What video editing software should I buy?

[Sedwick]

I'm about to get a new Windows 8 machine with 7 cores, and I'm considering getting the latest version of Pinnacle, but I hear it's hated. Thanks for your thoughts...

[Sapphire Wolf]

I would suggest Sony Vegas (pro or movie studio should do), hands down, nuff said

[Isaac]

Vegas looks simple and unfancified; I like it.

If you ever want a compositor, I'd stay way from Adobe After Effects and go with Nuke, Shake, or Combustion.

[Sedwick]

Anyone know anything about CyberLink PowerDirector? I've seen multiple lists give it the highest-ranked reviews.

[Tunnelcat]

Ditto on Sony Vegas. It was easy to use, at least with the older version that I had on my XP machine. I used it to edit some old Super Eight movies I had digitized before they disintegrated.

[vision]

Vegas. Been using it since 1.1. Does everything you need.

[Thenior]

... I'd stay way from Adobe After Effects and go with Nuke, Shake, or Combustion.

Why stay away from After Effects? It's all I've ever really used (unfortunately, haven't even used Premiere).

[Isaac]

I only used AE for a few years then went to Combustion. It was like night and day for me.