Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are two of the most used editing suites. These two software are both packed with powerful features and tools for editing videos and audio. In this blog post, I am taking a closer look at the pros and cons of both of these amazing editing software. I will compare the two based on different criteria such as pricing and stability. At the end of the blog post, I’ll give my final verdict as to which is the perfect editing suite for creators and editors.
Stability
One of the reasons why prominent creators like Peter McKinnon are switching from Adobe Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve is stability. A lot of people say that Premiere Pro crashes often.
However, in my many years of using Adobe Premiere, I have not experienced the editing software crashing.
Although I have to say that DaVinci seems to save a project more often and more seamlessly than Premiere.
In today’s age, I don’t think either software has a problem with the ability to keep your project intact and lose all your important files.
Pricing
The next BIG reason why creators are moving to DaVinci Resolve as their editing suite is the pricing. DaVinci offers both free and paid versions. Having the free version is I think one of the factors why people are willing to try the software.
However, if you want to use DaVinci’s powerful features such as Voice Isolation, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee of $295 to use the studio version.
Premiere Pro, on the other hand, is only available on a monthly (or annual) subscription plan. You’ll need to pay $20.99 monthly to use the software.
Both the DaVinci Resolve Studio and Premiere Pro offer no recurring charges for updates.
Workflow
In terms of workflow, Premiere Pro’s interface is user-friendly and familiar to those already using Adobe products. Its integration with other Adobe software like After Effects and Photoshop makes it a seamless choice for those in the Adobe ecosystem.
In addition, I like that in Premiere I can use text transcription, integrate with frame.io, and seamlessly switch between projects.
On the other hand, DaVinci Resolve seems to have a more fluid and straightforward left-to-right workflow. You get to upload the media, cut it, edit, do fusion effects, color grade, edit audio, and then export.
DaVinci having straightforward workflow makes it ideal for beginner video and audio editors.
Video Editing
One of the most common uses for either editing suite is to edit videos. So let’s compare the two in terms of how easy and seamless they are in video editing.
Adding Media and Cutting
Adding media files to the workspace is a breeze on both editing suites. When it comes to making cuts or deleting sections on videos, I find it easy to do it in Adobe Premiere Pro. But then again, I have been using this tool for years and I memorized all the shortcuts. So if you are new to the software, it can be confusing.
On the other hand, DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated section for making cuts to video files. With this, you can make continuous cuts without having to drag and drop. This is a plus point for DaVinci.
Adding Texts and Effects
When it comes to adding text and effects, both software have their strengths. For DaVinci, I find it easier to add and edit texts. There are also a lot of video transitions and other effects you can apply.
In Premiere, there are also effects you can apply. Moreover, there are ready-made text overlays you can use.
Overall, DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro are perfect for adding text and effects to a video.
Editing Motion Graphics
DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated section where you can work on visual effects and motion graphics. This is called fusion. I tried it and as a beginner, I find it confusing to use. But I can say that it is a powerful tool that you should consider learning especially when you have to edit motion graphics.
Adobe Premiere Pro, on the other hand, can be used in creating motion graphics and visual effects. However, adobe has a dedicated software that is better for this kind of editing, which is called Adobe After Effects.
For this, I’d say Premiere Pro is the choice for users accustomed to other Adobe programs, while DaVinci is great for editors who prefer everything on a single platform.
Color Grading
I am not an expert in terms of color grading but I did try doing it on both software. I find it easy and straightforward on DaVinci as it has a dedicated page for this type of editing.
On Premiere Pro, it also has a dedicated panel. One thing that I like about Premiere is that it provides different ready-made looks. With this, I can cycle through color grades very quickly and then apply it to the video with a click of a button.
Audio Editing
As an audio producer, being able to edit audio is a big factor for me in choosing which editing suite I have to use. Fortunately, Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve are both capable of editing audio files. DaVinci has the Fairlight section for this editing while Premiere has the audio panel.
Audio effects such as EQ, compression, and noise reduction are all accessible in both editing suites. Both also come with different presets for each effect.
One thing that I wasn’t happy about when I first tried editing audio in DaVinci is when it comes to noise reduction. I think that it still has a lot to improve.
I still believe that when it comes to audio editing, Adobe has a lot more to offer.
Rendering and Exporting
Another thing worth checking on both editing suites is how fast they render and export projects.
Both DaVinci and Adobe Premiere offer a seamless way of rendering and exporting finished projects. You get to choose the format, resolution, and frame rates. You can also name it the way you want and choose the desired location.
One thing that is present in Adobe Premiere Pro that is lacking in DaVinci Resolve is exporting presets. This is helpful when you are exporting projects for different social media platforms. It allows you to export files that are specifically for YouTube, Facebook, or other platforms. Moreover, Adobe also allows you to upload your project directly to any social media network.
I would say DaVinci has a lot to improve when it comes to exporting files.
Final Thoughts
Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are both amazing editing suites. But if I have to choose one, I will stick to Premiere.
I think the monthly subscription for Premiere is acceptable because the software is often updated for new features and bug fixes. In addition, features like text transcription and frame.io integration are also what make this software better. Furthermore, it offers an advanced audio editing suite.
On the other hand, what I like about DaVinci Resolve is that it has a free version. Stability and render times are also a bit better when compared to Premiere. Finally, DaVinci is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Ultimately, both editing suites are top contenders in the industry. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are already part of the Adobe ecosystem, Premiere Pro may be the ideal choice. But if you are seeking an all-in-one solution with a free version, then DaVinci is great.
And some of us still prefer Final Cut Pro X.