The thread title below was a bit misleading($500 limit), so I made another thread. Using the same scoring system, what's THE best video editing software in your opinion?
(my priority order: functionality>usability>performance)

Now that all depends on what I'm editing, if it's a DV avi I would say Premiere 6 with the cinema craft plug-in to do the conversion to mpg, if it is AVCHD h264 then after trying a few different programs, I would go for Ulead Video Studio 11.5 Plus.

Sorry - but it is a totally subjective and daft question.

Go try some of the free trials listed in the links section.

I would say vegas but i wear tesco boxer shorts, some else might say premier and be wearing y fronts - you get my drift

Perhaps I should add that free editors are universally linmited and annoying.

I must be nosy I like to read about other peoples likes and dislikes, it's why I joined a video club and go on forums, there was a discussion on the best editing software on Mac computers, but of no benefit to me on XP

That much I know.

I am sure the above is NOT what you are looking for - lol. ( it aint a fully featured editor)

If you are going to insist on an answer I would say - in no order....

Avid - but only if you want to spend thousands, have a rack of servers to run it. Not really what the auteur needs - far too weighed down with 'industry teccy ' stuff that isnt needed by us cool dudes.

Vegas - mine so i love.

FCP - mac specific, has a reputation it doesnt deserve, it avtually wont make your teeth whiter, its just an editor.

Premier - many peoples favs.

Try beofr you buy is the universal rule - see the links section for free trials.

I still think it is a daft question

how about cyberlink powerdirector? i am no expert, but my decision when i bought er downloaded this program is from this site Video Editing Software Review 2009 - TopTenREVIEWS as i've said before, im no expert but it felt like they were reviewing the products with fairness and with a high standard, so chose cyberlink..