Transitions

Here is a list of a few different video transitions that can be included between different shots in footage. However, in most cases, most these transitions aren't often used because they can make a film look very amateur if they are used too often or used in the wrong context. This is why the cut transition is used the most frequently - because it doesn't try to add meaning or suggestion to something to the audience (such as a crossfade; these transitions tend to show a passing of time), it just maintains continuity in the best way and also makes the film look much more like real life, therefore the audience doesn't even notice the fact that there is a transition between shots.
I understand that I need to include a variety of skills when I come to producing my own opening sequence, however, my options are limited with transitions due to the fact that if they are overused it could give the story a completely different meaning (observed reading) than the one that I had intended it to have (preferred reading) - the context that the transitions are most commonly used in are listed below in the table. So, I need to be careful with what transitions I use, where I use them and how often I use them...If I use any transitions at all other than cuts.

Cut

The most common transition — an instant change from one shot to the next. The raw footage from your camera contains cuts between shots where you stop and start recording (unless of course you use built-in camera transitions).
In film and television production, the vast majority of transitions are cuts.

Mix / Dissolve / Crossfade

These are all terms to describe the same transition — a gradual fade from one shot to the next.
Crossfades have a more relaxed feel than a cut and are useful if you want a meandering pace, contemplative mood, etc. Scenery sequences work well with crossfades, as do photo montages.
Crossfades can also convey a sense of passing time or changing location

Fade

Fades the shot to a single colour, usually black or white. The "fade to black" and "fade from black" are ubiquitous in film and television. They usually signal the beginning and end of scenes.
Fades can be used between shots to create a sort of crossfade which, for example, fades briefly to white before fading to the next shot.

Wipe

One shot is progressively replaced by another shot in a geometric pattern. There are many types of wipe, from straight lines to complex shapes.
Wipes often have a coloured border to help distinguish the shots during the transition.
Wipes are a good way to show changing location

Digital Effects

Most editing applications offer a large selection of digital transitions with various effects. There are too many to list here, but these effects include colour replacement, animated effects, pixelization, focus drops, lighting effects, etc.
Many cameras also include digital effects, but if possible it is better to add these in post-production.


Web address to where I found this list of video transitions:
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/transition/types.html