Video Capturing and Editing Software.
 

I'm a newbie when it comes to video capturing and editing; I've been using Windows Movie Maker and the Graal video capturing for a while now. Both of these have been useful for me in starting up, but the quality that WMM saves the video files in, and the aspect ratios have been pretty shoddy on the Graal videos. I was wondering what kind of software people use to capture and edit their Graal-related videos, as I've seen a few that have been really good quality and I'd like to achieve something like this. The features I'm talking about can be split across a few different programs, I don't mind, but please explain in simple, but in-depth terms for a lamer like me who isn't too familiar with the terminology or processes used.

I use Camtasia Studio 4 for screen captures and Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 for video editing.

------> Sony Vegas Pro 8.0 or 9.0 (Pro or Platinum) ;)

Hypercam 2 is good for free but there's better, and I use windows movie maker, graal recorder lagged my client, not my of though

This is a nice program; After Effects is good for effects as well.

Someone told me Pinnacle is okay as well.

I don't really have much to suggest since I do all of my editing exclusively on Mac using Final Cut Studio or iMovie.

I'm going to try Camtasia Studio tonight. Anyone know what an appropriate size would be for capturing in order for it to look pretty on YouTube's default player?

HD size is 1280x720.

This might help a bit; it's for QuickTime, but you can copy the settings.

What is 'HQ' size? Does it even have one?

Youtube's 'handbook' said...

Is Youtube's HD really 1280x720 or just 640x360? I doubt it's the former.

HD is 1280x720. It will not display at full quality, however, unless you watch it full screen. To get an HD upload, you need 1280x720.

Not exactly sure about the high-quality options, but it's best to go with HD if you can. You can just enlarge the image size so it fits, and use a letterbox if needed.