Pinnacle features tools for importing and digitizing raw footage that can be later be use for a variety of digital video projects. In addition to capturing traditional video from cameras, you can capture frames for animated projects by hooking up a camera and using Pinnacle's stop motion tool. Files can be organized into folders, labeled, and given meta-data to keep them organized for later use; this creates a searchable way to handle large amounts of footage that might otherwise be stored on dozens of tapes.
With Pinnacle, you can edit high definition digital video files while using an intuitive interface. Digital video may be put onto a timeline and then split, combined or trimmed by the user to create an edited final project. Footage may be taken from different sources, since Pinnacle supports most major video file types; this means your home video may be combined with a downloaded movie clip to create a mash-up of different projects.
Several effects ship with Pinnacle that can be used to transform your raw footage into stylized works of art. Users can add blurs, lens flares, pixel distortions, color correction and other built-in effects with only a few clicks. Pinnacle also offers subtle yet useful effects, such as a motion stabilizer for shaky hand-held shots. Users can also add text, creating titles or subtitles to enhance their final video.
Your final project can be output to a variety of mediums. You can compress a digital video file for upload onto video sharing websites or burn DVDs with custom menus. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, an upgraded version of the original Pinnacle Studio, can output to Blu Ray discs, allowing you to produce content for viewing on high definition televisions. Pinnacle gives you control over video compression, allowing you to decide how to balance visual quality with file size.