StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

I have a Nikon Z6ii. I have used it only for still photos. I will be going on a cruise in October and would like to take videos to augmemt my stills. I will have to learn how to use the video component of the camera, which I will do. My question revolves around post processing the video clips. I have looked on line, and DaVinci Resolve 17 appears to be an excellent FREE video processor. The issue is my computer is old, and may not support that program. I have checked out the recommended computer requirements, and I am still not sure if my old computer will support this program. I am not particulaarly computer literate. For those of you who are familiar with DaVinci, I will list my computer specs and hope you will tell me if this will work. If not, perhaps you can recommend another video editing program. Thanks.

GPU: Raedon Pro 575 4 GB GDDR5 ram. DaVInci recommends 4GB VRAM (I dont know what that is) for HD, and 8GB for 4k
CPU: 3.5 GHz, Quad Core Intel i5. i7 or i9 is preferred, but will i5 4 core work. The 4 core seems to be the issue.
RAM 40 GB.
Storage: 3TB, not solid state, which seeems to be preferable
display: 27in Retina
OS: 12.2.1

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

FREE???? Yes... "As difficult as it might be to believe that this videography powerhouse is available legitimately for nothing, the fact most certainly stands. You can take full advantage of its capabilities in video editing and color grading, no watermark, no trial period, no questions asked.

DaVinci Resolve 17 is a full-feature post-production suite. It features multi-cam editing, keyframing, transition editing, and the lot; whatever you need for professional end-results. Version 17 even offers an additional 200+ free features.​​​"

So, Steven, you ask "my computer is old, and may not support that program." Steven, since it is free, download and give it a try.
https://www.makeuseof.com/is-davinci-resolve-free/

PS: DDR5 is the latest memory and should at 4 Gb be fine

jlg1000 Loc: Uruguay / South America

Wile Davinci Resolve has a free version, it's a limited one. Most advanced filters and options are restricted to the paid version.
You can also try Shotcut, which is completely free, open source, has less hardware requirements and works on Windows, Linux and Mac

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

Shotcut is geared more for beginners. The free Resolve is close to the paid one in many ways. It is in on way limited for the average videographer, It does take more computer power,, I love the free version, and the many many tutorials available for it.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Thanks. Good point. I suppose it can’t hurt to give it a try.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Thanks. Have not heard of Shotcut. Will check it out.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Thanks. Good to know.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

We're up to DDR6 now in some hardware FYI/

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Some computers have a separate video card which takes VRAM (short for Video RAM) in addition to the RAM the CPU uses. It appears your computer (like mine) has a less capable video chip on the motherboard so you have no VRAM.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've been editing video for the fun of it for about 10 years. I recently took a class on DaVinci Resolve and found if very good, complete and complex. My favorite for a long time has been Adobe Premiere Elements which does everything any non-professional might dream of. It is much easier to learn, is less complex and allows high quality results. The trade off is free vs user friendly.

If free is the most important part, DaVinci Resolve would be my first choice. If quicker learning to a high level of competence has value, Premiere Elements would be worth the price.

Premiere Elements has a free trial period followed by a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee if bought via direct download from Adobe.

A third party author has a well done YouTube series that will turn you into a competent video editor in a few hours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLvxlfwtffc

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Gotcha! Thanks.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Thanks Bill,
I actually have an old version of Premiere Elements (v13) on my computer. It will not work as it is 32 bit and my iMac, with the latest updates, is now 64 bit. Apparently I need to contact Adobe and see if the appropriate update for my operating system is available. (I did edit a video many yeas ago taken with an older camera. I was, and still am, uncertain if Elements can handle all the new and upgraded video features available on the new cameras.)

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Steven,

Premiere Elements keeps up with current standards. There are always exceptions, but my guess is that output from your camera will work fine. Can you give me the specifications of what your camera produces?

I am what Adobe calls an "Adobe Community Professional" or "ACP". My commitment is try to answer questions in the Adobe Premiere Elements forum. Should you ask for an update I would answer that none is available. In contrast to the subscription cloud programs, Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements are NOT on the subscription plan. You buy it and it is good forever or until it does not work anymore. To get upgrades, it works the old fashioned way, you buy them. Every October, there is a new version. There is usually a reduced price for owners of previous versions, but when there is a sale, it is even better.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Thanks Bill,
It appears that Premiere Elements 2022, selling for $69 is the latest version. Should that work with my camera’s features, I am not opposed to buying it.

I am using Nikon Z6ii. As I mentioned, I have used it only for stills, but am planning to learn video and use on a cruise planned for October. I am not familiar with all the video features. I will check them out and get back to you tomorrow.
Steve

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I used B&H to check the Z6ii video specs. The basics are covered. But "N-Log gamma for capturing flat-looking footage that maximizes dynamic range and HLG (HDR) for recording HDR-ready footage" will need something on a higher level than Premiere Elements. "Log" video is an upper end workflow requiring significant computer power and software to match.