|
I tried to make a DVD (again with the help of PE 8 for Dummies), but when it went to write to the DVD, my computer completely froze and I got the BSOD. PE 8 for Dummies helped me start editing within a very short period of time. I have not completely used PE 8 because I believe I have a bad program. The author liked using the Timeline for editing but I preferred using the Sceneline.
I've been using this book along with editing some 45 year old movies that I digitized. I contacted Adobe and they're sending me a new program disc. When I rendered, based on PE 8 for Dummies recommendation, PE 8 would not save the rendered file and when it finished, the program froze and I had to reboot. The way I digitized was to use a digital camcorder and record the projected image using a 50 year old 8mm projector.
Having both options is a plus for PE 8. I don't think I would have diagnosed the problem so quickly if I didn't have PE 8 for Dummies as a helpful reference. Premiere Elements 8 for Dummies didn't mention this procedure but it was an inexpensive way to digitize old film. It was clear on how to cut and decrease the size of clips, move and reposition clips, and incorporate transitions.
And they were great tips. I expect the way this is written was better for me in the end than trying to grasp the contents of a thick manual that the creator of Premiere Elements 8 may have put together (well, they did eventually put one together but it was more expensive and I dont understand why Adobe is charging for basic tutorials and a users manual so I'd rather have this one anyway).this is made for the total novice, yet I think even those more advanced will learn TONS of new things from it due to its vast content. I noticed some confusion in the reviews of those who had hoped this was for other versions of Premiere Elements. If, however, you are like me and looking specifically for something to uncover the mysteries in Premiere Elements 8.this is the right manual. I'll be honest, so much of this I had no IDEA I could do with Premiere Elements 8. I compared various books that might help me solve this video editing program and settled upon this one because I knew it was written specifically for the version I had, these books in general are written for the total novice so anyone can easily read, follow along, and master the skill, and I knew they always offer tips to help you master your skills in other ways. Not only did it help me create a truly high-tech movie with my camcorder, but it also gave me tips on shooting.such as lighting, sound secrets, and other tips not on just navigating the software but in making better movies in genearal.
BOTTOM LINE:It's ashame this is not included in the software. Bottom line: It takes you in simple steps from "dummy" to "creative camera whiz".
I consider myself a pretty good navigator through software and I picked up on how to do the editing for my Flip UltraHD camera on the free software that came with it right away.but I'll be the first to admit, I played with Premiere Elements 8 for days and still couldn't complete a decent video using even just a few of the great editing gadgets that I know it contains. I think it might be fairly impossible for me to list all that it teaches you to do here but suffice it to say you'll be able to use all the tools, menus, panels, buttons and options, edit clips and join them together, add special effects, cool extras, background music, and upload to whatever you wish: youtube, discs, mobile phones, etc.
However, as the title dictates, the copy I received is copyrighted for 2010 so you won't find the old info within. As far as learning Premiere Elements 8, the instructions were super clear, it shows photos of the screen on the pages so you fully understand visually what's being said with zero confusion, it even keeps learning lighthearted with some jokes thrown in.
I gotta admit I was shocked that no manual came with Premiere Elements 8 and that they even wanted to charge for some of the few tutorials that they offered.
And it did.
This book was published in 2004.there's been a change or two since then.the user interface doesn't even look the same anymore.I would not recommend it.
Few of the screenshots look the same, and the drop-down menus are very different. I've used Underdahl's Home Video for Dummies and moved on to this one when, on the basis of that book, I invested in Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0. Now I'm looking for a similarly helpful book on 4.0, which I should have bought in the first place. The version of APE should have been stated in the title, and both Underdahl and his publisher know it. (7.0 won't run on my 5-year-old computer). While I've learned a good bit about the basics of using Premiere Elements from this book, its advanced sections are more confusing than helpful because they are based on the 1.0 version of the program.
In addition to the basic tools and features, there were many bells and whistles available in Premiere Elements that I didn't know were there -or- even thought would be available with the software package. I really had problems trying to read the on-line manual. This Dummies book was a big help.
|
