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If you’ve ever been interested in Video Editing, or you’re a newbie who might have searched “Best Video Editing Software,” you probably came across these three names.
DaVinci Resolve Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro & Final Cut Pro X. Well, that is because these three are the best NLEs (non-linear editing) in the market.
They have been battling it out with all their updates over the years. It has been a subject of debate among editors for years up until now and is also a big question for some who are just starting.
Which one is the better? Well, that will depend on what features you will need. In this post, we’re going to list down what this software has to offer, as well as its drawbacks. You Decide.
Final Cut Pro X
A Non-Linear Video Editing software made by Apple Inc.
+ PRICE:
A one-time purchase for 299 USD allows up to 2 computers under the same account. Offers a 90-day free trial.
+ SPEED
Final Cut Pro compared to its competitors is considered to have the smoothest running system. Since Final Cut is created by Apple for MAC users, this means MAC users will get the best possible performance out of this software.
Final Cut renders on your background while you work, providing you with a seamless workflow. You can easily work on 4K footage with very minimal to zero crash incidents.
– NOT CROSS-PLATFORM
Only Available for macOS users might become a problem when it comes to collaborative work.
+ AUTOSAVE FEATURE
Never have to worry about losing a project; Final Cut will keep you sane, as it has an autosave feature that is always saving your progress and will never let your files be corrupted for unexpected crashes.
+/- USER INTERFACE
This is a matter of preference. Final Cut has a very simple interface, it almost appears empty when you open it.
The controls are small and some are hidden; it might be hard for new users to find where is what. Others like it as it gives them more working space.
The organization of the files on Final Cut can also be confusing, they create a project folder, then 2 sub-folder, and a folder named event. (I don’t even know how to explain it… can I just arrange my files the way I want them please).
Some like this kind of arrangement, but for editors who have been used to the traditional format, we might need some time to get used to it.
+ EDITING FEATURES
Final Cut Pro X is packed with a good selection of 2D and 3D titles, transitions, and video and audio effects. Has a good range of color and audio adjustments. It also supports a wide variety of file formats. It’s a fully equipped, professional-grade video editor for all kinds of creators.
Adobe Premiere Pro
One of the first computer-based NLEs made by Adobe Systems is part of the Adobe Creative Suite.
Adobe Premiere Pro is a monthly or yearly subscription-based software. Your payment will not end. It might make you pause and think twice or thrice about getting a subscription plan. Compared to others which are one-time payments only.
+ CROSS PLATFORM & CROSS DEVICE
Works on Windows, MAC, and Linux. Allows you to have continuous work and easily transfer your working file from PC, MAC or your phone. Great for collaborative work.
– CRASH ISSUES & EXPORT TIME
Adobe Premiere has issues with crashing and slow export time. It would require you to have a bit of a high-end computer to be able to use this software much more smoothly.
+ EDITING FEATURES
Has a good range of easy-to-advance controls for color and audio adjustments and has an extensive library of free and paid templates for text, titles, filters, and motion graphics. It has all the basic and professional tools that you would need. Support a wide range of file formats.
+/- WE MIGHT NEED THE ENTIRE SUITE
Don’t get me wrong, Premiere Pro can work as a standalone editor. The latest update of Adobe Premiere Pro has controls similar to that of Adobe Audition and a bit of Adobe After Effects, as well as more advanced color adjustment controls.
But if you want to be able to do more, to be able to fully be in-depth with your editing, you would need the entire Creative Suite which is an additional expense. You could use Audition for Audio and After Effects for animated stuff, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop for graphics.
The dynamic link between all the Adobe software is amazing. It’s just that it’ll be an added cost, so that will be up to you.
+ INTERFACE
Adobe Premiere Pro has the most flexible workspace. You’ll have the freedom to rearrange all windows and create a workspace comfortable for you to use. All tools and effects are in their respective windows and are very easy to locate. Overall, Adobe just gives you the freedom to do what you want and to work as comfortably as possible.
DaVinci Resolve Studio
A color correction and NLE, originally developed by da Vinci Systems and now developed by Blackmagic Design.
Pros
PRICE:
One-time purchase for 299 USD. Offers a free version with no limit. – DaVinci Resolve
CROSS-PLATFORM
Available for macOS, Linux and Windows.
BEST COLOR CONTROL
DaVinci Resolve Studio has exceptional and advanced color grading tools among all video editing software. Any colorist will tell you that this is the best one.
EDITING TOOLS
Full control of color correction and grading. Allows you to composite 3D effects, and motion graphics. Great audio control, has an awesome tracking tool, can do basic to pro-level editing.
ALL IN ONE PROGRAM
Unlike Adobe Premiere which requires After Effects and Audition for more in-depth editing, DaVinci Resolve Studio has multiple software within itself that has a specific task.
It has Fusion which is for motion graphics, compositing, and chroma, basically like After Effects.
It has Fairlight equivalent to Adobe Audition, which is a fully functional DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that gives DaVinci a very powerful tool for audio adjustments.
So all of that and more are linked together in a single software. DaVinci is more of a machine than a software.
CONS
NOT USER FRIENDLY
The controls might be a bit overwhelming for some, and the screen can be a bit cluttered. You might need multiple screens to be more comfortable in using this software.
REQUIRES HIGH SPECS COMPUTER
DaVinci Resolve is an intense program, if you don’t have a good system to run this software, you’re gonna have a bad time.
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