Should I Get Camtasia or Something Else?

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Hi Warriors! I'm ready to purchase Camtasia, I'm on a PC - sooo before I do, do you warriors recommend I get something else instead?

I'm inviting opinions and suggestions based on experience, not affiliate links, is that okay? :-)

So if there something cheaper/faster/easier/better/more user-friendly than Camtasia, please let me know!

THANKS!
David Portney
#main internet marketing discussion forum #camtasia
  • Seriously .... Camtasia, Camtasia, Camtasia. I do use cheap and free alternatives on occassions, but Camtasia is just soooooooo much better. Nothing else compares.

    It's slicker, sleeker, more functions, easier to edit, easier output, ability to do voiceovers. Loads less hassle than anything else around.

    I preferred version 5 to the new Version 6. I think version 6 is just a bit too clever, but that's probably because I just haven't used V.6 very much yet.

    Cheers

    Kate
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    • Thanks Kate! (what are the other ones you mentioned, just for reference?) Any other Warriors with opinions out there
  • this one works really well Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations it's free but they have a paid version as well.
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    • David,

      There's CamStudio too, (non-aff link) it's brilliant for an open source app but go with your instincts and stick with Camtasia if your budget allows.

      Peter
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  • Hey! Don't buy camtasia yet. Try "BB Flashback".
    Absolutely awesome software. 30 day trial has no limitations and no watermark if you export to FLV video.

    The screen capture in my product page (see sig) is made with this software (I shrinked it to 320x200)
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    • Hi Wizard

      Two that come to mind are CamStudio and Total Screen Recorder Gold. I'm sure I've got one or two others on my laptop which I can check out for you.

      They work fine. In fact I have used CamStudio quite alot. It's just that Camtasia is in a completely different league.

      I've heard good things about Jing, but never used it.

      Cheers

      Kate
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  • David,

    I use and recommend Camtasia if you are using it to
    record your computer screen, i.e. screencasts.

    It's such a cracking piece of software that I wouldn't
    consider anything else.

    For producing effective screencasts, it's one of the
    best and easiest tools to use.

    Also, remember that each piece of software comes
    with a learning curve. Therefore, it's better to make
    the right choice from the start.

    Another vote for Camtasia - you won't regret it.

    Dedicated to your success,

    Shaun
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  • You guys should check out jingproject.com you can have your video live on the web with 2 mouse clicks one to record and one to share, this is a free service the only downside to jing is videos are limited to 5 mins but apart from that its fantastic and is compatible with mac's.
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  • I definitely vote for Camtasia, you won't find anything better.
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  • I use Camtasia and I will recommend Camtasia. If you are looking for other screen capture software then some are listed at Screen Recording Software Tools and Resources
    rgds
    Zm
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  • I personally like Jung, but cant go wrong with Camtasia or Studio...just all depends on you i suppose.

    Desmond
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  • Before you buy Camtasia - you may want to consider Jing:

    Jing | Add visuals to your online conversations

    Jing was developed by Techsmith which is the same company that developed / sells Camtasia. The cool thing about Jing is that its free for basic and $15/yr for the Pro.

    If you're just doing basic videos - Jing may be all you need.
  • Hi David:

    Hope all is well.

    Nobody would ever not enjoy Camtasia but before you invest make sure that it is in the budget and doesn't prevent you from doing other things that were on your marketing list.

    For example if a person had 1000.00 to invest in their latest project and spend 800.00 plus for a video capture program, will it generate enough return that it was better than spending 200.00 and using the other funds for business cards, phone calls, how to books, website update, article writing software, etc.

    If it is in the budget and you will make use of the features, go for it!

    Enjoy the weekend.
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    • Thanks to all for your helpful insights and opinions.

      Shaun mentioned that if you're going to have a learning curve, it might as well be with a top-notch program (I'm paraphrasing here) and that's very good advice based on my experience.

      The free versions mentioned I haven't checked out yet, but one of the paid versions comes in at a price tag of $225, Camtasia is $300 so I think it's likely the extra spent is well worth it.

      I definitely have $300 in the budget for quality software like Camtasia, and in the final analysis, I'll likely just get that, but also get familiar with one of the free versions since that can be downloaded and used from any computer whereas camtasia will have to be loaded on my various computers.

      I've played around with the 30 day trial of camtasia and found it brain-dead simple to use - literally press record and boom, video done. I'm sure that for $300 there must be tons of bells and whistles that would be useful beyond simple screen capture and screen-in-screen functions.

      Based on the above, are there any final opinions regarding which free software would be "The One" to go with, even though I'm getting Camtasia as well?

      THANKS!
      David Portney
  • I have an old Camtasia and it compiles really really slowly.

    Camstudio works but it's cluncky and I get problems all the time. It also took me a long time to get it working right.

    I downloaded Jing and did not like it. I wish I could remember what it was I did not like? Maybe because I needed to get the paid version to do what I wanted and I already have both Camtasia and Camstudio.

    So a question is what's the benefits of Jing over Camtasia? They are both by Tech Smith. With Jing Pro you can upload instantly to Youtube. Can you do that with current versions of Camtasia? Can you do the same type of editing as Camtasia with Jing?
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    • What do Mac owners use? Don't go to installing windows and parallels on my Mac. I have a Macbook with only 150 gigs so I don't want to fill up my hard drive.
  • Iv'e only used camtasia as it's all people suggest when you ask about such programs, i haven't been using it for that long only about 2 weeks but i've had no problems so far.
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  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • I 100% recommend camtesia, why I said that because first of all is the most popular one which means the quality will be good and I do use it all the time in my blog and other purpose.

    Others will definitely have some leakage of function which you will never find in camtasia..

    I always use the new version.. and one suggestion, when you record your screen and when you want to edit always use recorded dimension so the quality does not goes bad.

    I hope this helps..
  • Jing or Camtasia is the way to go. They are both great!

    I don't know if Jing has HD function but camtasia does..
  • Camtasia = Gold standard.

    Screenflow is pretty good but it may only be for the mac so that doesn't apply to you.

    Also if you're only looking to do basic screen recording you can use this free option.

    CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software

    Hope this helps!
  • For screen capture and basic video editing, Camtasia is great.

    For creating slide show videos, I really like a 100% free program called DVD slideshow GUI:
    DVDslideshowGUI-Features

    With DVD slideshow GUI you don't have the same license issues for your videos you have with Animoto and the other online slideshow makers. It does take a little more time to make slideshows, but the trade off is more control and options.

    For more advanced editing, try Sony Vegas Movie Studio. It's got some good features (including green screen) at a small price ($45):
    Sony Creative Software - Online Store - Vegas Movie Studio HD 11
  • This post started in 2009 Im pretty sure OP already made a decision if not wait for the new version of camtasia due out shortly
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    • And I'll bet a coke people looking for info/advice other than the OP will open this thread, just like you did.
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