Are you a budding filmmaker, editor, or social media content creator? You have likely encountered several video editing tools, which makes it very overwhelming to pick the right one.
In this article, we unpack Davinci Resolve and its alternatives to ease the software selection process.
What’s DaVinci Resolve?
Created in 2004 by DaVinci system and acquired by Blackmagic Design in 2009, Davinci resolve is a coloring and video-editing software.
The desktop application enables users to fully adjust features like color balance, curves, saturation, tints, and contrast.
A visual effects library, a timeline, and a motion graphics panel are all included in DaVinci Resolve for compositing and organizing audio and video material.
The Main Features Of DaVinci Resolve Software (Explained)
Here are the main features of DaVinci Resolve software:
Dual Timeline
The dual timeline allows users to browse through the whole edit so that they don’t take much time zooming or scrolling.
Quick Export
The program makes the process of uploading, rendering, and sharing the edited work to other platforms, such as Youtube, hassle-free.
VFX features
DaVinci Resolve comes with 250+ integrated tools, node-powered workflow, and Fusion VFX’s comprehensive 3D compositing engine to efficiently merge effects and tools in a flow chart style.
Consequently, the production of top-notch feature films with super cool visual effects and graphics becomes attainable.
Collaborative Teamwork
The program allows users to collaborate and edit the same timeline at once. It is worth noting that DaVinci Resolve is the only software with tools for collaborative creativity for VFX and color specialists, sound engineers, and video editors to work on one project at the same time.
Facial Recognition
The program’s Neural Engine can detect faces in the footage which is an awesome powerful feature to have in editing software.
Hardware control panels
This feature enables users to smoothly manage several parameters. The panels will help you create unique content with a professional touch.
Fast Review
DaVinci Resolve makes It possible to review the videos or the entire timeline with varying speed playback.
Annotations feature
Using this function, you can immediately draw on your video to draw attention to flaws or specific areas of the frame. You can use the arrow tool to draw a straight line or draw by hand.
You can alter the annotation’s color and stroke width, and by adding an annotation to the viewer, you can also add a marker to the timeline so that you can access more information.
Simply pick “Annotation” from the Timeline Viewer pop-up menu in the timeline viewer’s lower left corner to access the annotation tool.
The Pros Of DaVinci Filmmaking Software
To give you a clear picture of what to expect from this video editing software. Here are some of the main pros that we found on Davinci software:
- Da Vinci resolve has a multi-cam editing tool: You can use timecodes, noises, or in/out points to synchronize all of your clips with this function. If you want to save time, synching clips with sound, in particular, is fantastic. Additionally, it permits real-time editing.
- The Fairlight audio feature in DaVinci Resolve 14 is a wonderful additional tool. It helps users with audio recording, editing, mixing, ADR, and sound effects.
- Da Vinci Resolve 14 can work with a variety of video resolutions, including 4K camera footage.
- Easy-to-use trimming tools: You can use these tools on several clips at the same time without mastering shortcut keys or accessing the tools window.
- The integration of Resolve’s premier color correction capabilities is without a doubt, its greatest asset. Da Vinci Resolve frequently imports edits from Final Cut Pro, Avid, and Premiere for grading.
- Cheap: Most users have found Da Vinci studio affordable.
- Many add-ons: For usage with Resolve, Blackmagic produces a variety of add-ons, including keyboards, video capture, output devices, color grading consoles, and more. It’s an entire ecosystem that you can invest in.
The Cons Of DaVinci Video Editor
On the flip side of the coin, every software can have some downsides. Here are some of the cons we found after trying DaVinci video editor software:
- Complicated interface: requires relatively more time to learn how to use it like a pro. Newbies should be ready to spend much time and effort experimenting and studying tutorials.
- Does not work on mobile phones
DaVinci Resolve System Requirements
In addition to running on a desktop workstation and mid-range to high-end gaming devices, DaVinci Resolve is also available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
By updating your GPU, adding RAM, and utilizing some of DaVinci Resolve’s built-in media optimization, you may be able to fulfill the minimum system requirements with an existing PC.
Minimum system requirements for macOS:
- 2GB of GPU VRAM
- Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
- 16GB of RAM. 32GB if using Fusion
- macOS 10.14.6 Mojave or later
Minimum system requirements for Windows:
- Windows 10 Creators Update
- Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
- 2GB of GPU VRAM
- 16GB of RAM. 32GB if using Fusion
DaVinci Resolve Free VS Paid Version
The software comes in two different versions. The premium Studio Version and the free version.
The free version is feature-rich and might be sufficient for many users. However, the free version is somehow limited in terms of most functionalities.
The Neural Engine, ResolveFX, and FairlightFX plugins, Stereoscopic 3D tools, HDR grading, blur and mist effects, multiuser collaboration, and more are all included with Resolve Studio. These utilities are not included in the free version.
When you want to upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio, you will have to part with approximately $295. Compared to other professional software, most users have found this rate quite affordable. Note that this is a one-time payment plan.
What’s new in the latest DaVinci Resolve?
The latest version of DaVinci Resolve is 18 and has the following additions:
- All-in-one solution for post-production: this provides a detailed workspace and tools. Users can edit, cut, and apply visual effects and graphics on the fusion page. Color correction is done on the color page, audio on the Fairlight page, and output is produced on the media and delivers pages.
- Blackmagic proxy generator: This feature enables you to extract proxies into different offline folders.
- Automatic depth map: This will allow users to instantly create a 3D depth matte of a scene.
- Track moving warped surface: This genius invention helps editors to apply graphics, cover up logos and add tattoos.
How to Get the DaVinci Resolve version 18
To get the latest version, go to BlackMagic Design Support Center. Then click the DaVinci Resolve and Fusion Software. Navigate to the latest downloads. Lastly, click on it to download.
If you are looking to upgrade from a previous version to the newest, be sure to:
- Back up the current database.
- Then click Upgrade
5 Great Alternatives To DaVinci Resolve (Explained)
If you think DaVinci Resolve isn’t a good fit. Here are some great alternatives to DaVinci Resolve software:
1. Adobe premiere pro
Adobe Premiere Pro enables video editing, the use of special effects, and the addition of text, audio, and animation. This DaVinci Resolve substitute is offered in a package with Adobe Media Encoder, which enables batch encoding of videos.
You can make as many tracks as you want using this software, including ones for background music, captioned images, audio, and video. Every track can be edited individually and with great precision.
Additionally, Adobe Premier Pro features tools for trimming and non-linear editing that let you split or merge frames. A track mixer and equalization are only a couple of the many audio editing tools that Premiere Pro offers. Novices can edit audio by changing the volume and inserting an echo.
Premiere Pro is available through Creative Cloud, just like other free Adobe software. This implies that although you can download the software for free, you can only use it if you pay for a monthly subscription. Professionals frequently utilize Adobe Premiere Pro.
2. ShotCut Video Editor
Shortcut was created for making video clips, processing, combining tracks, basic video editing, and processing; numerous formats are supported by the application, including AVCHD, MP4, AVI, MOV, and many others.
The shotcut is compatible with a wide range of amateur and expert tools. It is excellent for budding directors and video bloggers because it enables you to collect video from the Internet, webcams, and HDMI.
In addition, It allows you to make home videos, commercials, and video reviews.
Key Features of Shotcut
- Offers hardware support
- Supports numerous formats
- Several audio editing tools
- Codec independent
- Has monitoring and Display features
3. Final Cut Pro X
Another highly suggested DaVinci Resolve substitute is Final Cut Pro X. With the help of this tool, you can shorten or lengthen the time frames and get rid of overlaps or black gaps.
On the timeline, there are no distinctly demarcated tracks with distinct hard-coded properties, making it simple to change them.
No matter what format, codec, or size they have, you can improve your video by adding a photo, a video clip, or some audio. It also doesn’t matter how many audio channels are available. Your clips can be merged or placed in any position on the timeline.
Key Features of Final Cut Pro X
- 2D and 3D effects
- Built-in audio editing tools
- Intuitive recording and color management options
- Allows third-party plugins
- One-step video output
4. Lightworks
This free-to-use free-to-use software permits video and audio editing without a watermark. Lightworks allows users to add soundtracks, apply graphic effects, and process videos. You may use the program to make movies.
Lightworks supports the editing of imported files, thus enabling you to be more productive. Also, the project-sharing feature gives room for teamwork on a project.
Key Features of Lightworks:
- Supports several video forms
- Chromakeys support
- For multiple monitors
- Rendering effects
- A lot of keyboard shortcuts
For more in-depth information check out our previous article about Lightworks software.
5. Hitfilm Express
The Da Vinci Resolve alternative functions as an audio-visual digital content creator and a link editor. This program can be used for trimming, rearrangement, compositing, compression, special effects, and formatting.
Unlike Da Vinci Resolve, Hitfilm Express permits users to work simultaneously with multiple videos and soundtracks. The shortcuts enable users to shift easily between the tracks.
Key Features of Hitfilm Express:
- Several of tools
- light adjustment features
- Perfect tracking
- Simulation of the screen
- Footage distortions
The Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve began as simply a color grading tool. Still, it slowly grew to be a powerful all-in-one edit software with different functions for editing footage, color grading, applying special effects, and editing sound.
DaVinci Resolve holds its head high against other industry-leading giants like Adobe’s Premiere Pro. This one-stop solution will appeal to a proficient editor working on a complex project involving various aspects of post-production.
With DaVinci Resolve’s price being so affordable, there’s not much to hold you back from creating stunning content. Da Vinci Resolve is definitely worth a try.
FAQs
Is resolve DaVinci free?
When you download DaVinci Resolve for free, you get access to many unbeatable features and the chance to learn the software. If you’re a professional or need even more capabilities, you can upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio at any time. What Are the Benefits of DaVinci Resolve?
Is DaVinci Resolve good for beginners?
DaVinci Resolve is an excellent choice for people who aspire to be filmmakers, colorists, editors, and social media creatives. Beginners can use the program to perform functions like: editing, applying visual effects, sound designing, and color grading.
Is DaVinci Resolve good for YouTube?
Yes! DaVinci Resolve is good for YouTube. Users can use The free sound effects, animating logos, and intro creation tools, making Da Vinci resolve a good option for Youtubers.
Does DaVinci Resolve have a watermark?
No, the Blackmagic software doesn’t have a watermark. There are awesome watermark-free features on the free version. But, the use of features exclusive to the Studio version like Magic Mask, Face Refinement, and Noise reduction comes with a Watermark.
Does DaVinci Resolve have a time limit?
The maximum length of a timeline is 24 hours.
What file formats does DaVinci Resolve support?
DaVinci Resolve is designed to work with all major media types, post-production software, and file formats. You can use AAF, XML, or EDLs, to shift projects between DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
Is resolve hard to learn?
Understanding DaVinci Resolve basics like color grading, editing, and importing could take 2 to 3 months. For expert level kind of learning, it could take anywhere between six to 12 months.
Is DaVinci Resolve good for professionals?
Absolutely! The program has a wide array of features for professionals. Da Vinci Resolve is the perfect tool for producing high-quality video work.
Is DaVinci Resolve well for low-end PC?
Yes! With the correct techniques, DaVinci Resolve can be used on low-end devices without hitches.
Is DaVinci Resolve on mobile?
Unfortunately, Da Vinci Resolve is not compatible with mobile devices. This drawback limits those who like taking videos on smartphones.
Is resolve well for a low budget?
The program has all the features of professional software and can be used to create high-quality content.
Can DaVinci Resolve be used for live streaming?
Yes! Da Vinci Resolve can be used for live streaming and recording underground concerts. Aside from that, the software can also be used in TV broadcasting, mobile video editing and producing, web video production, telesales video production, corporate video production, and event videography.
Does DaVinci Resolve have a teleprompter?
Yes! DaVinci Resolve allows you to use a teleprompter along with the program.
Can DaVinci Resolve be used for music production?
Yes! You can use DaVinci Resolve for music video production and live event videography. It is also good for crafting videos with cinematic soundtracks. Moreover, it is also used in fashion video productions and advertising purposes. It comes with powerful editing tools, 3D effects, and template-based color grading to give the best results in different types of projects.
Can DaVinci Resolve be used without the internet?
Most of the features can be accessed offline. Free License users can use the offline feature for tutorials and power user tips.
What is a workflow automation feature in DaVinci Resolve Studio?
DaVinci Resolve Studio makes automating tasks simple. Users can use the tool to open and render projects without leaving the software. They also get to set up pipelines for common project elements and automate color corrections using smart masks, nodes, or presets.
How do I create an account for DaVinci Resolve?
You can easily create an account for DaVinci Resolve on your computer or use the online system to get started.
Can I unlock all features of DaVinci Resolve by purchasing a Studio or Studio Plus plan?
Yes! You can purchase the support package based on your current needs. For example, if you require a lot of feature access but do not want to spend much, you can purchase the basic plan and upgrade later.
