Need some advice

Hi all i need some advise on what is the best free progam for video/picture editing??

Ive never used any of the free ones. Just like the programs that you must pay for "the best" is a matter of user preference. "Microsoft Movie Maker" is probably fine for just tinkering around and a programs like Wax, Avid FreeDV, and Zwei-Stein would be for someone willing to overcome a steeper learning curve in order to have greater flexibility. Heck after looking at this page I might even give one or two of these a go.

http://www.desktop-video-guide.com/top-5-free-video-editing-software-review.html

Thanks Rafe

I believe people have little concept of what those that are serious about machinima, actually pay out for.

I could start a topic, but lets put it here:

Software:
Capture - $50
Editing - £550
Music Score Composer - £90
Sound Byte Collection - £120+ and growing
Audio Editor - $20
Compressed header editor I wrote myself - unknown

Hardware:
1.5tb HD's in 4 Sata II (10,000 rpm server quality) Raid configuration - £390
Additional Sata II Controller - £48
Base System (one of 3) - £2,600
SLi nVidia 8800GTX with 1gb DDRIII (Pair), overclocked specials - £282
Gamepad controller - £42
Streaming Server (4tb hosting space, 15tb bandwidth) - $2,000 setup, $1,200 anual costs.

Additionals:
My time, shooting, editing, sound compiling, storyboard composing, client meetings, production scheduling, directing meeting with actors, set building, issuing contracts, chasing payments etc.
Training to use software/hardware
Actors (paid by the hour or project)
Animations
Scripts
Set Objects, Textures etc.
Connection costs
Upload/FTP time
Electricity
Replacement/Upgrade costs

Not bad for a 'hobby'....

With out doing an itemized list I have close to $3500 US into my system's HW and SW. I don't see my system being even close to what would actually be needed to become serious about it. After upgrades on my CPU and GPU then I'll be close but there's still my HD configuration and RAM. Maybe I should look into a new MoBo too..... On and on the list goes.

Ooops, logged into Zessinthal's account and it changed the forums too, I always forget about that.

for movie editing, try this free programme http://virtualdub.sourceforge.net/

for picture editing.. try this http://www.gimp.org/

I use GIMP and another freeware program called PIXIA http://www.ne.jp/asahi/mighty/knight/

Pixia loads faster and renders effects faster too. There is a plugin that allows PIXIA to run PSP plugins which I find to be a major bonus.

Side note: PIXIA is a Japanese program that has been translated to several other languages so sometimes you get funny explanations for the tools.