Da Vinci Resolve - a free powerhouse

Da VInci Resolve

If you’re not already aware of BlackMagic’s DaVinci Resolve, then perhaps you should give it a look.

“​​DaVinci Resolve is the world’s only solution that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post production all in one software tool!”

DaVinci Resolve is  a very good choice for anyone interested in becoming a  filmmaker, editor, or colorist.

This videography powerhouse is available legally for nothing. You can take full advantage of its capabilities in video editing and colour grading, with no watermark and no trial period,

Blackmagic Design are constantly providing new features and updates, with the latest version 18 Beta 2 just out.

“DaVinci Resolve 18 is a major release featuring cloud based workflows for a new way to collaborate remotely!

You can host project libraries using Blackmagic Cloud and collaborate on the same timeline, in real time, with multiple users globally.

The new Blackmagic Proxy generator automatically creates proxies linked to camera originals, for a faster editing workflow.

Plus, support for Apple M1 Ultra gives you a powerful image processing engine, eliminating expensive cloud computing.

There are new Resolve FX such as ultra beauty and 3D depth map, improved subtitling for editors, GPU accelerated Fusion paint and real time title template playback, Fairlight fixed to FlexBus conversion and more!”

There are two products in the Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve family: “DaVinci Resolve Studio”, the paid version with a perpetual licence, and “DaVinci Resolve” the free version. The software is different for each version, as opposed to some that offer more when you activate. This probably simplifies development, as they use different engines tailored to the features.

DaVinci Resolve’s free version may fall short for some, including its inability to work with 10-bit footage. This could pose a problem for certain cameras, such as the Panasonic GH5. You are also limited to  a 4K UHD (3840×2160) output that could be a dealbreaker for those filmmakers shooting in DCI 4K (4096 x2160) for cinema.

An in-depth guide to the differences is provided by toolfarm.com here.

Although the free version is a powerful tool and capable enough for many users, anyone serious about making movies probably wouldn’t hesitate paying the $295 perpetual licence for the studio version, which is much cheaper alternative to other premium offers out there.

Do serious people use Resolve? The answer is yes! BlackMagic Designs are the parent company and developer of Resolve, and annually lists the movies that use their hardware and software - check out 2022!

Learning a tool like Resolve can be a gateway into not just professional film making, but a career in editing, colouring and more for any person willing to dig deep into the potential. As mentioned in our article on free online learning, becoming a master of a skill set puts you in a position to earn more from your skills.

There’s a host of free YouTube and other videos with in-depth and bite-sized options depending on whether you want a good overview, or a simple fix to a particular “How to”.

There’s also the forum that’s always a good place for in depth information from users.

With serious backing from Blackmagic design, credible industry use, and a free option with powerful features, DaVinci Resolve is certainly worth a look for any aspiring film-maker or editor.

What’s your go-to editing software, and how do you think it compares to DaVinci Resolve?

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