Premiere Pro vs DaVinci Resolve // Should You Switch?

Introduction

What's up, guys? Matt here with Tomorrow's Filmmakers. Today, I'm tackling a huge topic that most filmmakers are buzzing about on the internet: Adobe Premiere Pro versus DaVinci Resolve. Is one better than the other? What do we use for our videos? Am I going to be switching from one to the other?

If you watch YouTube or follow popular filmmakers online, you've probably noticed a trend of many switching from Adobe Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve, and making videos about why they switched. Filmmakers like Sam Kolder and recently Peter McKinnon announced their switch to DaVinci Resolve. It seems like at least once a month, another filmmaker switches editing software.

I'll be honest with you. I started editing video when I was 16, cutting wedding ceremonies for my aunt and uncle's wedding business. They used Premiere Pro, so naturally, I did too. Justice uses Premiere, and it's what we've always used at Tomorrow's Filmmakers. It wasn't until last year when one of my colorist friends raved about Da Vinci Resolve, and I decided to give it a try. I spent a long time learning the ins and outs of Da Vinci, got comfortable with it, and even created a course on how to use it for Tomorrow's Filmmakers.

Yet, I still get the same questions. Do I think it's better than Premiere Pro? Am I going to switch? Which editor is the best? And the biggest question from filmmakers who are starting out: Which editor should I start with?

In this article, I'll break down some key differences between these two programs so that you can make an informed decision on whether to stick with what you're using or make a switch.

Price

Price is a huge topic between the two products. Premiere Pro is the leading editor software and has been around forever, used by many for YouTube, weddings, short films, and more. In 2021, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite had 26 million monthly subscribers. DaVinci, on the other hand, had 2 million users in 2019, but it's growing.

Adobe knows how popular their platform is, and they charge accordingly. Premiere Pro alone is about $ 20 a month or $ 250 a year. If you need other programs in the suite like Audition or After Effects, the Creative Suite will cost you $ 55 a month—about $ 660 a year. However, our Tomorrow's Filmmakers students qualify for a student discount, bringing this cost down to about $ 260 a year. But you'll still have to pay that every year, so if you use Premiere Pro for ten years with no discount, it’ll cost you $ 6,600.

DaVinci Resolve Studio, their paid version, costs a one-time fee of $ 295. Yes, paid version indicates that they have a free version as well, lacking some advanced effects and the ability to edit above 4K resolution. The free version still compares pretty fairly to Premiere Pro. Plus, DaVinci Studio comes free with any Blackmagic product you purchase.

Considering these points, DaVinci Resolve wins this round hands-down for being significantly cheaper.

Ease of Use

Both software packages seem nicely laid out, but their approach varies. Adobe Premiere Pro starts with a default set of customizable windows and panels. DaVinci Resolve opens up with a more streamlined, left-to-right workflow, making it feel a bit more user-friendly.

Premiere Pro

In Premiere Pro, the interface is hugely customizable. You can arrange panels as you need, and it's incredibly intuitive for those who know the Adobe ecosystem well.

DaVinci Resolve

In DaVinci Resolve, the workflow is laid out from left to right, and you navigate through tabs for each process step: media, cut, edit, fusion, color, fairlight, and deliver. Each tab focuses on a specific task, which some new users might find easier to pick up.

While I've been using Premiere Pro for so long that I can edit faster, I must admit DaVinci might be more beginner-friendly.

Despite DaVinci being "easier" for beginners, Adobe is also straightforward once you get the hang of it. Thus, I say it’s a tie for ease of use.

Stability and Crashes

DaVinci Resolve

Some users claim DaVinci Resolve never crashes, but I can't confirm this.

Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro, on the other hand, is often criticized for its frequent crashes. However, with my auto-save settings, most crashes only set me back a minute or so.

Workflow

Both software options have different workflows, mainly influenced by DaVinci Resolve's use of nodes instead of layers.

Nodes vs. Layers

• Premiere Pro uses layers: You create layers for text, graphics, and adjust opacity directly on your timeline. It's straightforward and user-friendly.
• DaVinci Resolve uses nodes: Resolve’s approach is more modular; instead of stacking layers, you create corresponding nodes. This creates a significant learning curve.

Multi-project Management

• Premiere Pro: Offers an incredibly flexible layout with multiple projects open using windows and bins.
• DaVinci Resolve: Requires enabling Dynamic Project Switching to work on multiple projects, but it’s not as seamless as Adobe's solution.

Overall, Adobe gets the edge for workflow flexibility and ease of managing multiple projects.

Color Grading

No contest here; DaVinci Resolve is the leader.

DaVinci Resolve

Initially, DaVinci Resolve was solely for color grading and it shows. Its color panel is second-to-none, providing unparalleled tools and options.

Premiere Pro

While Premiere's Lumetri Color panel is sufficient for most edits, it cannot compete with DaVinci’s comprehensive color-grading capabilities.

The edge goes to DaVinci Resolve for color grading.

Visual Effects

DaVinci Resolve

The Fusion panel integrates visual effects work into the primary software. However, this nodal workflow requires adaptation.

Adobe

With Premiere Pro, you need After Effects for detailed VFX work. Dynamic Link facilitates a seamless connection between the two programs, making transitions smooth and effective.

Given Adobe's long-term reputation and established ecosystem, particularly in professional environments, they still hold the upper hand in visual effects.

Collaboration and Ecosystem

DaVinci Resolve

With a significantly lower price point, DaVinci could be more attractive for independent editors.

Adobe

In terms of photography and graphic design, Adobe wins hands down. Due to the prevalence of Adobe products, many teams and companies find it practical to use Creative Cloud for collaboration.

Should You Switch?

For Existing Premiere Pro Users: If you're comfortable with Premiere Pro and it fits seamlessly into your workflow, then there might be no urgent reason to switch. The time required to learn a new program might outweigh the benefits.

For New Editors: DaVinci Resolve could be beneficial due to its comprehensive suite and more straightforward pricing model. It’s also effective as a one-stop solution for all editing needs without requiring multiple programs.

Ultimately, both software have their strengths and weaknesses, and the final choice boils down to individual needs and comfort levels.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, here's what we're sticking to Adobe for now because that’s what we’ve always used, but we’re also integrating DaVinci Resolve for certain projects.

I hope this article has given you the information you need to make the best decision for your editing software. Choose the one that best fits your editing style, needs, and budget. And if you need help, consider joining our Online Academy where we cover all these tools in detail, taught by leading professionals in the film industry.

Keywords

Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, video editing, color grading, visual effects, nodes vs layers, editing software, DaVinci Resolve free version, Adobe Creative Cloud, filmmaking.

FAQ

Q: Which software is cheaper to use?

A: DaVinci Resolve is significantly cheaper as it has a one-time fee of $ 295 for the studio version, while Adobe Premiere Pro requires a monthly or yearly subscription.

Q: Is DaVinci Resolve harder to learn than Premiere Pro?

A: They both have learning curves, but DaVinci Resolve uses nodes which can take some getting used to if you're accustomed to layer-based editing. For beginners, DaVinci might actually be easier to start with.

Q: Does DaVinci Resolve crash less frequently than Premiere Pro?

A: Some users claim DaVinci Resolve never crashes, while Premiere Pro is known to crash intermittently. However, using auto-save features can mitigate downtime.

Q: Which is better for color grading?

A: DaVinci Resolve is considered superior for color grading and is used extensively in Hollywood.

Q: Should I switch to DaVinci Resolve if I’ve been using Premiere Pro for years?

A: If you're comfortable and efficient with Premiere Pro, there may be no pressing reason to switch. However, DaVinci Resolve is a solid alternative, especially if you are starting out or dissatisfied with Adobe's pricing model.