System Requirements
VideoStudio is a Windows-only program, so if you’re a Mac user, it’s best to look elsewhere. It also requires an Internet connection for installation, registration and the occasional update. Here is a list of minimum hardware and software specifications needed to run VideoStudio:
- Windows 7, 8 or 10
- 3.0 GHz Intel Core i3 or AMD A4 processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 256MB of VRAM
- 1024 x 768 display resolution
- Windows-compatible sound card
Though you can technically get VideoStudio to work with what’s detailed above, Corel recommends using a 64-bit OS and–especially if you’re looking to maximize the potential of the program–making some upgrades. For example: working with the HEVC video file format requires Windows 10, and working with a multicam setup, 360° video or 4K Ultra HD requires over 8GB of RAM and a much more powerful processor.
7th Place8.4 out of 10Tools and Features
As of February 2019, VideoStudio comes in two tiers: VideoStudio Pro X10, and the slightly more expensive but much more feature-packed VideoStudio Ultimate X10. Ultimate can work with two extra camera angles–six compared to four available to Pro–when using a multicam setup and can import Sony’s XAVC/MXF video file format, but other than that, the two tiers share essentially the same basic editing capabilities. The real difference is in the amount effects, templates, titles and transitions you can use. Pro gives you access to over 1500, but Ultimate boasts of access to over 2000.
Editing Made Easy
Most of VideoStudio’s editing tools have been around for years–as far back as the release of VideoStudio X8, at least. It’s always allowed for 21 video tracks. Switching between storyboard and timeline view isn’t a new concept to this program, either; and in fact is one of the tried and tested ways you can customize your workflow. You can also create and save custom profiles that reflect your favorite settings. Smart proxy editing helps to speed up video editing when you’re working with HD video; and multiple projects editing makes it possible for you to reuse footage across different projects, as well as save custom filters and transitions.
Other great tools include: live screen capture with both microphone and system audio, a subtitle editor that uses voice detection technology to match text to the rhythm of your speech, HTML5 editing to integrate hyperlinks with onscreen graphics and titles, and the capacity to both convert regular 2D video to 3D and actually create 3D video files. VideoStudio X10 is the first version to provide 360° video support, though. The ability to move or apply effects to a whole group of objects or clips is something that’s new, too.
Adding Creativity
Many functions that are typically thought of as for more than casual users are part of VideoStudio, such as: multi-point motion tracking, stop motion animation, customizing object movement and saving it for reuse, recording drawing or writing strokes as animation or a still image to be used as an overlay, and simulating a time-lapse by using either a video clip or a series of photos. There’s also the popular chroma key or green screen functionality. Overlay options also work not only with images and video, but also to blend colors.
Video masking has been around for several versions of the program, but a new and improved mask creator is included in VideoStudio Ultimate X10, along with a premium effects collection of considerable value consisting mostly of plug-ins from proDAD, NewBlue and Boris. New creative features available in both tiers of VideoStudio X10 are: time remapping, which fine tunes slow and fast motion effects, as well as freeze frames, replays and reversing video; better track transparency settings; and a whole slew of effects–color swapping, focus settings, picture-in-picture, etc.–provided by NewBlue FX Video Essentials I and II, as well as the NewBlue FX Video Sampler Pack.
Augmenting the Audio
Apart from improving on the ScoreFitter music library–which is designed to automatically adjust VideoStudio-provided royalty-free music to fit the time duration of your video project–there’s really no big improvement in the program’s audio tools and features, coming from the previous version.
Of course VideoStudio can’t possible match what something like VEGAS Pro–originally developed as a digital audio workstation–offers in this area, but it has the basics down. You can normalize audio to balance out loud and soft volume parts in selected clips or even a whole project; as well as apply filters to enhance and clean up the sound. There’s also automatic audio ducking–which lowers background sound volume when narration or a lead audio track is detected–with options to adjust the lead in and lead out time.
Pricing
Corel sells VideoStudio Pro X10 for an affordable $79.99, and VideoStudio Ultimate X10 for $99.99. Worth noting that apart from a 30-day free trial they offer of this program, you can also get a 21-day free trial of access to Studio Backlot’s tutorials, stock media, and other training materials and content. You’ll see a link to this upon downloading the VideoStudio trial version.
Customer Support
Corel’s website has links to the typical FAQ, Knowledge Base and community hub; but what’s truly great about the customer support they offer is that it doesn’t shy away from direct interaction with users. You can submit a ticket or start a live chat session, and even email Corel your concerns–they guarantee a response within 24 hours–but the best way to contact support is through telephone. Corel provides contact numbers for 10 territories, which you can call from Monday to Friday between 9AM and 5PM GMT.
If you don’t have any pressing concerns, but would like some assistance when it comes to learning how to use the program, Corel’s website is also equipped with a discovery and learning center full of tutorials.
What's the Verdict on Corel VideoStudio?
Corel VideoStudio X10 Review 2020 – Conclusion
Corel VideoStudio X10 is affordable, easy to understand, and quite powerful. Beginners will love figuring out how to make movies using this program, and there’s a whole lot of learning material provided to jumpstart the process. Professionals may find VideoStudio X10 a cheaper alternative that is still very much useful–especially with the Ultimate tier’s huge selection of premium effects. Overall, Corel’s flagship video editing software is a consumer grade winner; the only real negative being a lack of a companion mobile app. However, if you’re not the type to make movies on the go, this shortcoming is unimportant.
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