magazine, receiving a 4.5 out of 5. PC World recommends the program "for users who want professional-looking results with minimal effort." In addition, this program isn't just digital video editing software; it also edits images and sound and transfers files to mobile devices for easy back-ups and increased portability. It lacks some of the capabilities of professional-grade products, but for most amateur video editors, it will be just what they need.

Website: Roxio Easy Media Creator

Ulead VideoStudio was another PC Magazine Editors' Choice in the digital video editing software market, earning a 4 out of 5. While noting the programs solid selection of editing tools and features, reviewers were truly won over by the program's speed in editing HDV and converting DV tapes to DVD. CNET gave the program a 7 out of 10, finding a few more problems with it but still enjoying its " tools for all levels of users."

Website: Ulead VideoStudio

CNET gave the software a 7.7 out of 10. The reviewer found it to be a powerful program, suitable for both home and professional use, but it crashed too often. PC World had a similar opinion - it has some impressive features, but it's just not stable enough. Pinnacle Studio scored a 79 out of 100 for a "Good" rating.

Website: Pinnacle Studio