Corel VideoStudio X2 Pro in Software

Performance in this version is allegedly enhanced for Intel quad-core processors. Our test system sported a Core 2 Extreme QX9650, 4GB of RAM and a RAID disk array, but VideoStudio X2 Pro still felt pretty sluggish with Full HD AVCHD footage shot on a Canon HF100 camcorder. Playing two tracks of AVCHD was impossible. Fortunately, Corel's Smart Proxy system is on hand, and when enabled proved effective at producing lower-resolution files to work with during editing.

Output options have scarcely changed, as they were already comprehensive in the previous version. Unsurprisingly, HD-DVD is no longer available and the Neptune service has been removed from the online sharing selection. But YouTube support has been improved. Instead of having to render a WMV file for upload, a fully compatible 320 x 240 FLV can be output with the wizard guiding you through the upload process once rendering is complete.

With strong new versions of Pinnacle Studio and Adobe Premiere Elements recently released, Corel needed a potent response. VideoStudio X2 Pro isn't a huge sea change from its predecessor, but it does make some useful improvements and the Painting Creator is an exciting addition. If you're an existing user, it's well worth the upgrade. However, Adobe's Premiere Elements 7 offers more editing power overall for around the same price, even if it is a touch more complicated for new users to get to grips with.

Author: James Morris