DaVinci Resolve Video Editing Software Review 2023

What is DaVinci Resolve Software?

DaVinci Resolve is the ultimate Swiss Army knife for video editing and color correction. It’s like having a full-fledged production studio in your hand. Developed by the wizards at Blackmagic Design, this software offers an extensive range of tools and features that allow you to transform raw footage into a cinematic masterpiece. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding filmmaker, DaVinci Resolve offers a seamless and intuitive user interface that makes editing, color grading, and special effects a breeze. With its lightning-fast performance and growing community of users, DaVinci Resolve has become a go-to solution for video enthusiasts across the globe. 

Performance at Glance

Specifications	DaVinci Resolve At Glance	Our Verdict
Ease of Use		User-friendly interface, but may take time for beginners to learn.
Support		Good customer support with helpful documentation and tutorials, and an active community forum.
Features		Packed with professional-grade features for editing, color grading, visual effects, and audio post-production.
Overall Quality		High-end performance and advanced capabilities for stunning video editing and color correction.
Value For Money		Free version available with almost all features, competitive pricing for paid version.
G2 Rating		DaVinci Resolve has a high G2 rating with positive reviews for its features and performance

Features of DaVinci Resolve Video Editor

DaVinci Resolve has the tools you need to take your videos to the next level. From advanced color correction tools and visual effects to seamless editing workflows and audio post-production, DaVinci Resolve has it all. So let’s take a closer look at some of its most important features: 

Non-Linear Video Editing

DaVinci Resolve offers a non-linear editing workflow that allows you to easily edit and manipulate video clips in a non-linear order.

Color Correction and Grading

DaVinci Resolve is known for its advanced color correction and grading tools, which allow you to adjust color, contrast, and saturation for individual clips or an entire project.

Audio Editing

DaVinci Resolve features a full-featured audio editor with tools for EQ, compression, noise reduction, and a library of built-in sound effects.

Collaboration Tools

While DaVinci Resolve doesn’t offer robust collaboration features, it does allow multiple users to work on a project simultaneously by sharing project files.

Visual Effects and Compositing

DaVinci Resolve includes a wide range of visual effects and compositing tools, including 2D and 3D compositing, particle effects, and keying.

Multi-Camera Editing

DaVinci Resolve offers multi-camera editing features that allow you to sync and edit footage from multiple cameras in real time.

Export and Sharing Options

DaVinci Resolve offers a wide range of export options for different formats and platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.

Fairlight Audio

DaVinci Resolve’s Fairlight Audio engine offers high-end audio post-production features, including 3D audio mixing, ADR tools, and built-in sound libraries.

Fusion VFX

DaVinci Resolve’s Fusion VFX suite offers advanced visual effects and compositing features, including 3D compositing, particle effects, and motion graphics.

GPU Acceleration

DaVinci Resolve features GPU acceleration technology, which allows for lightning-fast performance even when working with high-resolution footage.

Cross-Platform Support

DaVinci Resolve is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile solution for video editing and color grading on different platforms.

Resolution Support

DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of resolutions, from SD (Standard Definition) to 8K and beyond.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support

DaVinci Resolve supports HDR content, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) formats.

Color Management

DaVinci Resolve offers advanced color management tools to manage color spaces, gamma, and dynamic range, ensuring accurate color reproduction across different devices and platforms.

Image Processing

DaVinci Resolve features high-quality image processing, including 32-bit floating-point image processing, YRGB 4:4:4 image processing, and support for wide-gamut color spaces.

GPU Acceleration

DaVinci Resolve leverages GPU acceleration technology to deliver fast and responsive performance, even when working with high-resolution footage.

Advanced Audio Tools

DaVinci Resolve’s Fairlight audio engine offers high-end audio post-production features, including 3D audio mixing, ADR tools, and built-in sound libraries.

Editing and Trim Tools

DaVinci Resolve features a wide range of editing and trim tools, including ripple edits, slip edits, and slide edits, making it easy to fine-tune your edits and transitions.

Keyframe Animation

DaVinci Resolve offers advanced keyframe animation tools that allow you to create complex animations and transitions for your videos.

How to Use DaVinci Resolve’s Color Grading Tools and Workflows?

Are you ready to take your video editing to the next level with DaVinci Resolve’s powerful color grading tools? With the right workflows and techniques, you can transform your footage into stunning cinematic masterpieces. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using DaVinci Resolve’s color grading tools like a pro:

Set Up Your Color Grading Workspace

Start by creating a new project and setting up your color-grading workspace. This includes organizing your media, adding clips to the timeline, and setting up your viewer and node editor panels.

Balance Your Shots

The first step in color grading is to balance your shots, which means adjusting the exposure, contrast, and white balance to create a neutral starting point.

Create a Look With LUTs

DaVinci Resolve offers a wide range of LUTs (lookup tables) that you can use to apply different color grading styles and looks to your footage. Experiment with different LUTs until you find the perfect look for your project.

Use the Color Wheels

DaVinci Resolve’s primary color correction tools include the color wheels, which allow you to adjust the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights of your shots. Use the color wheels to fine-tune the color balance and contrast of your footage.

Fine-Tune with Curves

For more advanced color grading, you can use the curves tool to adjust the tonal range and color balance of your shots with greater precision.

Apply Secondary Corrections

If you need to make specific adjustments to certain areas of your shots, you can use DaVinci Resolve’s secondary color correction tools, including power windows and qualifiers, to isolate and adjust specific areas.

Add Finishing Touches

Once you’re happy with your color grading, you can add finishing touches like vignettes, film grain, and other effects to enhance the overall look and feel of your footage.

With these tips and techniques, you can unlock the full potential of DaVinci Resolve’s color grading tools and workflows and take your video editing skills to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting and create your unique color grading style today!

How to Edit Audio in DaVinci Resolve?

Editing audio in DaVinci Resolve is a simple process, and it can greatly improve the overall quality of your video project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to edit audio in DaVinci Resolve:

Import Audio Clips

Start by importing your audio clips into DaVinci Resolve. You can do this by clicking the “Import Media” button and selecting your audio files.

Add Audio to the Timeline

Drag and drop your audio clips onto the timeline to add them to your project.

Adjust Audio Levels

To adjust the audio levels of your clips, click on the audio waveform in the timeline to reveal the audio controls. Here you can adjust the volume, pan, and balance of your audio clips.

Apply Audio Effects

DaVinci Resolve offers a range of audio effects that you can use to enhance your audio tracks. Click on the audio clip in the timeline and navigate to the “Inspector” panel to apply effects such as EQ, reverb, and compression.

Remove Background Noise

If your audio clips have background noise or unwanted sounds, you can use the “Noise Reduction” effect to remove them. Click on the audio clip in the timeline and navigate to the “Inspector” panel to access the “Noise Reduction” effect.

Edit Audio in the Fairlight Page

You can switch to the Fairlight page in DaVinci Resolve for more advanced audio editing. Here you can perform tasks such as trimming audio clips, adjusting fade in and fade out, and applying automation to your audio tracks.

Export Your Edited Audio

Once you’ve finished editing your audio, you can export it along with your video project. Click on the “Deliver” tab and select your desired export settings.

By following these steps, you can easily edit audio in DaVinci Resolve and achieve a professional sound for your video project.

How to Collaborate in DaVinci Resolve? 

Collaborating with others on a video project is an important part of the post-production process, and DaVinci Resolve offers several tools to make collaboration easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to collaborate in DaVinci Resolve:

Set Up a Shared Database

If you’re collaborating with others, it’s important to set up a shared database where you can store your project files. This can be done by creating a shared folder on a network drive or cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Enable Collaboration

To enable collaboration in DaVinci Resolve, go to the “Preferences” menu and select “Collaboration.” You can configure your collaboration settings here, including the database location and project permissions.

Share Your Project

Once collaboration is enabled, you can share your project with others by exporting it as a DaVinci Resolve project (.drp) file. This file can then be imported into another user’s DaVinci Resolve software.

Collaborate on the Timeline

With collaboration enabled, multiple users can work on the same timeline simultaneously. Each user’s changes are automatically synced in real time, and you can see who is currently working on the project.

Manage Collaboration Conflicts

If multiple users try to edit the same part of the timeline at the same time, DaVinci Resolve will display a conflict resolution dialog box. Here you can choose which user’s changes to keep, or you can merge the changes.

Communicate with Other Collaborators

DaVinci Resolve also includes a built-in chat feature that allows you to communicate with other collaborators within the software. You can use this to discuss project details, ask for feedback, or coordinate on changes.

Review Changes

Once all collaborators have finished working on the project, it’s important to review the changes and ensure that everything is working correctly. You can do this by playing through the timeline and checking for any errors or inconsistencies.

How to Use DaVinci Resolve’s Multi-Camera Editing Features?

Multi-camera editing is an essential tool for video editors who work with footage from multiple cameras, such as live events, interviews, or music performances. It allows you to easily switch between camera angles, synchronize footage, and create a polished final product. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use DaVinci Resolve’s multi-camera editing features:

Import Your Footage

Start by importing all of your footage into DaVinci Resolve. This includes all the camera angles you plan to use in your project.

Create a New Timeline

Once your footage is imported, create a new timeline by selecting “Timeline” from the “Create” menu. This will be the timeline where you edit your multi-camera footage.

Add Your Camera Angles to the Timeline

Drag and drop your camera angles into the timeline, making sure to line up the clips based on the timecode or the slate.

Sync Your Footage

Use the built-in synchronization tool to synchronize your camera angles. You can do this by selecting all the clips, right-clicking, and selecting “Synchronize Clips.” DaVinci Resolve will automatically sync the clips based on the timecode or slate.

Create a Multi-Camera View

In the “Edit” page, select “Multi-Camera” from the menu. This will create a new timeline that displays all of your camera angles in a grid view.

Switch Between Camera Angles

With the multi-camera view selected, you can switch between camera angles by clicking on the clip you want to use. You can also use the number keys on your keyboard to quickly switch between cameras.

Make Adjustments to Your Cuts

As you switch between camera angles, adjust your cuts to ensure the final product is seamless. You can do this by adjusting the in and out points of each clip or by using the precision editor.

Add Transitions

To make your cuts smoother, add transitions between clips. You can do this by dragging and dropping a transition from the “Transitions” panel onto the cut point.

Fine-Tune Your Edit

Once you’ve made all of your cuts and transitions, fine-tune your edit by adjusting the timing and pacing of your shots.

Export Your Project

When you’re satisfied with your edit, export your project as a video file or directly to your preferred sharing platform.

With these steps, you can create a polished multi-camera edit using DaVinci Resolve’s powerful editing tools. Experiment with camera angles, cuts, and transitions to create a unique and compelling final product.

Top DaVinci Resolve Alternatives

DaVinci Resolve is the best video editing software and color grading software, but it may not be the right fit for every user. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available in the market that offer similar or even better features for different levels of users. In this comparison, we’ll look at some of the top DaVinci Resolve alternatives, their features, pricing, and overall user experience to help you choose the best software for your video editing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms is DaVinci Resolve available on?

DaVinci Resolve is a cross-platform software available on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It offers a seamless experience across all platforms, making it an accessible choice for video editors and colorists regardless of their preferred operating system.

Can I edit and color-correct videos in DaVinci Resolve?

Absolutely! DaVinci Resolve is one of the most comprehensive and powerful video editing and color correction tools available on the market. Its advanced features and tools allow users to edit and color-correct their videos to professional-grade quality. From basic trimming and cutting to complex multi-camera editing and visual effects, DaVinci Resolve has everything you need to create stunning video content. And with its sophisticated color grading tools, you can give your videos a cinematic look and feel that will make them stand out from the crowd.

Does DaVinci Resolve support multiple file formats?

Yes, DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of video, audio, and image file formats, making it a versatile and flexible tool for video editing and color correction. Whether you’re working with standard formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI or more specialized formats like RED, ARRIRAW, and ProRes, DaVinci Resolve can handle them all. Its support for multiple file formats makes it a great choice for professionals who work with a variety of media types and ensures that you can import, edit, and export your media without any compatibility issues.

What is the difference between DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio?

The main difference between DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio is that the latter offers more advanced features and capabilities. While both versions of the software provide powerful video editing and color grading tools, DaVinci Resolve Studio includes additional features like support for high-end visual effects, advanced motion graphics, and 3D compositing. It also offers collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, making it ideal for larger-scale productions. Additionally, DaVinci Resolve Studio supports more output formats and resolutions, including stereoscopic 3D and high dynamic range (HDR) content.

Can DaVinci Resolve be used for professional video editing projects?

Absolutely! DaVinci Resolve is a highly versatile and powerful video editing and color correction software that professionals in the film and television industry widely use. It’s often the go-to choice for major Hollywood productions and high-end television series. With its non-linear editing system, advanced color grading tools, and support for high-resolution media, DaVinci Resolve can easily handle even the most demanding video editing projects. 

Does DaVinci Resolve offer any automation or shortcut features to speed up the editing process?

Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a variety of automation and shortcut features to help speed up the editing process. For example, it has a “Smart Edit” feature that analyzes your footage and automatically identifies the best places to make cuts based on the content. It also has a “Speed Warp” feature that uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust the speed of your footage while maintaining smooth motion.