Backpacker Magazine – June 2008

The Cutting Room: Editing Programs and Storage

Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.

by: Evelyn Spence, Jason Stevenson, Kris Wagner

GPS | Photos | Video | Software and Storage

MAKE YOUR MASTERPIECE
5 editing programs for every level

• Picasa Best for All photo enthusiasts
  • Organize, edit, resize, and export your digital photos to make prints, posters, and slideshows. This website also allows one-click manual geotagging in Google Earth. Mac/PC. Free, picasa.google.com

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 Best for serious photographers
  • Upgrade to advanced editing tools to fix errors, adjust skin tones, and change backgrounds. This software also saves images in multiple formats. Mac/PC. $100, adobe.com

• iMovie '08 Best for all video enthusiasts
  • Simple interface helps you find, cut, and splice clips, create transitions, and write titles. Add a soundtrack from your iTunes library. Supports HD formats like AVCHD. Mac. $80, apple.com/imovie

• Pinnacle Studio Plus 11Best for serious videographers
  • Add titles, combine clips and photos, and overlay music tracks. Imports HD and AVCHD footage, and exports to DVD and multiple file formats. PC only. $100, pinnaclesys.com

• Final Cut Express 4 Best for serious videographers
  • Upgrade from iMovie to more editing tools, 200 special effects, and multiple video and audio tracks. Works with HD and AVCHD. Mac. $200, apple.com/finalcut

ASSET MANAGEMENT
2 smart solutions for data storage

• Sandisk ImageMate 5-in-1 Reader/Writer
  • Eliminate camera-cord tangles. This universal tool downloads photo and video files from SDHC, SD, and Memory Stick PRO cards to your computer. Mac/PC. $20, sandisk.com

• Simple Drive External Hard Drive (750 GB)
  • Free up space on your computer by storing up to 200,000 high-quality photos or 375 hours of SD video on this sleek desktop hard drive. Mac/PC. $210, simpletech.com.

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