Can you imagine a car without a dashboard camera? While their primary purpose is to provide evidence in the event of accidents or disputes, the recordings from dashboard cameras can also serve as a creative and insightful way to document your journeys or to make funny short videos that get millions of views on social media just in no time. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of editing video footage from a dashboard camera.

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Choose Video Editing Software

Selecting the right video editing software is crucial for a smooth editing process. Choose one that suits your needs and level of expertise. Our choice is VSDC Free Video Editor – a simple and convenient video editor with a wide range of features for creating videos of any complexity.

Retrieve the Footage

Before you start editing, you need to retrieve the video footage from your dashboard camera. Most modern dashcams store video files on microSD cards or internal storage, so remove the microSD card or access the internal storage using a USB cable, and import your footage to the editing program. Typically, dashcam footage is stored in a format such as .MOV or .MP4.

Trim and Cut

Most dashcam recordings capture a continuous stream of video, so the first step in editing is to trim and cut the footage. Use the editing software's tools to cut out any unnecessary parts, like long stretches of uneventful driving or footage of your car parked.

Add Transitions

To make your video more engaging, consider adding transitions between clips. Transitions can be used to smooth out cuts, provide context, or simply add a stylistic touch to your video.

Enhance Video Quality

Dashboard camera footage might not always be of the highest quality, especially in low-light conditions. You can enhance your video quality by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive editing can make your video look artificial.

Add Music and Sound

You can elevate your video by adding music and sound effects. Choose music that suits the mood of your video, whether it's a relaxing drive, an adventurous road trip, or a suspenseful moment. Ensure that the audio levels are balanced and not overpowering.

Add Text and Captions

Use text and captions to provide context or narration in your video. You can include location information, timestamps, or personal comments to make the video more informative or funny.

Export and Share

Once you're satisfied with your edited video, it's time to export it. Most editing software offers various export options, including different video formats and quality settings. Choose the settings that best match your intended use, whether it's sharing on social media, saving for personal archives, or showcasing to a wider audience.

Editing video footage from a dashboard camera can be a fun and creative way to capture moments behind the wheels and share your experiences with others. With the right video editing software and some patience, you can turn raw dashcam footage into compelling and captivating videos. So, go ahead, edit your dashcam footage, and share the excitement of your travels with the world!

In today's digital landscape, watermarks and logos serve as both protective measures against unauthorized use and symbols of brand identity. Yet, there are legitimate circumstances for removing watermarks and hiding logos from a video, whether for aesthetic reasons, content reusability or to avoid native advertising. So, as you see, knowing how to efficiently eliminate or conceal watermarks becomes essential, and VSDC Free Video Editor emerges as a powerful tool in this domain. This article provides solutions on how to effectively tackle these marks using VSDC. Dive in to master this art and elevate your video editing skills!

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DeLogo Filter

Offered in the free version of VSDC, the DeLogo filter presents a straightforward approach to remove watermarks, obscure unwanted logos or other overlay graphics from videos. It can be applied the following way:

• Start by launching VSDC Free Video Editor. Click on the Blank project button to create your own project.
• Then choose a file in the file explorer, drag it to the scene and drop the mouse button. If you are new to VSDC and want to learn more about how to get started with VSDC, we advise you to watch our comprehensive video guide.
• To access the DeLogo filter, make sure your video file is selected on the timeline. Then head to the Video Effects tab located on the Ribbon, opt for Filters from the dropdown menu and choose the DeLogo option.
• After selecting an object, a pop-up window will emerge, allowing you to define the exact timing for when the effect should be visible and when it should disappear. As soon as you're satisfied with the configurations, click “Ok” to confirm changes. Then you'll observe a pixelated rectangle in the video's center. Simultaneously, DeLogo filter will appear on the timeline.

If the default settings aren't ideal:

1. Click on the DeLogo filter on the timeline and navigate to the Properties window on the right side of the scene. If it isn't immediately visible, right-click on the DeLogo filter and select Properties. In the Properties window you can adjust the size and position of the pixelated rectangle, ensuring it effectively covers the watermark or logo.
2. Within the settings, you have a choice of five presets: Pixelate, Box blur, Lens blur, Mosaic, and Gaussian blur. Choose one that best fits your needs.
3. Below, there's an option to adjust the intensity level to fine-tune the appearance.

Now the logo is covered by a blurred rectangle and successfully hidden from your video. If you are satisfied with the result, export your project. This way you can easily remove watermarks, logos, GPS details, vehicle registration numbers and more. So, you see that the DeLogo filter is quite handy, allowing for performing different tasks. But if you are looking for an even more refined appearance, Telea mode is your go-to.

Telea Mode

For those desiring a highly discreet and sophisticated watermark hiding technique, Telea mode is the answer. Unlike basic blurring or pixelation methods that might leave visible traces, the Telea method is based on an algorithm that fills in the unwanted region by analyzing and replicating the surrounding pixels, allowing for a more seamless and discreet removal. However, this feature requires an upgrade to VSDC Pro, which unlocks a world of advanced video editing capabilities. So, this is how to use the Telea mode:

• Again, start by uploading your video into VSDC Free Video Editor. To do this, follow the steps described above.
• Navigate to the vertical tab on the left of the scene and choose the Rectangle tool.
• Use this tool to craft a rectangle that matches the size of the object you wish to conceal, positioning it accordingly.
• Select the Rectangle on the timeline and navigate to the Blend menu on the left of the timeline.
• In the Blend menu find Advanced modes >> Telea inpaint in the drop-down menu and click on it. That’s it!

As a result, Telea mode has removed the watermark by replacing it with the existing parts of your video. So, the area's edges are almost invisible and a bit more subdued than with the DeLogo filter.

Please, note, that when you apply Telea mode in a video editor and launch the preview, you might notice a slowdown. It occurs because both the video and the mask are being processed simultaneously. To optimize the editing process and prevent such delays, we recommend you to convert the original video into a proxy format.

Wrapping up

Removing or hiding watermarks and logos can be a challenging task. VSDC Free Video Editor has proved to be an effective tool for this purpose. Whether you opt for the straightforward DeLogo filter or the more refined Telea Mode, it's crucial to use these instruments responsibly and ethically, always respecting the original content creators' rights and intellectual property.

As you continue your video editing journey, subscribe to VSDC YouTube channel to receive instant notifications about new tutorials published. And if you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach our support team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever captured great footage, only to find it ruined by shakiness? Shakiness in videos can be caused by many things when using handheld devices like smartphones or GoPro cameras when you don’t have a portable stabilizer to set your camera on during recording. That’s why VSDC's Stabilization tool is here to rescue your videos from unwanted jitters. It allows you to remove the effect of camera shake from captured videos, transforming shaky shots into polished, professional-quality content.

The stabilization process involves examining the shaky footage and making frame-by-frame adjustments. This may include cropping the edges, rotating or shifting frames, and using advanced algorithms. The outcome is a smoother, stable video that's visually appealing. Continue reading to learn about this useful tool and watch our video tutorial to see everything with your own eyes.

Getting started

First, launch VSDC and navigate to the Tools tab on the Ribbon command bar in VSDC and select Video stabilization. Please, note that this is an advanced feature and is only available to PRO users.

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After selecting Video stabilization, a pop-up window will appear warning you that the stabilization tool does not have a real-time preview. This means that the effects of the settings you apply will only be visible after you export your video. Click OK to start working with the tool.

To get started, you need to add your footage. Use one of the following options above the Source files panel:

• Open files: Use it to select one or multiple files from your computer. Note, that if you already added files to the Source panel, this option will delete them and replace them with the ones you select.
• Add files: Use it to add files to previously added items.
• Add folder: Use it to add all files from the selected folder.
• Add DVD: Use it to add files from a DVD or from an HDD.

If you made a mistake in file selection or want to remove the entire list, use the options Close files or Close all files. To access information about the properties of a specific file in the Source files pane, use the File's information option on the same panel.

Adjust stabilization settings

Stabilization settings are located on the upper toolbar of the video stabilization window. In the Stabilization tab you can smoothen the video and ensure the most optimal stabilization result. Let’s review it in more detail.

Shakiness

Shakiness setting controls how much the video stabilizer corrects the shakiness in your video. Imagine, you’re recording holding the camera in your hands or moving quickly, and the video looks shaky or unsteady. This setting will help to make it smoother.

This is how it works:

• You can select the value of shakiness correction from 1 to 10.
• If you set it to a minimum, the stabilization will be gentle. It’ll fix some shakes but still keep some of the original movement. It will result in a more natural look of the video like in a documentary.
• If you set the value to 10, the stabilization will be strong enough to fix even really strong shakes. This option is great for a video with much action or movement.
• The default value is 5. If you set it like this, it will smoothen the shakes but still keep some natural motion. It’s a good starting point for most videos.

Accuracy

The Accuracy setting controls how carefully the video stabilizer looks for shaky movements in your video.

This is how it works:

• You can set the value of accuracy from 1 to 15.
• If you set the value to a minimum, the stabilizer will operate faster but it may miss some shakes. It is suitable for videos where speed is essential and minor camera shakes can be tolerated.
• The default value is 15. If you keep it, the stabilizer will analyze the video very carefully and catch even tiny shakes. This will make your video look really smooth, but it might take longer to process. So, choose the value that matches your video's complexity and how perfect you want it to be.

Step Size

The Step Size setting determines the interval in pixels at which the video stabilizer scans the region for the best way to fix shaky footage.

This is how it works:

Smoothing

The Smoothing setting applies a denoise filter to the camera movements resulting in a smoother and more stable video output. This setting refers to the number of frames (forward and backward) used for filtering.

This is how it works:

Max Shift

The Max Shift setting determines by how many pixels the frames in the video can move to fix the shaky camera movement.

This is how it works:

Max Angle

The Max Angle setting determines how many degrees the frames in a video can be rotated to fix shaky camera movement.

This is how it works:

Contrast Threshold

The Contrast Threshold setting determines how noticeable objects should be in the frame for the stabilizer to catch it and fix it. This parameter sets the contrast threshold that the program takes into analysis during the stabilization process.

This is how it works:

Zoom

The Zoom setting specifies by how many percent the image will be enlarged or reduced during stabilization. This means you can either zoom in (make things bigger) or zoom out (make things smaller) in the video. The Zoom effect can be cool for focusing on details or creating a specific look.

This is how it works:

Zoom Speed

The Zoom Speed setting controls how fast the zoom changes from frame to frame during stabilization. This option helps you control how quickly the video zooms in or out from one frame to the next. It's great for making engaging and dynamic videos.

This is how it works:

Optimal Zoom

The Optimal Zoom setting controls how the video stabilization handles zooming to avoid empty borders.

The following options are available:

It's important to note that the Optimal Zoom value interacts with the Zoom parameter, where the value set for Zoom is added to the optimal zoom value determined by this setting.

Smooth Zoom

The Smooth Zoom setting controls how zoom adjustments are handled.

The following options are available:

Interpolation

The Interpolation setting allows you to specify the type of interpolation used during the video stabilization process. Interpolation is a crucial aspect of video stabilization, determining how frame adjustments are made to reduce jerky motion and ensure seamless transitions between frames.

The following options are available:

Camera

The Camera setting allows you to choose the algorithm to optimize the camera movement to reach a smoother video representation.

The following options are available:

Crop

The Crop setting allows you to define how to handle empty frame borders or gaps formed during stabilization.

The following options are available:

Invert

The Invert setting determines how the position of the pixel in the image will be adjusted during stabilization. There are 2 options: based on the previous frame and based on the next frame.

The following options are available:

Relative

The Relative setting lets you choose whether to adjust frames based on their differences from the previous frame or independently without considering the previous frame.

The following options are available:

Motion

When you're fixing a shaky video, you need to know how the camera moved overall in each frame. This is called "global motion." The "Motion" setting lets you choose how to figure out this movement. There are two choices:

The following options are available:

That’s it! Now you are ready to proceed to the next step and see the result. In case you want to reset all settings to default values, simply click the Reset to defaults button next to the Export project button.

Preview and Partial Video Export

As we’ve already mentioned, the stabilization tool does not have a real-time preview. This means that the effects of the settings you apply will only be visible after you export the stabilized video. Therefore, if you are satisfied with your current settings adjustments, you can proceed to exporting by clicking on the Export project button right in the stabilization window.

However, if your video is lengthy, and you would like to assess the impact of the applied settings before exporting the entire file, you have the option to export only a shorter segment of your video. To do this, navigate to the Editor tab located on the right to the stabilization window. Here, you can use the cutting and splitting tools available to shorten your video and focus on specific sections. To learn more about cutting and splitting tools, we recommend you to watch our video tutorial.

Wrapping up

In the world of video creation, shaky footage can be a real downer, but with VSDC's Stabilization tool in your arsenal, those worries are a thing of the past. By offering a range of powerful settings that cater to your specific needs, VSDC empowers you to transform amateur videos into professional-looking masterpieces.

Whether you're a content creator sharing memories, a social media enthusiast, or a professional working on important projects, the Stabilization tool enhances your videos' quality and elevates the viewing experience. Remember, while mastering the tool might take a bit of practice, the results will undoubtedly speak for themselves. So go ahead, dive into the world of smooth, polished videos, and unlock the full potential of your creative vision with VSDC's Stabilization tool. Happy editing!

Boost your productivity and enhance editing efficiency with our extensive collection of keyboard shortcuts tailored for VSDC Free Video Editor. Download the convenient PDF file and swiftly navigate through various features and commands, streamlining your workflow and elevating your video editing skills to new heights!

Download hotkeys map for VSDC video editor

Additionally, VSDC Free Video Editor allows you to customize your desired hotkeys. To do so, simply access the Options menu and navigate to the Keyboard Shortcuts tab.

In this section, you will discover the available keyboard shortcuts in the editor and learn how to reassign them or create your own combinations. The first field, Keyboard Scheme, is designed for users transitioning from different video editing software. You'll find four pre-defined keyboard shortcut schemes there: Default, Adobe Premier, Filmora, and HitFilm.

A comprehensive list of all available hotkeys can be found in a table at the center of this window. To quickly find the desired keyboard shortcut, use the Shortcuts filter option.

Selecting any command from the table will display its assigned hotkey in the Shortcut for selected commands field. If necessary, you can remove the assigned hotkey using the option of the same name or reassign it in the Press shortcut keys field.

Be cautious that if the new combination is already being used by another action, you will receive a warning in the Shortcut currently used by field.

If you wish to reset the keyboard shortcuts to their default settings, simply click the Reset button next to the Keyboard scheme.

To make this process even more accessible, we have provided a helpful video below, illustrating the entire customization process.