Looking at Pinnacle but a long-time CVS user - Considerations?

[JEB]

I have been using VideoStudio since the Ulead 4 or possible Ulead 3 days, I really can't remember. And yes, CVS has its problems, like any other video editor, but it is probably the BEST editor when considering ALL aspects of an editor.
It still has a large market share, it is very easy to use, has a low learning curve, has sufficient tech support, has many high-end features, has tons of general features, is incredible affordable (one-time cost under $100), and gets "regular" updates and even has plug-ins and such. Yet, I have started getting alerts about Pinnacle 24 and was curious.

MY GENERAL QUESTION:
As a long-time "expert" user of Corel VideoStudio (I have 2020 Ultimate on another machine) why would I want to even look at Pinnacle?



I mean, what does Pinnacle do/have that CVS 2020 Ultimate does not. Is there really a difference? And, if so, what is it in terms of an actual CVS Ultimate user?
Obviously, I had read tons of comparison articles and reviews. But, few actually talk about the intrinsic differences when migrating from one to the other.
(That or the article reads like a sales pitch for Pinnacle)

To be blunt, it still feels like I can do with CVS 2020 Ultimate more that what Pinnacle can do and that Pinnacle's specific problems are more disruptive than CVS's. (really, crashing seems to be a BIG thing with Pinnacle)
I have only had a few crashes ever in CVS, and when running on minimal hardware for years!

I get a bit frustrated when I read articles or see videos that paint Pinnacle as the "professional" Corel video editing offering and CVS as the "enthusiast" when I have yet to actually see proof. That is, it still seems like CVS can do everything Pinnacle can do if not more for less cost or with greater options.
Can anyone who has used both comment?

As you can understand, I am reluctant to invest in a new line of software and "abandon" my long history with CVS, especially if there is a big shift in workflow or approach.
Additionally, if I want/need to go professional soon, it may be that Pinnacle just is not a large enough jump and I should leave the Corel corral altogether.
...but I would hate to.

For example, can Pinnacle open CVS files or would I have to build from scratch much of my stock (custom headers, titles, intros, outros, etc. ?)

[Davidk]

The description of the software as enthusiast and professional probably comes from Corel itself: Video Studio and Pinnacle are both owned by that company. There was a long running debate in these forums about whether Corel would merge the two products, and eventually a Corel spokesman denied it, etc and that description was part of the statement.
And I would take issue with some of your comments;
- technical support for VS is in practical terms non-existent. There is a contact centre, but the agents seem unknowlegeable, response is piss-poor, and I've often seen re-played agent responses as pointing to this forum as the better place for help
- the reliability of VS is increasingly questioned: as the feature set increases, reports of crashes have rapidly risen. Particularly so since the makeover for 2018.
If you read the forum posts extensively you will see that many long time users also have other editors that they use. Which speaks volumes for the usability of VS (excellent), and of the various issues which beset it (which drive many users to abandon VS for other editors)

[Vdanny]

Hi,
I have both programs and each have their strengths and weaknesses. Videostudio has Smart Proxy which is very helpful with weaker computers and 4k content. Pinnacle Studio only has Smart Proxy for multicam. If you use LUTs, Videostudio has a slider allows you to control the percentage of how it is applied. Videostudio has the excellent Mercalli stabilizer included. Pinnacle seens to have somewhat faster rendering and (for me) better controls for changing the speed of a clip. It can't open CVS files. I hope this helps!

[tletter]

As a long-time "expert" user of Corel VideoStudio (I have 2020 Ultimate on another machine) why would I want to even look at Pinnacle?

You haven't identified any particular shortcoming of VS that impacts your video production work. Hence if you're completely satisfied with the output from VS then why would you look elsewhere?

To be blunt, it still feels like I can do with CVS 2020 Ultimate more that what Pinnacle can do and that Pinnacle's specific problems are more disruptive than CVS's. (really, crashing seems to be a BIG thing with Pinnacle)
I have only had a few crashes ever in CVS, and when running on minimal hardware for years!

The problem with all these types of assessments is that we have no idea what type of videos you're producing and the types of VS filters that you're using. There are definitely some VS filters that are prone to producing crashes but if you never use them then you'll not experience that. As well the production of long 4K videos is more prone to silent crashes, but that wouldn't be an issue if you're only producing FHD videos.

Additionally, if I want/need to go professional

What does professional mean to you? Hollywood films or commercial wedding videos?

For example, can Pinnacle open CVS files

No.

tletter
https://www.youtube.com/user/tletter

[asik1]

JEB, your ending point is incorrect "if I want/need to go professional"
It's not the software to make you a professional it's only your expertise and your vision to excel using it (any of them). PS work philosophy is different than VS. It's always a good idea to have and know more than one NLE to complement each other but I can't recommend PS to a VS user (I had a few and removed them all for other)