Video Slideshows: Which Program do you use?

I use Proshow Producer... with music. Simple and easy to use with the wizard and a vast array of effects if you want to take the time to learn them.

Proshow Producer here too. Lets me make tasteful videos that look upscale, not the heavy special effects transition array of wipes, dissolves and spins so popular with hacks.

600 images... you don't mean in one video? If between transitions and slide time figuring 5 secs per slide total, that's a 50 minute video. You want the videos about a minute to a couple of minutes long, tops.

Voiceover or Music or Silent?

Usually never silent. Video can take advantage of audio. I've written on this before in these here forums that video can stir emotions and foster a "I want that!" feeling in people... as long as you don't do a "feature/advantage/benefit" type of storyline. You can use video to communicate what the ownership experience is like. It's a far more powerful use of the medium.

Any best practices you think would save me on the learning curve?

You don't need all the bells and whistles of the video software. To start,you only really need to know how to transition from each slide, and how to time it to the music. They're pretty easy to learn.

Then you keep a copy as a template and swap in new images and soundtracks as you create newer videos. As you get more acquainted with the software you'll make tweaks in that template.

You also should look into pickng up a few tips as to what would help create clicks back to your website that you should incorporate into your videos.

Hope that helps.

I use Animoto - but I don't sell these videos ala carte They're bonus videos that are included in the SEO service. Clients love them, and you can do quite a lot with this program now. Super easy drag & drop functionality saves time, I can produce a full hd style slideshow video in less than 10 minutes.

The number of images has to do with what the boss wants, every photo for every unit which is above 120 on some. I will merely use 20 or less and do an overview.

We already do short one to two take walk around videos so this would just be another video.

Thanks guys. Keep the feedback coming on this.

Pro Show Producer is a bit pricy, but very nice. I opted for Pro Show Gold, which is a bit cheaper.

I use music (royalty free), but have started doing a voiceover. The video needs something besides the images.

I use this Free Production Music for Videos and Movies | Free Stock Music for royalty free music.

I use proshow producer, coupled with many effects make it a no brainer. Have been using it and so far have been very impressed.

Thanks for the link to the music, always looking for something fresh!