Cars Simplified: Everything Automotive Explained

Steve's Video Editing Tools

This is a collection of the tools Steve uses to make the videos you find on the site and across the Cars Simplified social media pages. This is partially written as a back-up repository for everything so I don't have to go looking for something a few years from now, and partially for anyone that is curious what goes into making a Cars Simplified video!

I specifically avoid companies like Adobe that use a subscription model. I generally dislike the model, but it also allows my busniess to coast on low expense periods if I decide to make a big expensive video or tackle an expensive project.

Video/Audio Editing Software

Editing is the one process I tend to spend the most time on any particular video.

Magix Vegas

Magix is the current company that owns the Vegas software brand, but many people still call it "Sony Vegas" to this day. I've used this software since Sony Vegas 7, when I wanted something more powerful/less restrictive than the Windows Movie Maker program that came with the computer. If I was starting out now, I would probably go with the free version of Davinci Resolve but I have years of experience with the layout, keyboard shortcuts, and feel of Vegas editing programs so I will probably stick with that unless they shift to subscription-only or something else I don't like.

Editions Used

Audacity

I have been using Audacity since at least 2006 (and unless you count the Lego Studios: Steven Spielberg Moviemaker Set, then I've been using it before I even made videos). It's a free software that allows you to record and edit audio on your computer.

Compatibility & Playback

Making sure you can see what you're working with!

VLC Media Player

K-Lite Codec Pack

While the page may look like it hasn't been updated since 1999, this codec pack helps make sure various video files work on your computer and properly load a thumbnail so you can get a sense of what the file is.

Image & Text Editors

This may surprise even other creators, but many of my video thumbnails are edited in my video editor! However, I do use dedicated image editing software from time to time. Text editors are important for writing scripts and gathering data.

GIMP

I've used GIMP for years but updates have been minimal to none lately. I may start looking for a new free or inexpensive (and non-subscription) option one day.

Video Capture (Software & Hardware)

After you've developed a video idea, you need to get footage for it! This is my software and hardware collection for this task.

Sony A7iii/Lenses

My first and so far only big camera purchase for Cars Simplified. I really wanted the A7Siii for its low light capabilities (great for when you need to look into the dark crevices of an engine bay) but couldn't handle the price at the time.

OBS Studio

Another free software, OBS Studio allows you to capture screen data, which is important for a lot of random tasks I do, and with the right hardware, you can even layer various imputs in a custom way.

Elgato 4K Pro

The Elgato 4K Pro (affiliate link) is a piece of computer hardware that expands the functionality of capture software, but it takes up a slot that could be used by a graphics card on most motherboards. I have used it (along with an HDMI adapter cable for my camera) to capture footage from my camera directly over a screen recording with OBS, but I don't use it super often.

Flir One Pro

The Flir One Pro thermal camera (affiliate link) connects to my phone via USB-C and is what I use for my thermal video shots.

Audio Hardware

Good audio is often more important than good visuals.