Lets talk crossfades/dissolves

[Zarxrax]

I was also wondering if some editing programs or certain settings have better looking crossfades than others.

Traditionally, crossfades were a linear thing. But nowadays, pretty much all software supports non-linear crossfades. I think vegas was one of the first to promote this, doing non-linear fades by default. Premiere Pro actually lets you drag around the handles and adjust the curve of the fade however you want.

[Nya-chan Production]

I was also wondering if some editing programs or certain settings have better looking crossfades than others.

Traditionally, crossfades were a linear thing. But nowadays, pretty much all software supports non-linear crossfades. I think vegas was one of the first to promote this, doing non-linear fades by default. Premiere Pro actually lets you drag around the handles and adjust the curve of the fade however you want.

So can Vegas, but it's a bit trickier and it includes two timelines :>

[JaddziaDax]

Actually in Vegas you don't even need two timelines to change the shape of the curve, you just right click and choose something like "fade type" or "transition type" i forget which, but you can then choose what kind of cross-fade you like.. however if you want more control over it of course using two timelines is always better.

[Emong]

I don't have a problem with crossfades or cuts per se. I only have a problem with how many people mix them up rather randomly and keep switching from one type of transition to another. For example the timeline could look something like fade-fade-cut-cut-cut-fade-cut-fade-fade-cut etc even though the song doesn't call for such switching. Except for some videos, which somehow manage to make it work, I find that it really interrupts the technical flow of the video. My approach to editing is kind of a neo-fascist one: I like order and discipline. So basically I keep my sync patterns consistent within certain parts of the song. For example if I decide to do fades for the verses of a song I really will do only fades for the verses. No compromises.

Also, I like it when people modify the fades rather than just using simple linear or semi-linear fades. For example letting the opacity fall between the transition can look really good. Using some kind of overlays with crossfading might actually look good too if done carefully.