I strictly use AE for all my editing. The difference between AE and other standard non-linear apps is "layers". It is comparable to Photoshop with a timeline. I have used many editing systems including AVID, Final Cut, Henry, Cumbustion, Inferno, and even Cinderella. After Effects by far is the best way to edit and manipulate clips and create motion graphics and there are a pluthera of sic 3rd party filters available..