Review by knitting ninja

As a background, I have a desktop running XP with all of the latest updates. The system requirements far exceed what is listed for Media Expressions. The installation and updates were uneventful. My first project with the new software was to capture, or rather attempt to capture, video from a Sony digital 8mm camcorder and burn it to a DVD. Granted 8mm is an older technology, but I needed to get the video burned to a DVD since I don’t really use the camera anymore. Media Expressions would not recognize the camera or its memory card using a Firewire connection to the computer. Updating drivers did not solve the issue. There was no issue capturing from a Flip Ultra HD via USB, however. Of note, the resident and free windows movie maker had no issues capturing digital 8mm but would not support the MP4 format from the Flip.

Using the software is intuitive and easy but much of that is due to the basic nature of the program. The interface is well laid out and can be learned without instructions. There are some useful file conversion tools as well and saving pictures and videos in lower quality - say to use in an Amazon review - was quick and easy. There are other extras like a greeting card maker with around 200 cards to make for various occasions, and tools for scrapbooks and calendars, none of which I personally use but looked like fun if you are into such things. Also, there is push to buy more cards, calendars and scrapbook stuff beyond what the basic set included.