DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro are two of the most popular video editing platforms used by professionals and amateurs alike. This comprehensive comparison reviews the key differences between Resolve and Premiere to help you decide which software is the best fit for your video production needs.
Overview of DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve is editing software developed by Blackmagic Design which offers powerful color correction tools alongside video editing capabilities. The free version of Resolve provides the full feature set, with the paid Studio version ($299) adding advanced collaboration tools and accelerated processing.
Adobe Premiere Pro is a nonlinear video editing software by Adobe included in their Creative Cloud subscription. Known for its integration with other Adobe CC apps and large library of effects and presets, Premiere caters well to creative video work.
Both tools allow editing video and audio, multicam editing, titles and graphics, effects, and more. But they differ significantly in their interfaces, workflows, and ideal project types.
Interface and Ease of Use
Premiere Pro uses a more traditional video editing timeline interface with panels for source media, effects, and other tools. Those familiar with other nonlinear editors (NLEs) like Final Cut Pro will feel at home. There is a learning curve, but generally Premiere is easier for beginners.
In contrast, DaVinci Resolve utilizes a unique dual interface with separate pages for editing, color grading, effects, and exporting. The Cut page offers a simplified timeline for faster editing while the Edit page has more advanced capabilities. The interface has a steep learning curve but also incredible depth if you invest the time.
Overall, Premiere Pro is easier for those starting out or needing simple video edits, while Resolve rewards those diving deeper but takes longer to master.
Key Features
Premiere Pro
- Tight integration with other Adobe apps like Photoshop and After Effects
- Huge library of effects, presets, and title templates saves time
- Advanced tools like multi-cam editing, captions, LUTs, and more
- AI-powered auto reframe and audio clean up features
DaVinci Resolve
- Hollywood-grade color correction tools for powerful grading
- Node-based Fusion visual effects with 3D compositing
- Facial recognition and tracking for precision edits
- Real time collaboration workflow across multiple users
While both share core editing tools, Premiere offers simpler integration with Adobe apps while Resolve prioritizes color and VFX workflows.
Performance and Hardware Usage
DaVinci Resolve leans more heavily on CPU power during editing and playback than GPU acceleration. Complex timelines with effects can bog down systems without newer multicore processors or a lot of RAM.
Premiere Pro relies more on the graphics card for playback and handles 4K/8K media better on average consumer hardware. Encoding and exporting times are generally faster than Resolve if your GPU has NVENC support.
On high end systems, the difference becomes negligible. But on most mainstream consumer laptops, Premiere has better real time playback.
Price and Payment Options
The standalone license fee for Premiere Pro is $239.99 but it must be subscribed to via the Adobe Creative Cloud plan ($54.99/month). You can access Premiere Pro and all other CC apps for the subscription cost. There is no perpetual license model anymore.
DaVinci Resolve offers a completely free version with no restrictions and all features included. The Resolve Studio upgrade is a one-time fee of $299. This adds capabilities for stereoscopic 3D, 4K output, multi-user collaboration, and more. Corporate and enterprise plans are also available.
This means Resolve provides professional software without the recurring subscription expense making it great value long term.
Types of Video Workflows
Due to its integration with Adobe apps and large library of templates, Premiere Pro excels at basic editing projects like YouTube videos, event highlight reels, social media content, and more. It works well when color grading will be minimal and getting videos exported quickly is priority.
With Resolve’s advanced color tools, nodes based compositing, and video codec support, it shines when creating cinema quality films, professional client deliverables needing color matching, or VFX intensive sequences. The depth it provides enables Hollywood level post production.
Supported File Formats
A key difference arises in how each software handles video files and codecs.
Premiere Pro supports a huge range of formats and codecs like HEVC, ProRes, and H.264 natively. This means footage from mirrorless cameras, drones, phones, and more works without needing to transcode media.
Resolve has fewer native codecs so footage is often transcoded into optimized media files upon import for smooth editing. This takes time but then provides reliable playback. Certain ProRes flavors need transcoding as well in the free version.
Premiere saves the transcoding step for most file types, allowing you to jump right into the edit. Check each platforms codec support to see if your camera files are natively compatible.
Platform and Mobile Support
Adobe Premiere Pro is supported on both Windows 10/11 and macOS systems giving professionals flexibility in their workflow. This allows switching between desktop environments freely.
DaVinci Resolve is only available for macOS and Windows 10+ along with Linux Debian distributions. So Apple users have an option if moving away from Final Cut Pro while Windows editors can stick to their preferred OS.
In terms of mobile apps, Premiere Rush gives basic video creation and editing tools that sync seamlessly with desktop Premiere projects. Resolve doesn’t currently have a mobile companion app for phone or tablet but plans for an iOS version are in the works.
Learning Resources Available
Given its user friendly interface and wide use for entry level video editing, there are endless Premiere Pro beginner tutorials on YouTube and sites like LinkedIn Learning covering everything from getting started guides to transitions and effects explainers.
With Resolve being geared towards pros, there are abundant tutorials on advanced color grading techniques, visual effects, editing shortcuts and other specialized workflows. You’ll need to grasp the basics first but from there can learn high level skills.
Our Recommendation Based on User Needs
When choosing between DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro, it’s most important to consider your use case and editing needs.
For professional color grading, mastering the delivery format, or advanced visual FX, Blackmagic Resolve outshines Premiere. The depth of its toolset and precision editing controls enable Hollywood level post production. Just expect a longer learning curve.
If you simply need to edit footage together and export videos quickly with basic corrections and transitions, Premiere Pro makes more sense. It works better for events, webinars, vlogs, social content and websites.
Either tool can produce stunning videos in trained hands. Evaluate if you need complex workflows or fast turnaround times to pick the best video editor for your projects and budget.
FAQs About Resolve and Premiere
Is DaVinci Resolve really free?
Yes! The full version of Resolve is free with no restrictions and includes all editing, color grading, and Fusion VFX tools. DaVinci Resolve Studio at $299 adds advanced features.
Can I import After Effects projects into Resolve?
Not natively but projects can export video files from AE and then edit/grade them in Resolve. The Fusion page also offers motion graphics tools as an alternative.
Which has better multi-cam editing tools? For simple syncing and switching between a few angles, they are on par. But Premiere offers more controls for multicam shoots with the Multi-Camera Monitor allowing rapid cutting between cameras.
Is Resolve compatible with macOS or only Windows? DaVinci Resolve works on macOS 10.15+ systems as well as Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines so Apple users can run Resolve no problem.
Summary and Conclusion
DaVinci Resolve shines brighter when it comes to Hollywood caliber color grading, visual effects compositing, and leveraging the latest high end hardware. This makes it ideal for cinema productions, film work and professional video deliverables.
For typical online video needs and fast project turnarounds, Adobe Premiere Pro has the edge with easier usability, seamless integration with Creative Cloud apps, and broader support from tutorials and presets. It’s a pick up and edit solution.
We suggest trying out both video editors to gain hands on experience tailored to your workflow. DaVinci Resolve may have the steeper initial learning curve but offers incredible depth over time while Premiere works better out of the box for beginners. Know your priorities and review our detailed comparisons to download your next video editing platform.
The ideal software depends if timeline editing or color grading mastery drives your work. Compare our assessments today before deciding between DaVinci Resolve vs Premiere Pro as your go-to video production toolbox.