Jing or Camtasia Studio?

[JMLebeau]

Jing or Camtasia Studio? Vote now and post your comments!

[Josh Anderson]

Neither,

CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software - free and kicks butt.

[tomfra]

I ditto the CamStudio recommendation, although it has some rough edges such as the rather basic Flash converter. It may not be for everyone but the price is great...

Tomas

[JMLebeau]

Other people?

[Sumit Menon]

Camtasia Studio is basically just CamStudio + Windows Movie Maker. But I wouldn't recommend Jing!

[Digitalcashprofits]

Camtasia is my choice Full version $29.95 I love it

Hope it helps

Frank Gorka

[Michael Taylor]

Just tried Jing tonight. Not enough there for me.

Also tried CamStudio. Free is good, but I didn't like the quality.

Camtasia is 300 bucks, but you get to try it for 30 days. So far, I like it a lot.

I just wish I had a nice Mac so I could use ScreenFlow. (Wow! Good stuff!)

[JMLebeau]

Camstasia is 20$ or 300$? What is the big difference between Camtasia and CamStudio?

[borilbogoev]

I tried Jing but it get all of my CPU resources and it became hard to snapshot anything. I vote for Camtasia Studio for sure.

[Josh Anderson]

I ditto the CamStudio recommendation, although it has some rough edges such as the rather basic Flash converter.

Here is what you need to know about Camstudio:

1. It will produce the same quality video as Camtasia
2. Never use it as a flash converter.

Basically to use Camstudio properly you should always save your video as an avi and then encode using a professional encoding solution like Flix 8 Standard ($39) to encode it to flv or Quicktime Pro ($29) to encode it to mov.

What most people do not realize is its all about the master file and codecs used.

[Mike Hill]

Originally Posted by Sumit_Menon

Camtasia Studio is basically just CamStudio + Windows Movie Maker. But I wouldn't recommend Jing!

Why, whats the problem with Jing?

Mike Hill

[melanied]

I love CamStudio!

Camtasia...

It's just better than everything else - hands down.

[tomfra]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Here is what you need to know about Camstudio:

1. It will produce the same quality video as Camtasia
2. Never use it as a flash converter.

Basically to use Camstudio properly you should always save your video as an avi and then encode using a professional encoding solution like Flix 8 Standard ($39) to encode it to flv or Quicktime Pro ($29) to encode it to mov.

What most people do not realize is its all about the master file and codecs used.

I know that I shouldn't use the CamStudio Flash converter Well, it may be good for very short tutorials but otherwise it's simply too basic.

I have Microsoft Expression Encoder 2 so I can encode the videos into WMV and use one of the bundled Silverlight players. They look awesome but I am still not sure about the compatibility on non-Win platforms.

Michael Taylor: CamStudio can create great quality video but you have to somewhat play with the settings. But as Josh said, you will need to use an external Flash (or WMV etc.) converter to convert the source video because the built in one is way too limited.

Tomas

[tomfra]

Originally Posted by marcanthony

Camtasia...

It's just better than everything else - hands down.

It probably is. But some people do not create video tutorials for living or it's just a very small part of their business. And for those the $300 price is simply way too high. And don't forget that in some parts of the world $300 may be a huge sum of money so it's always nice to have some free alternatives.

You can create the same quality videos with CamStudio - if you use the external format converter I mentioned before. It may not be as comfortable as Camtasia (I don't know, haven't used personally) but it will do the same job.

Tomas

[Eric Reed]

I've tried Jing and it's not bad but limited ( can't edit content).

Camstudio is the next step up but, for PC's only. Now that I'm on a MAC, I'm checking out Screenflow... Just $99.00 but, it looks like the files are pretty big!

Eric

[Sumit Menon]

Originally Posted by Mike Hill

Why, whats the problem with Jing?

Mike Hill

It uses a lot of memory... And when I tried to record the screen it was like screenshots taken every 1-2 seconds.

[Richardo]

Camtasia studio makes it easy for beginners.

[brand1m]

I'm a mac user and will give screenflow a try. I'm nervous about a quicktime only output though.

[pavondunbar]

I like Camtasia Studio...

I have version 5...

Haven't heard of Jing...

Pavon

[Sean Donahoe]

Just to throw in my 2cents, ScreenFlow on the mac is wonderful. I like Camtasia and have used it for a long time prior to getting the Mac a few months ago. CamStudio is a great starting point for new marketers exploring video marketing and there are many online converters to take any exported video and turning it into a FLV or SWF for use with the many Youtube clones out there.

However, comparing ScreenFlow and Camtasia Studio to each other, I really prefer ScreenFlow for its clean interface and easy editing.

Hope that helps someone...

[Bruce Wedding]

If you're serious, Camtasia. Jing has a 5 minute limit, doesn't allow editing or zooming, title screens, etc.

I was using jing for my free 5 minute video crits but I switched back to Camtasia/Youtube and I'm much happier.

[Mike Hill]

Originally Posted by Bruce Wedding

If you're serious, Camtasia. Jing has a 5 minute limit, doesn't allow editing or zooming, title screens, etc.

I was using jing for my free 5 minute video crits but I switched back to Camtasia/Youtube and I'm much happier.

That's good to know... I was recommending Jing to my list for those who could not afford Camtasia... Personally I have never use Jing because I love Camtasia too much

Mike Hill

[FrankRumbauskas]

Neither. I use SnapzPro on my Mac which saves as QuickTime so I can easily import to Final Cut Pro to create DVDs, flash video, etc. Combine that with Keynote on the Mac and you can do some INSANE stuff!

Although now I'm going to check out ScreenFlow after reading this thread

[Louis Raven]

Why has no one mentioned Castasia-FREE?

Beats everything listed above

Louis

[JMLebeau]

I'm actually using Camtasia 6 (most recent version) and I must say that.. I LOVE it, very easy to use, super easy to integrate video (example : Created by Camtasia Studio 6). This video took me 12 minutes to make, 5 minutes to upload and it's perfect. The software create the HTML page itself in a few seconds, I think I got my winner. It's definitely worth the price.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by Louis Raven

Why has no one mentioned Castasia-FREE?

Beats everything listed above

Louis

Louis, do you mean camtasia or camstudio? If so they have already been listed above.

chuck

[Louis Raven]

Originally Posted by Chuck Evans

Louis, do you mean camtasia or camstudio? If so they have already been listed above.

chuck

no no.. Camtasia the free version.

I got a free version that works great and no limitations.

Louis

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by Louis Raven

no no.. Camtasia the free version.

I got a free version that works great and no limitations.

Louis

That was the version3 I believe that was offered earlier this year from Camtasia. I thought you meant that and NOT castasia!

chuck

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by tomfra

It probably is. But some people do not create video tutorials for living or it's just a very small part of their business. And for those the $300 price is simply way too high.

Are you implying that there are real businesses for which an expense of $300 is "way too high"?

[eddiejames]

I've used Camtasia, its good - the one thing I don't like about it is the horrible 'heavy' and ugly flash player and loader it produces. Much rather just have an flv file outputted and find my own player.

CamStudio is what i've been using recently, simply because it does the job well and I dont need any fancy editing capabilities etc.

You may also want to consider looking at Adobe Captivate, its pretty good - again I have used this in the past and its got some great features for making software demos in particular.

[BeInProfitMode]

I found Jing because I was looking for a free resource to use on my Mac. For the most part I like the interface and it worked pretty well.

However, you're limited to a 5 min video and you can't save it as a usable file that you can edit. I wanted to be able to post to YouTube but I couldn't. You have to upload it to a site where you can get an embed link. The site has something like a 2 gig limit. The embed links also don't work on sites like wordpress.

I also was annoyed by a couple of my first recordings when the program randomly quit when I was on my last minute of recording and I had to do it all over.

I'll use it as long as I can't find another free resource for Mac. Other than those problems I think it's pretty decent. So, if I had to pick between the two, I'd have to pick Jing because I can actually use it.

[Spike SpiegelIM]

For a free product Camstudio rocks. I prefer Camtasia still, but it comes in close second. Never tried Jing though but based on the feedbacks here, I doubt I'll ever give it a try..

[tomfra]

Originally Posted by Lance K

Are you implying that there are real businesses for which an expense of $300 is "way too high"?

If you need to create one or two very short tutorials a month, then the $300 expense is not adequate and could hardly be justified. Those $300 would be in that case better spend on advertising for example.

For example for me $300 equals to roughly 6 months of dedicated server hosting which is more important for my business than Camtasia which I would use once a month to create a short 3 minute tutorial on how to change one switch in Firefox, considering there are free and high quality alternatives.

Of course, if you run an enterprise class of business with 20 employees then $300 is pocket money for such a company and you don't have to care about the "value for price" factor. But not everyone's business is at that level, yet.

Edit: And don't forget freelancers. Are they not running a "real business" as you imply? For example for a freelancer Russian coder I can assure you $300 is some real big money!

Tomas

[getmorebuyers]

I prefer Camtasia Studio because doesn't Jing use a different file format and I find it awkward to transfer my file to screencast. too complicated for my little technical mind.

[cashtech29]

I used to have a problem with the Camtasia audio glitch
but that seems to have been worked out.
I can honestly say
that Camtasia has definitely ranked high with the top runners out there..
It's great if your wanting to get your feet wet, or just want to
re-brand any PLR videos you may have.
I would definitely recommend it.
I also use Sony Vegas Studio.
I find the image qualities to be fairly similar.

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by tomfra

If you need to create one or two very short tutorials a month, then the $300 expense is not adequate and could hardly be justified. Those $300 would be in that case better spend on advertising for example.

If that's the case, then why would you even spend the time to become proficient with a free solution? If it's that small a part of your business you should be outsourcing it and focusing your time and effort on the primary aspects of your business. In which case, you'll end up paying outsourcers more than $300. But you'll still be money ahead.

[tomfra]

Lance, I am technically very savvy and it usually takes ma much shorter time to learn how to use some software than for most people. I don't really need to be proficient with Camstudio or anything else to be able to create some short videos.

I'd spend 60 minutes explaining the 3rd party company to do something I am able to do myself in 30 minutes and would have to pay them for it. Is that efficient?

Some people still thing the free solution is always the useless one. But that's simply not true these days.

Tomas

[gpower2]

Camtasia if you have some money. Camstudio if you don't

[Lance K]

Fair enough. I was speaking generally. And as your case proves, there are always exceptions.

Also, I don't think the free tools are useless. It's the excuses about the price of the paid solutions that seem weak (again, generally).

Originally Posted by tomfra

Lance, I am technically very savvy and it usually takes ma much shorter time to learn how to use some software than for most people. I don't really need to be proficient with Camstudio or anything else to be able to create some short videos.

I'd spend 60 minutes explaining the 3rd party company to do something I am able to do myself in 30 minutes and would have to pay them for it. Is that efficient?

Some people still thing the free solution is always the useless one. But that's simply not true these days.

Tomas

[Mubarak Waseem]

it depends. Broke newbie's like me wanna use Camstudio to provide quality content at the lowest possible price

[Ghalt]

For those who are 'tweaking' Camstudio...what settings are you using?

I'm trying to get my Camstudio to create high-quality...it always turns out low-quality. I've heard that the out-of-the-box settings aren't the best.

Also, do you record to AVI or another setting? What do you record to, then what do you convert it to?

Thanks!

[tomfra]

Download the Camstudio Lossless Codec at http://camstudio.org/CamStudioCodec14.exe , save to .avi. You will then need to convert it to another format, I personally use Microsoft Expression Encoder 2 for this because I get it as a part of my MAPS subscription from MS and it's quite good really - has some nice Silverlight templates too.

If you need the Flash video format, you will need to use another encoder though, there is one bundled with Camstudio but it's pretty basic.

Tomas

[Jesus Perez]

Both.

Jing is perfect for impromptu, fast recordings for the sole purpose of teaching someone quickly. Jing captures up to 5 min, uploads to Screencast (free 2gb) and immediately gives you a link to email.

Camtasia is perfect for high-quality, professional screencasts. If you're building a product, this is the way to go.

Both are superb in your arsenal.

[GFox]

For me, it's Camtasia Studio all the way. I have been using it for a few years now and really like it. I looked at Jing and there was really no comparison.

[anwar001]

I think 300 dollars is a very heavy price for camtasia.

[troy23]

CamStudio is truly awful.

It's a question of you get what you pay for and Camtasia wins hands down.

Forget about FLV FLash files - these are now old technology and no longer supported by Adobe. The replacement MP4 is, and is available in Camtasia studio.

[WD Mino]

Hi,

Hmmmm I own a ton of them. camtasia 3 camtasia 6 -pretty cool software.

bbflex -very cool but limited.
cam studio cam studio pro cam studio im edition. I don't like it hasn't been very good for me lots of others do with the price tag you can't beat it.

I have not tried jing the open source one which is also what cam studio is yet people sell cam studio lol even though it is completely free.

If I was making an investment for my business camtasia is the only option hands down completely easy to use multi editing features including editing audio narrating slide shows etc etc etc etc they are the best and if your going to use it for business it is a no brainer
-WD

[Anonymous Affiliate]

Camtasia Studio is the best, most flexible, most complete and easiest to use.

I wish Mac's Camtasia was as good as PC's Camtasia Studio. I cannot understand why they made the Mac version worse.

[electronik69]

i find jing to be more smoother when recording than camtasia but, camtasia all round is the better program