Automatic editing of video clips detected during the capture of a video data stream. A media editing application identifies video clips as a function of determined property values of each of a series of video frames included in the video. An edit component automatically edits video clips during the capture of the video data stream. A user interface allows the user to view individual video clips during the video capturing process and to define desired transition effects to apply between successive video clips and/or a desired special effect to apply to selected video clips.