In a nutshell
- DaVinci Resolve vs. Final Cut Pro: You first need to understand your editing needs to decide between professional-level features or user-friendly tools.
- DaVinci Resolve offers a powerful free version, while Final Cut Pro is optimized for macOS users.
- Take advantage of free trials to determine which software works best for your workflow and projects.
When it comes to video editing, there are many software options to choose from.
Often, people start editing by creating compilations of family clips to share online, frequently using simple tools like iMovie. As skills and interests grow, some take on bigger projects — like filming a music video for a friend with a new smartphone. After transferring the footage and getting ready to edit, the realization will hit: “What editing software should I use?”
Professional video editing software becomes essential for any video requiring more than basic trimming, cropping and fading transitions. Many people gravitate towards the Adobe suite, but there are other options available, such as Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve and Apple’s Final Cut Pro.
DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro are solid options and both offer something unique to users. Let’s take a look at their similarities, differences and use cases.
What is Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve is a non-linear video editing software developed by Blackmagic Design. It’s been the go-to color-grading software for years. Typically, editors would start out editing their footage in software like Premiere Pro or AVID and then import it into DaVinci to take advantage of its robust color features. Since then, DaVinci has evolved, aiming to be an all-in-one editor for the entire post-production process.
A major benefit of DaVinci Resolve is that it offers a free version along with its paid counterpart, DaVinci Resolve Studio. The free version provides more features than you’ll find in any other free video editing software — and even some paid ones. It can edit video up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 at 60 frames per second. Other features include color grading tools like luma, HSL and 3D keyers, color warper and HDR tools. The free version is already impressive, but if you upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio, you will gain access to more advanced features like the DaVinci Neural Engine, stereoscopic 3D and additional effects.
Some key features of DaVinci Resolve
Ultimately, what makes DaVinci Resolve unique is its node-based system. This method of editing isn’t as simple as a layered system but offers greater control once you learn it. Editing with nodes allows you to connect different effects precisely in a flowchart-like style. If you’re not comfortable with this approach, there’s also a traditional timeline for editing.
Furthermore, Resolve offers robust support for HDR grading, allowing users to work with a wide range of HDR formats and tools. It includes HDR-specific scopes and features necessary for grading HDR footage effectively.
Collaborative editing
Unlike traditional linear workflows where each artist works in isolation and passes the project off to the next, DaVinci Resolve enables multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously using Blackmagic Cloud. Editors, colorists, VFX artists, animators and sound engineers can all work on the same timeline. Changes made by one collaborator are visible to others, and built-in tools allow you to merge changes into a master timeline.
If you prefer not to use Blackmagic Cloud, you can also share media using tools like Dropbox. Once you sync your media between computers, changes made by one collaborator will automatically appear for others.
All-in-one solution
DaVinci Resolve delivers an all-in-one post-production experience that consists of various modules, each serving specific purposes within the filmmaking and editing process:
- Edit: The Edit page allows for fast and efficient video editing. It includes features for importing, organizing, cutting, trimming and arranging video and audio clips on a timeline.
- Cut: The Cut page is tailored for editors who require rapid, streamlined editing workflows. It’s optimized for quick assembly and fine-tuning of edits with an emphasis on speed and efficiency. Innovative tools like the Source Tape, Dual Timeline and various intelligent editing tools are designed to accelerate the editing process.
- Fusion: Fusion is the advanced node-based compositing module integrated into DaVinci Resolve. Fusion offers a node-based interface that facilitates intricate effects creation, including 3D compositing, particle systems, tracking and more.
- Fairlight: Fairlight is an audio post-production module within DaVinci Resolve. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for audio editing, mixing, sweetening and mastering. Fairlight features advanced audio effects, automated dialogue replacement (ADR), audio restoration tools and support for immersive 3D audio formats.
All of these modules within DaVinci Resolve are interconnected, allowing for a seamless workflow across different stages of post-production.
What is Final Cut Pro?
If you work on a Mac, Final Cut Pro X is a great option since it’s designed to work within the Mac ecosystem. Its editing approach provides a familiar playground for those transitioning from other editing platforms, while its performance on Apple hardware ensures a smooth and optimized editing experience. With integrated support for 2D and 3D animated titles and graphics, a robust audio editing toolset and the ability to apply color corrections and grading in-program, Final Cut Pro X is an all-around solid piece of software for Mac users and is still the standard in many studios.
Some key features of Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro employs Apple’s Magnetic Timeline, a trackless format characterized by lanes instead of traditional tracks. The Primary Storyline serves as the anchor, connecting all content seamlessly. To enhance organization, you can assign labels (called roles) to categorize your media efficiently. The Color Board and Color Inspector tool provide further flexibility, enabling the use of color wheels to apply grading and effects to individual clips and allowing the application of multiple effects to a single clip.
AI social media crop
Using AI technology, clips within a project can now undergo automatic analysis to identify primary motion. Final Cut Pro will then crop clips accordingly with Conform, transforming them into square, vertical or other custom video sizes. Editors looking to make social media cuts will find this feature especially useful.
The Transform Overscan function allows viewing media beyond the cropping boundary while adjusting scale, rotation and position. If you don’t like the AI-generated crop, you have the option to manually modify it yourself. Apple has also introduced a Custom Overlay feature, aiding in the placement of text and graphics within non-landscape frames.
DaVinci Resolve vs. Final Cut Pro: Interface and performance
Final Cut Pro works seamlessly with Apple’s hardware, particularly the graphics processors. This optimization often results in efficient real-time playback, quick rendering and smooth editing experiences. DaVinci Resolve, on the other hand, can run efficiently on both Windows and macOS systems. However, you may need a more powerful machine once you start layering visual and color effects.
Final Cut Pro is often praised for its user-friendly interface. Its straightforward layout and intuitive design streamline basic editing tasks, providing ease of use. Conversely, DaVinci Resolve can seem more complex and less intuitive due to its extensive toolset spanning color grading, editing, visual effects and audio post-production. Despite its initial learning curve, Resolve provides unparalleled control and customization options across multiple aspects of post-production. Its depth in color grading tools, Fusion integration and Fairlight audio module offer professional-grade precision and flexibility. This makes it a preferred choice for advanced editors, colorists and VFX artists.
DaVinci Resolve vs. Final Cut Pro: Which is better for you?
When it comes down to it, the better editing software depends on your needs. They both have their benefits to different crowds. Let’s go over what those are:
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is ideal for users who are looking for software that provides professional-level features suitable for complex projects. Resolve’s integration of various post-production elements into a single application streamlines workflow, making it advantageous for users looking for a comprehensive platform for editing, grading, compositing and audio mastering.
Freelancers and small to medium-sized production houses may also prefer DaVinci Resolve for its scalability. Their collaborative workflow allows multiple people to work on a project simultaneously.
For those who are concerned about budget, DaVinci Resolve also stands out. The software offers a free version with a generous set of features, while the full version is priced at $299.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is ideal for users looking for software that is easy to use and provides quick results. It has been the go-to editing software for content creators of short educational videos, small movies and high-quality music videos. It supports common video formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, H.264 and AVCHD and allows integration with your iPhone or iPad media files. It’s also good for users who are already familiar with Apple products and want to maintain a consistent workflow.
Final Cut Pro offers a one-time payment of $299 for the software. This is a big jump from the free version of Resolve, but the price is the same if you’re thinking about getting Resolve Studio.
DaVinci Resolve vs. Final Cut Pro: It’s your choice
Ultimately, if you are looking for video editing software that’s easy to use and provides quick results, then Final Cut Pro is the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for software that provides professional-level features and tools, then DaVinci Resolve is the better option. You can try the programs’ free trials to get hands-on experience testing out what works better for you.
