Is Avid Studio for iPad an iMovie beater?

Avid has announced a new iOS app this morning which is intended to bring some of their popular video editing tools to mobile devices. While Avid Studio for iPad isn't any way near a mobile incarnation of Media Composer, it's one our team have been getting excited about, and looks set to give Apple's iMovie a run for its money...

What Avid are saying

Like iMovie, Avid's new app allows you to edit your clips and add audio, animation, transitions and titles. Editing tools include a Storyboard function, Precision Trimmer and Razor Blade for on-the-fly cutting, while enhancing tools let you composite video tracks for layered looks, and add fades, dissolves, pans and zooms for high-quality video effects.

"We've seen a shift in how creation is happening, and it's really happening on almost any device," said Tanguy Leborgne, vice president of consumer and mobile technology strategy at Avid. "We think the tablet is more than just a consumer device; more and more people are creating on it."

You can use media already stored on your iPad, import new media via Apple's Camera Connection Kit or even capture your own clips and stills from within the app itself using the iPad's built-in camera. As well as being able to add, trim and fade your own imported audio, Avid Studio for iPad comes with its own sound effects, and even some handy 'How to' materials so you can get editing straight away.

What we think

"Avid Studio for iPad looks like an ideal way for anyone who is already familiar with using iPads to get familiar with Avid as a solution provider," explained our video consultant James Graham. "By getting used to Avid's name and functionality on a mobile platform, the transition should be a lot smoother and more of a natural change.

"I can't see the app being powerful enough, or attractive as a solution for pro editors to do rough cuts on, and the size of the files will soon see your iPad memory being used up, but it's a good introduction to Avid's name for anyone 'cutting their teeth' with video editing for the first time.

"For anyone who currently works with iPads or is looking at adding them to their workflow, the introductory price of Avid Studio for iPad makes it an interesting prospect for an all-in-one capture and edit app."

Avid Studio for iPad is available to download from iTunes and the App Store now for £2.99 (expected to rise next month). For more information on video editing on the iPad, get in touch with our team on 03332 409 306 or email broadcast@Jigsaw24.com. You can also browse our full range of iPads at Jigsaw24.com

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What everyone else is saying...

• "iMovie for iPad has some serious competition" - Slash Gear
  
• "aren't sure if the iPad's smaller display will be adequate" - CNET
• "I would rather have the app serve as a control board for the desktop version of AVID" - Gizmodo
• "ideally suited as a companion to the desktop app" - MacRumors
• "Cupertino's tablet has just turned into a sophisticated video editing tool" - UberGizmo
• "Avid is being aggressive, suggesting its new iPad app is powerful enough for professional use" - Macworld
• "App Store reviews indicate the app crashes a lot" - AppAdvice
• "a 'gateway drug' for pros who are considering the Avid suite as an alternative to Final Cut Pro X" - TUAW
• "definitely looking like one of the best video editors on the iPad" - Business Insider
• "Most importantly, projects can also be finished off in the desktop version" - Engadget