3D editing software

SONY VEGAS PRO 11                                                                     

Semi-pro video editing software with full support for many industry stereoscopic formats. As Sony Vegas has a considerably different interface to other editing software packages, there can be a steep learning curve, especially when throwing 3D into the mix. Vegas Pro 11 provides the ability to import, adjust, edit, preview, and output stereoscopic 3D media — all using industry-standard professional delivery formats including single or dual files with side-by-side, top/bottom, or line-alternate encoding. Anaglyphic monitoring and output are also supported and it is easy to create stereoscopic titles. You can also easily correct stereoscopic 3D screen edge violations.

3D FOCUS RECOMMENDED

CYBERLINK POWERDIRECTOR 10                                              

Claiming to be the world's fastest video editor, PowerDirector 10 video editing software is feature-rich and very easy to use. For the price, it is an ideal starter package which now supports the import, edit and edit of 3D video. It can ingest 3D files from 3D cameras and phones (such as the LG Optimus 3D) and projects can be burnt to standard 3D Blu-ray, 3D AVCHD or 3D DVD discs as well as direct upload to YouTube 3D. It also offers stereoscopic 3D titles, 3D particles, 3D effects, 3D menus and more. You can even convert your 2D videos and photos to 3D with TrueTheater® 3D. 

MAGIX MOVIE EDIT PRO 18 MX PLUS                                            

The latest version of MAGIX Movie Edit Pro includes full stereo 3D support. You can edit with up to 99 tracks and it allows for multi-cam editing too. It is said to be up to 350% faster than the previous version (important for 3D editing) by bundling the efficiency of the graphics processor and CPU. Files can be imported directly from most of the consumer 3D camcorders on the market such as the Panasonic, Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1 or W3, Aiptek i2 or Sony Bloggie 3D. It also supports the MVC format for a one off activation fee. For those without an integrated 3D camcorder, Magix Movie Edit Pro 18 MX Plus will automatically align recordings taken with two parallel camcorders and there are a range of depth adjustable stereoscopic fades and titles available. 

Note – Apparently the 3D function does not work on all computers so download before you buy.

Videomaker – Best Products 2011
Average User Rating on CNET – 3.5/5
PC Pro – 3/5

ROXIO CREATOR 2012 PRO                                                          

Roxio’s world famous low cost editing software features stereoscopic 3D editing support. 3D video input and formats include over/under full and half height, side-by-side full and half width, anaglyph red/cyan, RealD, Fuji FinePix REAL 3D. It can convert 2D photos and videos into 3D but 3D Focus cannot vouch for the quality of conversion. Roxio Creator 12 Pro  includes a Blu-ray authoring license – useful if you want to create your own 3D Blu-rays to view on your 3D Blu-ray player. New video effects include fire, fog, rainfall, snow storm, smoke, fireworks, fairy dust, sparks, Aged Film, Skew, Destabilize, Interference, Newsprint and Visual Harmonizer.

GOPRO CINEFORM STUDIO PROFESSIONAL                         

GoPro’s Cineform Studio Professional is a division of GoPro cameras, Cineform is not a stand alone 3D editing suite, rather a professional 3D editing plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and more editing systems. It is ideal for 3D cinema, Broadcast and Blu-ray and is a high end tool for the professional market. CineForm Intermediate compression is acclaimed for its high visual fidelity, and is used routinely as the mastering format for 2D and 3D film, television, and archive workflows. Adjustments include Convergence: horizontal, vertical or rotation (skew) between Left and Right eyes; Stereo color adjustments: white balance, exposure, saturation, lift, gamma, gain, and more. A powerful computer is required.

STEREO3D TOOLBOX                                                                     

This plugin, from Dashwood, is an industry level stereoscopic 3D grading and mastering tool for Motion, After Effects and Final Cut Pro. The Geometric Alignment Mode allows for convergence adjustment and alignment of vertical, keystone, tilt, zoom and rotation disparities. It can be used to generate depth maps for professional 2D to 3D conversion. There is also a considerably cheaper more basic version called Stereo3D Toolbox™ Lite Edition which provides the basic stereoscopic 3D post-production tools necessary to optimize your stereoscopically acquired footage.