Adobe Captivate is a product which allows users to create short training videos or long live streaming presentations that run on the Internet. The software is used for editing footage and producing a professional look. Camtasia is an advanced professional-level video editing program. Camtasia by Techsmith is an easy, all-in-one video editing software application. It enables users to make professional training and other kinds of videos quickly, easily and inexpensively. Adobe Premiere is a popular video editing program when it comes to making professional videos for your website, business purposes or your family and friends.
Camtasia (Windows)
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) 1709 'Creators Update' version or later. | Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) 'May 2020 Update' version or later. |
| Processor | 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processor or 1st Generation AMD® Ryzen™ 3 Processor. | 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor or better or 2nd Generation AMD® Ryzen™ 5 Processor or better. |
| RAM | 8GB of RAM. | 16GB of RAM or more. |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce 10 Series or higher. | |
| Hard disk space | 4GB of available disk space. | SSD with 4GB of available disk space. |
| Monitor resolution | 1366x768 | 1920x1080 or greater. |
| Microphone | Internal microphone | USB or other external microphone for voice recording |
| Internet | Internet connection and a TechSmith account are required for the trial and some additional connected features. | Internet connection and a TechSmith account are required for the trial and some additional connected features. |
| More System Requirements | Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later (included), WebView2 Runtime (included), Windows N requires the MediaFeature pack for Windows N. | Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later (included), WebView2 Runtime (included), Windows N requires the MediaFeature pack for Windows N. |
Camtasia gives you pre-made animations that take your video to the next level. Customize your animation, create behaviors, or zoom in, zoom out, and pan animations to your screen recordings. In Camtasia for Windows you can right click a.trec file in the media bin and select 'Extract recording contents' and you get a.avi file and separate audio file if you recorded a microphone and system audio. I don't own a MAC so I don't know if you can extract your.trecs. Camtasia and Adobe Premiere Pro have been awarded the following awards by SoftwareSuggest. These awards have been given on the basis of the overall performance of these software in Video Editing Software category. Give a review to increase their chance of winning Awards.
Feature-specific requirements (Windows) ›
Quick FYI: I will post a new blog every Thursday going forward.
As an eLearning developer, I've come to know there are a number of development tools out there to serve our learning purposes. Like any job, a decision needs to be made as to which tool is best used to accomplish the task at hand. You wouldn't use a sledgehammer to fix a toaster (unless it was broken beyond repair, then I'd say have at it.) In the case of eLearning, you wouldn't want to use a tool that can't accomplish the task.
Two of the most often used and requested eLearning development programs out there today are Adobe Captivate and Techsmith Camtasia. Both programs offer a wide variety of tools that assist in making web-based learning more interactive, intuitive, and overall fun. At the same time, there are some differences to take into consideration when deciding which one to use developing your curriculum. Let's examine both programs and compare.
ADOBE CAPTIVATE
- Allows the user to create interactive simulations of software programs
- Takes detailed screen capture simulations
- Allows for complex student interaction; giving them the opportunity to go down the incorrect path and learn from mistakes
- Complex and varied activity and testing options (multiple choice, hot-spots, drag and drop, matching)
Camtasia (Windows)
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications | |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) 1709 'Creators Update' version or later. | Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) 'May 2020 Update' version or later. |
| Processor | 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processor or 1st Generation AMD® Ryzen™ 3 Processor. | 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor or better or 2nd Generation AMD® Ryzen™ 5 Processor or better. |
| RAM | 8GB of RAM. | 16GB of RAM or more. |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce 10 Series or higher. | |
| Hard disk space | 4GB of available disk space. | SSD with 4GB of available disk space. |
| Monitor resolution | 1366x768 | 1920x1080 or greater. |
| Microphone | Internal microphone | USB or other external microphone for voice recording |
| Internet | Internet connection and a TechSmith account are required for the trial and some additional connected features. | Internet connection and a TechSmith account are required for the trial and some additional connected features. |
| More System Requirements | Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later (included), WebView2 Runtime (included), Windows N requires the MediaFeature pack for Windows N. | Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later (included), WebView2 Runtime (included), Windows N requires the MediaFeature pack for Windows N. |
Camtasia gives you pre-made animations that take your video to the next level. Customize your animation, create behaviors, or zoom in, zoom out, and pan animations to your screen recordings. In Camtasia for Windows you can right click a.trec file in the media bin and select 'Extract recording contents' and you get a.avi file and separate audio file if you recorded a microphone and system audio. I don't own a MAC so I don't know if you can extract your.trecs. Camtasia and Adobe Premiere Pro have been awarded the following awards by SoftwareSuggest. These awards have been given on the basis of the overall performance of these software in Video Editing Software category. Give a review to increase their chance of winning Awards.
Feature-specific requirements (Windows) ›
Quick FYI: I will post a new blog every Thursday going forward.
As an eLearning developer, I've come to know there are a number of development tools out there to serve our learning purposes. Like any job, a decision needs to be made as to which tool is best used to accomplish the task at hand. You wouldn't use a sledgehammer to fix a toaster (unless it was broken beyond repair, then I'd say have at it.) In the case of eLearning, you wouldn't want to use a tool that can't accomplish the task.
Two of the most often used and requested eLearning development programs out there today are Adobe Captivate and Techsmith Camtasia. Both programs offer a wide variety of tools that assist in making web-based learning more interactive, intuitive, and overall fun. At the same time, there are some differences to take into consideration when deciding which one to use developing your curriculum. Let's examine both programs and compare.
ADOBE CAPTIVATE
- Allows the user to create interactive simulations of software programs
- Takes detailed screen capture simulations
- Allows for complex student interaction; giving them the opportunity to go down the incorrect path and learn from mistakes
- Complex and varied activity and testing options (multiple choice, hot-spots, drag and drop, matching)
TECHSMITH CAMTASIA
- Takes full-motion video simulations
- Great for streaming video content
- Easy to post to file sharing sites, such as YouTube
- Less expensive than Captivate
BOTH PROGRAMS CAN:
- Capture screen and keyboard info exactly as done and typed
- Record video and audio/voice
- Include SCORM/AICC complaint quizzes
As you can see from the comparison, Adobe Captivate is the better choice when going for something that is more interactive. A hands-on learner would definitely prefer a program that is made through Captivate as opposed to Camtasia. The learning and testing options are far more varied when it comes to Captivate. The program is a little more costly, but for the amount of services it offers it is fairly priced. Adobe Captivate can also be purchased as part of a bundle through the Adobe eLearning Suite.
Techsmith Camtasia's strong points are in price and full-length video. At first glance, Camtasia looks a little like Windows Movie Maker and Adobe Premiere combined, so the interface isn't too difficult to figure out. If you are looking to capture a full-length video of an action you would take to complete a process on the computer or system, Camtasia is probably your better bet. It is also very handy for live streaming video.
WHICH ONE DO I CHOOSE??
Compare Camtasia Adobe Premiere
It all depends on your goal. If you are just looking to create a video showing the process and simulation, Camtasia is the better choice; especially for cost concerns. YouTube-ready videos are also more easily done in Camtasia. If you want a more vibrant, interactive experience for your users, go with Captivate. I personally prefer Captivate to Camtasia just for the sake of allowing more interactivity and the fact I have more experience with it.
Camtasia
For more information on both programs, visit the respective company websites below: Rise up singing song list.
