Any Software comparisons/suggestions

[nickels]

I have a decent PC and I am getting into video editing for some minor web projects. I am using the trial of Premiere Pro 1.5 and it is very frustrating learning it on my own. I have also used Studio Pro and Ulead VideoStudio for capturing video from my camera and doing minor adjustments. Does anyone know of any software that is great for digital video editing like Premiere Pro but easier to use, or should I just buy a book to learn the Adobe software?

Thanks for any help.

PS - Here is a detailed desc of what I want to accomplish:
I have a ton of footage on my camcorder. I transferred the footage and created a bunch of small (3-10 seconds) mpeg clips. I want to add background music do a clip montage with PIP effects, and other transitions between clips. I also want to blur some of the footage to add text, then possibly add a voice-over to the montage.

[Zarxrax]

You might want to try Sony Vegas. I personally find it MUCH more difficult to use than Premiere, but other users find it more friendly than premiere. One good thing about vegas, is its rock solid from what I can tell. Premiere Pro is a hacked together piece of crap that has so many problems and bugs I can't even list them all here.

For something simple like what you are describing though, perhaps Windows Movie Maker 2.0 would be good. It's free, and is designed just for the type of thing that you are talking about.

[Doogs]

for Adobe Premiere pro tutorials then try here. http://www.wrigleyvideo.com/videotutorial/tut_premierepro.htm

if you need more info then join the wrigley forums... lots of helpful folks on there (just like they are here... helpful) http://www.wrigleyvideo.com/forum/

Or you could try "googling" for Pinnacle Liquid Edition tuts...

hope this helps

[nickels]

Thanks for the suggetions!