I really didn't read your post carefully, just responded to the "slideshow" part, thinking you wanted to introduce still images into a video editing application. This time I'll try to respond with a little more clarity.
Well, there are a lot of video formats out there, but for most users the options are fewer.
The two main categories are Standard Definiton video (SD) and High Definition video (HD).
SD displays in either 4:3 aspect ratio or the 16:9 wide screen ratio.
High Definition displays only in 16:9 wide screen ratio.
Things get really murky when it comes time to export a finished video project because that almost always means using a compression codec to make the video project fit either the storage media or the display limitations.
My recommendation is to use the built-in video editing applications that are usually included with every computer. The Windows application is called, I think, Movie Maker. The Mac application is called iMovie. Both of these applications are easy to use, usually integrate seamlessly with applications from the same mfg., and automate a lot of the sometimes complex sequential processes involved in making and distributing a video. Being a Mac user, I know the iLife suite of applications will allow you a lot of creative options with a minimum of headache. I'm sure the Windows OS offers similar features.
In any case, choose an application that will automatically format your project for YouTube uploading.
Then, visit a website called Lynda.com, register and pay the $25.00 monthly fee. You have access to literally hundreds of exceptionally fine tutorials for video, photographic, and graphic arts applications for all levels of experience. You will get most of your questions answered and can select the most effective production product that will fit your needs without having to invest until ready. When you have had your fill of tutorials and have slected the applications you want to use, simply deactivate your Lynda account until you need it again.
Lynda.com is my favorite learning site. I am sure there are others, and invite other readers of this forum to make their recommendations.
I hope this post provides more useful information for you.
There seem to be a bajillion video formats out there. What are the 'basic' ones?
With still camera's JPG is the most widely used format, but TIF and RAW (camera specific) also exist.
I've tried in the past to make a slideshow into a video for youtube, and you've got MP4, quicktime, windows, and more options yet.
I've not edited video since college (mid 80s) and would like to give it a go. I have video from my (now old, i mean ancient) 1/2" VHS tape that I can get into a tivo box and burn a DVD from - no clue what format will come out of that mashup, but to test edting time/learn the software it's an easy way to for me to get raw footage.
I have some 'web size' video from my canon 5D2 that I could also mess with.
What format(s) are the 'best' to work in? What should be avoided? (got adobe premiere pro cs3 to edit with on a quadcore intel 4Gb ram vista64 box).
