Whether you’re just starting your editing journey or are looking to upgrade to a new editing platform, choosing which program to go with can be a complicated process. Ultimately, the platform you choose should do 3 things: work with your budget, be able to facilitate the videos you want to create, and feel comfortable and natural to use.
Today we’re going to look at DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro to see the differences and similarities and, hopefully, help you decide which program is right for you.
Summary
Part 1: DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro: key features and differences
| Features | DaVinci Resolve | Final Cut Pro |
| Cross-Platform Editing | Yes, works on Mac or Windows | No, Mac only |
| Price | $295 USD + Free Version | $299.99 USD + Free Trial |
| User Interface | Can be complicated for beginners | Intuitive and easy to use |
| Timeline | Freeform editing on a stacked timeline | Multiple tracks on a magnetic timeline |
| 4K Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Color Correction | Extensive and advanced color grading tools for colorists | Some color grading tools: a color board, wheel, curves, and customizable color filter presets |
| Motion Graphics | Basic keyframing for animation integrates with Fusion for full VFX and motion graphics. | Customizable templates, greater control options, keyframing for animation. Integrates with Apple Motion. |
| Audio | Pretty good audio editing and mixing capabilities, but better control with Fairlight. | Full audio mixing settings: surround sound control, keyframing, customizable filters and presets. |
| Plugins | Some third-party plugins are available, with more being developed each day. | A vast array of third-party plugins for all technical and creative aspects. |
| Multicam | Yes | Yes |
1. Platform
The most significant difference between DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro is the device you need. Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve works well on both PCs and Macs, whereas Final Cut Pro is Apple software that can only be used on Macs. So if you’re looking at DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro for an iPad, for example, Final Cut Pro will be best.
Depending on your stance on the Mac versus PC argument, this may not concern you. However, if you’re considering moving from a PC to a Mac just for Final Cut Pro, you must account for the cost of a new laptop or computer as well as the software itself.
2. Pricing
Pricing is a big decision-making factor when choosing a new editing suite. Fortunately, the full DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro versions cost the same: a one-off fee of $299.
DaVinci Resolve offers a fantastic free version, which has some limitations, but can give you an excellent feel for the program’s editing flow. Final Cut Pro doesn’t have a free version, but does offer a 30-day free trial.
In this, DaVinci Resolve Free vs Final Cut Pro is an easy answer: DaVinci Resolve’s free version is comprehensive and suitable for most non-pro editors. Final Cut Pro just gives you a taster. That’s more than enough to see which full editing suite will work for you, though.
3. Interface
Both programs have simple, intuitive user interfaces. DaVinci Resolve offers free-form editing, where clips can be moved and placed as you want. Final Cut Pro favors a magnetic timeline, where each clip needs to attach to another to create your composition.
DaVinci Resolve divides the workflow into separate tabs: Assembly, Editing, Color, Effects (Fusion), and Audio (Fairlight), allowing you to specify the tools you want at hand. Final Cut Pro offers everything within one screen: the color and effects tools are all found under the main editing interface. All the tools are at your fingertips.
4. Features
Color correction and color grading
DaVinci Resolve started life as correction and color grading software, so its color tools are far more extensive than those in Final Cut Pro. For most professional editors, in the DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro debate, DaVinci Resolve will win.
Final Cut Pro still has some great color correction and color grading tools, including curves, a color wheel, various presets, and the ability to use LUTs. However, in this category, DaVinci Resolve wins hands down.
Motion graphics and titling
Both programs offer a range of built-in titles and motion graphics templates that can be easily customized for your needs. Both also have keyframing capabilities, allowing you to explore animated formats further.
Additionally, both applications integrate motion graphics through Motion and Fusion. As separate programs, they can be pretty tricky to use, especially if you have no experience with animation. A massive advantage to DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro is the number of Final Cut Pro templates you can download and use from the effects, titles, or generators windows. DaVinci Resolve templates and macro options are growing, as well.
If you’re looking to create complex animated sequences from scratch, DaVinci Resolve Fusion is a more straightforward application to learn (you can also check out Motion tutorials to help with the program’s workflows). If you want to add fun titles quickly, Final Cut Pro will probably be your choice.
Audio
Once upon a time, Apple had an audio-editing application called Soundtrack Pro. This integrated with Final Cut Pro 7, a pretty fantastic kit piece. However, with the redesign for Final Cut Pro X, some audio tools were bought in directly, while others disappeared forever. Final Cut Pro now needs more audio controls, with only basic noise removal, panning, and effects options offered. For sound editors, DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro leans to DaVinci Resolve as the winner.
DaVinci Resolve has a dedicated audio-editing application called Fairlight, which is built into 1 of the interface tabs. As a specialized piece of software specially designed for audio editing, DaVinci Resolve Fairlight has far more in-depth fixing and mixing capabilities.
Multicam
Both programs can facilitate multicam editing of up to 16 tracks and have a variety of syncing methods, including using timecode and audio cues. There is very little difference between the multicam tools in DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro, so the argument comes down to your preference.
5. Integrations
Supporting apps
DaVinci Resolve has 2 main integrated applications: Fairlight and Fusion. Fairlight offers audio editing tools that far exceed those built into Final Cut Pro. Fusion is Blackmagic Design’s answer to Motion, but its VFX and motion graphics capabilities exceed Apple’s and are closer to After Effects.
Final Cut’s primary integration is Apple Motion. Motion allows you to create fantastic motion graphics that work as customizable Final Cut Pro templates. Apple Motion is quite complicated to use and requires a skill set different from standard editing.
Plugins
While both programs allow for third-party plugins, the range available for Final Cut Pro is awe-inspiring! You can get cost-effective plugins for everything from motion titles to LUTs.
DaVinci Resolve has a good range of plugins, but tends to be more project-focused, concentrating on additional color viewers or stabilization. When it comes to plugins, DaVinci Resolve offers ways to do things better yourself, whereas Final Cut Pro offers premade customizable elements.
Part 2: Which should you choose: DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro?
Both programs are great pieces of software and have loyal fans worldwide. Final Cut Pro’s Mac limitations are the biggest difference between the 2, but that depends on your device. If we’re talking DaVinci Resolve Free vs Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve’s free edition wins every time. After all, you get a full editing suite with most features enabled for free. Choosing between paid versions, however, is a little more personal.
DaVinci Resolve has a more film-based feel, ideal for serious filmmaking. It would be best in projects where every production detail needs to be perfect. The color grading tools far exceed those in Final Cut Pro, and the addition of Fairlight and Fusion creates a full end-to-end post-production suite. DaVinci Resolve is an excellent option for anyone who wants to work in film and television rather than digital content creation.
Final Cut Pro has a much more app-based feel to its editing. The default magnetic timeline may limit your free-form editing, but keeps things organized. This could be a huge bonus to a beginner or professional editor who needs to work quickly. Final Cut Pro might be the perfect quick and easy editing solution if you’re a corporate filmmaker producing website videos and promotions.
Both programs have a lot of pros and there’s no real ‘wrong’ answer. As always, each will only be as good as you are. As you learn and grow your skills, you may need to change applications to create your desired content. You may even use them side by side.
There’s no right answer to the DaVinci Resolve vs Final Cut Pro argument. Each editor will have their preferred workflow and application — you just need to find yours. Either way, DaVinci Resolve offers a free version of the software and Final Cut Pro has a 30-day trial, so why not download them both? Trying them out will be the best way to make your ultimate decision.
