It’s missing a couple of key features, but nevertheless, Vegas Pro is highly sophisticated and quick to use for serious video editors.

Packed with features and closer to Adobe Premiere Elements, CyberLink PowerDirector 8 is close, but still not close enough.

A great entry-level video editing app, but Montage is the only major addition unless you go for the Ultimate edition

Editing performance with HDV remains sluggish, but DV-editing ability is formidable.

Another big improvement, but this time it’s enough to make PowerDirector a worthy alternative to its mainstream rivals

Vegas has a huge array of editing features for the money, plus powerful bundled DVD authoring.

Support for latest video formats and a batch-media encoder, but supporting apps have seen little upgrading.

The first Corel-branded VideoStudio adds one exciting new tool and lots of little improvements.

Not only slightly cheaper than the last version, but now Encore CS3 and OnLocation CS3 are included too.

AVCHD support and some useful new effects keep this as the leading entry-level video editor.