Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, which editing software is better in 2021?
Read this ultimate Adobe Premiere Pro vs. DaVinci Resolve comparison to find out which one is the best editing platform for you.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC and DaVinci Resolve are the most used editing software, if not the most used. From hobbyists to professionals, both of these software harness enough power to edit a blockbuster feature film or a home video. Both do exactly that and everything in between.
And, best of all, unlike programs like Final Cut Pro X, both Davinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro are available on a wide array of software.
For simplicity’s sake, we will refer to Adobe Premiere Pro as “Premiere” and DaVinci Resolve as “DaVinci.”
Comparison at a Glance
1. Interface
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Both DaVinci and Premiere have similar interfaces. The difference is that Premiere has been in the video-editing game for a bit longer, therefore it has had more time to fine-tune the interface to precisely what you require as a video editor.
2. Audio
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere prides itself on its audio engineering tools. On top of that, Adobe offers a professional audio mixing program called Audition, which provides seamless transitioning to and from Premiere.
3. Text/Graphics
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. The text and graphics involved in Premiere are quite extensive. You can apply complex compositing and sleek titles right within the program.
4. Color Correction
Winner: DaVinci Resolve. DaVinci Resolve was originally a color correction program, specifically designed for professional colorists. As of recent, Blackmagic has extended DaVinci’s offering to allow users to video-edit complex projects and has entered the video-editing industry.
5. Ease of Use
Winner: Premiere Pro. Both of these programs require a steep learning curve. That being said, because DaVinci is designed for a slightly higher expertise level, Premiere is the easiest of the two to use for a first-time editor.
6. Tools
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere Pro offers a wider array of tools and features to its users. On top of that, the user base is larger, so there are more tutorials and solutions available online via blogs or videos to help you progress as an editor.
7. Pricing
Winner: DaVinci Resolve. DaVinci Resolve is offered for a flat rate of $299. Premiere, however, is priced at a subscription fee of $20.99. While this is cheaper in the short-term, you’ll feel more inclined as an editor to subscribe to the full Creative Cloud, which is much more expensive at $52.99 per month.
8. Performance and Speed
Winner: DaVinci Resolve. DaVinci Resolve is known for its superior performance, especially in handling high-resolution footage and complex color grading. It’s optimized to make the most of your hardware, resulting in faster rendering times than Premiere Pro.
9. Multi-Camera Editing
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere Pro offers robust multi-camera editing features, making working with footage from multiple sources easier. This is particularly useful in professional film and video production.
10. Integration with Other Software
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, Premiere Pro offers seamless integration with other Adobe products like After Effects and Photoshop, enhancing the overall workflow.
11. Learning Resources
Winner: Adobe Premiere Pro. Due to its widespread use, Premiere Pro has a vast array of learning resources available online, including tutorials, forums, and courses, making it easier for new users to learn the software.
12. 3D Editing Capabilities
Winner: DaVinci Resolve. While both programs are not primarily 3D editing tools, DaVinci Resolve offers better support for integrating 3D elements into video projects, especially with its Fusion feature.
FAQ
1. Can beginners easily learn Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve?
While both programs have a learning curve, Adobe Premiere Pro is generally considered more user-friendly for beginners. However, DaVinci Resolve also offers a range of tutorials and resources for new users.
2. How does the hardware requirement compare between the two software?
DaVinci Resolve demands more powerful hardware, especially for color grading and high-resolution video processing. Adobe Premiere Pro is less demanding but still requires a decent setup for smooth operation.
3. Is there a free version available for either of these programs?
DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with limited features, which is still quite robust for basic editing needs. Adobe Premiere Pro, however, requires a subscription, although a free trial is available.
4. Which software is better for collaborative projects?
Adobe Premiere Pro, being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, offers better integration and collaboration features, especially with other Adobe products. DaVinci Resolve also has collaboration tools but is slightly behind in this aspect.
5. How do updates and support compare between the two?
Adobe regularly updates Premiere Pro and provides comprehensive support through its Creative Cloud subscription. DaVinci Resolve also receives frequent updates, and support is available, though it may not be as extensive as Adobe’s.
6. Are there any significant differences in file format support?
Both software support a wide range of file formats. However, Adobe Premiere Pro may have the edge in compatibility with various formats, especially those used in professional settings.
7. Can I integrate 3D animations in these editing software?
DaVinci Resolve has better native support for integrating 3D elements, thanks to its Fusion feature. Adobe Premiere Pro can handle 3D elements but typically requires integration with other software like After Effects.
8. Which software is better for exporting videos for online platforms?
Both are capable of exporting videos in formats suitable for online platforms. Adobe Premiere Pro offers easy presets for various platforms, while DaVinci Resolve gives more control over the export settings.
The Verdict
Premiere Pro is the industry standard in editing video and film, while DaVinci Resolve is a great option for users who focus heavily on color correction. Overall, Premiere Pro is the better option thanks to its extensive array of tools and features, audio engineering capabilities, and constant bug-fixing updates.
DaVinci Resolve has historically been a color-correction platform used by industry professionals. Just recently, DaVinci has added improved video-editing capabilities like audio tools and easier clipping features. This has catapulted the program into an industry player for not only color-correction but also video editing.
That being said, the better of the two programs is Premiere Pro. For years, Premiere has been growing its platform, and base, and improving its tools. While a new and better competitor can always swoop in and overtake some of Premiere’s customer base, Adobe is constantly improving its video-editing features to fit its user base, who are mostly professionals.
This fierce persistence by Adobe to maintain the best media tools and quickly evolve with the market keeps Premiere among the preferred programs in the video-editing industry