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| Image credit Filmora |
Wondershare Filmora, a popular video editing software, has released its latest version, Filmora 9. With a blend of powerful new features and some controversial changes, this update is designed to cater to novice editors while also appealing to more advanced users. In this review, we'll dive into what's new, what's gone, and whether Filmora 9 is worth the upgrade.
What’s New in Filmora 9?
Multiple Video and Audio Tracks One of the most exciting upgrades in Filmora 9 is the ability to add up to 100 video and audio tracks. Previously, users were limited to a single video track and a handful of audio tracks. This change allows for greater flexibility in editing complex projects and managing multiple layers of media. The new track manager makes it easier to adjust track height and delete empty tracks, offering a more streamlined editing experience.
Enhanced Video Stabilization Filmora 9 introduces an upgraded stabilization tool to smooth out shaky footage. The software automatically scans your clips, allowing you to set a stabilization level from 1 to 100. While this feature mainly relies on zooming in to stabilize the video, it can be a lifesaver for amateur videographers looking to improve their footage with minimal effort.
Improved Chroma Key Green screen enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced Chroma key feature in Filmora 9. This update gives users more control over the background, making it easier to replace the green screen with a new environment. The process has been simplified, with more intuitive controls to refine your final product.
Adjustable Playback Quality If you’re editing large video files or working on a less powerful computer, Filmora 9’s adjustable playback quality will help smooth out the editing process. Lowering the playback resolution allows you to preview your edits in real time without the lag, making the workflow much more efficient.
Enhanced Audio Keyframe Editing Filmora 9 introduces audio keyframe functionality directly on the timeline, offering more precise audio adjustments. While the feature is effective, the keyframe button is small and may take some getting used to, but the control it offers is a welcome addition for more detailed audio editing.
Proxy Workflow for Large Projects For those working with large video files, the new Proxy Workflow feature is a game-changer. It reduces the file size during editing, preventing lag and ensuring smoother playback. You can enable this feature in the software’s performance settings, making it easier to handle even 4K projects on less powerful machines.
What’s Missing in Filmora 9?
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| Image credit Filmora |
Simplified Start Page Filmora 9’s start page has been streamlined, removing features like Simple Mode, Instant Cutter, and Action Cam Tool from the forefront. While the new interface is clean, users who relied on these tools may find the changes limiting. For those accustomed to creating quick slideshows or fast edits, this shift could be a drawback.
Disappearing Features Some key features from previous versions have been removed in Filmora 9, including Split Screen Templates and Power Tools. These were handy, time-saving options for users, and their absence has left some long-time users frustrated. Wondershare has not provided much clarity on why these features were removed, which has led to disappointment among paid users.
Performance and Pricing
Faster Video Rendering Wondershare claims that Filmora 9 offers faster video rendering speeds, particularly with 4K footage. In testing, the software was about 20% faster in rendering times compared to the previous version. However, your system’s specifications will still play a significant role in performance.
Pricing The good news is that the pricing remains unchanged. Filmora 9 is available for an annual subscription of $39.99 or a lifetime license for $69.99, making it an affordable option for both Windows and Mac users. Existing Filmora users can upgrade to the latest version for free.
Final Thoughts: Is Filmora 9 Worth It?
Filmora 9 brings some notable improvements, especially for users looking for a more professional editing experience with multiple tracks, enhanced stabilization, and improved Chroma key features. However, the removal of key tools and the interface changes may leave some users feeling nostalgic for previous versions.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use video editor with more advanced capabilities, Filmora 9 is a solid option. But if you rely heavily on features that have been removed, you might want to think twice before upgrading.