It's more than 2GB and takes up 3.5GB on disk after installation, so you want a fast internet connection and plenty of space on your hard drive. To get going you first download a small installer stub app, which then downloads the massive full program. The software requires at least 4GB RAM, with 8GB recommended. Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 is required to run Pinnacle Studio, and you need an Intel Core i3 or AMD A4 3.0 GHz or higher, an Intel Core i7 4th generation or later or AMD Athlon A10 or higher for UHD, multicam, or 360 video. Pro-level competitors cost more, with DaVinci Resolve at $295, Final Cut Pro at $299, and Premiere Pro at $239.88 (annual subscription). For example, you pay close to the same amount ($139.99) for CyberLink PowerDirector Ultimate, $99 for the less-pro-level Adobe Premiere Elements, and $99.99 for Corel VideoStudio Ultimate. The prices are in-line with the competition. Competitors, including Adobe Premiere Elements and CyberLink PowerDirector, also offer free trials.

New since our last update of this review is a free 15-day trial version of Pinnacle Studio. It's the only level that includes some of the new features detailed here. If you need to edit 360-degree or 4K content, you need to spring for Ultimate, which also adds color grading, video masking, and high-end effects from NewBlue, along with unlimited video tracks. Upgraders from previous versions of Ultimate save $40 off the full price. Prices are for perpetual licenses, with no recurring subscription fee. An Ultimate Bundle option adds loads of content and effects, plus membership in Pinnacle's Studio Backlot online community, which provides training, support, and stock content. Pinnacle Studio is available at two levels with the entry-level Pinnacle Studio listing for $59.99, and Ultimate (reviewed here) for $129.99. Thankfully, Pinnacle lacks the steep learning curve associated with pro video editing software, though in terms of performance and usability, it still lags behind our Editors' Choice winners, CyberLink PowerDirector and Corel VideoStudio. The company behind the software, Alludo (formerly Corel, which continues to use Corel in some brand names), also makes the consumer-grade VideoStudio. Pinnacle is aimed at near-professional enthusiasts, featuring excellent editing features and effects such as stop-motion video, multicam editing, and motion tracking. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, now in its 26th version, is a video editing application that's steadily become speedier and more powerful with each iteration.

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