Battle of the Best – Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro
You’ve probably come across these three names if you’ve ever been interested in video editing, or you’re a newbie who might have searched for “Best Video Editing Software”. DaVinci Resolve Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro & Final Cut Pro X. That’s because the best NLEs (non-linear editing) on the market are these three. With all their updates over the years, they have been battling it out. For years up to now, it has been a subject of editorial debates, and is also a big question for some who are just starting out.
Which is the better one? Well, that will depend on what characteristics you’re going to need. We’re going to list what these programs have to offer in this post, as well as their drawbacks. You’ll decide.
Final Cut Pro X
A Non-Linear Video Editing software made by Apple Inc.
+ PRICE:
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 is known to be the most smooth running device relative to its rivals. Apple has made Final Cut for MAC users. This ensures that MAC users can get the best results possible from this app. Final Cut makes when you are working on your history, allowing you a smooth workflow. With very low to zero crash events, you can comfortably function on 4K video.
– 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 auto save feature that is always saving your progress and will never let your files be corrupted for unexpected crashes.
+/- USER INTERFACE
That’s a question of choice. Final Cut has a very basic interface; when you open it, it almost seems empty. The controls are limited and some are covered, it could be difficult for novice users to find what’s where. Others like it as it allows them more room for work. It may also be confusing to arrange files in Final Cut, create a project folder, then create 2 sub-folders, a folder called a case. (I don’t even know how to describe it… can I just organize my files the way I like to please.) Some prefer this kind of arrangement, maybe we need some time to get used to it for editors who have been used to conventional type.
+ FEATURES EDITING
With a good range of 2D and 3D titles, transformations, video and audio effects, Final Cut Pro X is filled. It has a good set of changes for color and audio. A broad range of file formats are also supported. For all sorts of developers, it’s a professionally fitted, professional-grade video editor.
Adobe Premiere Pro
One of the first computer based NLEs made by Adobe Systems that is part of the Adobe Creative Suite.
– PRICE: 31.49 USD monthly plan / 239.88 USD annual plan / 20.99 USD per month, paid monthly
Adobe Premiere Pro is a monthly or yearly subscription based software. Your payment will not end. Might make you pause and think twice or thrice about getting a subscription plan. Compared to others which are one time payment 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 on 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 smoothly.
+ EDITING FEATURES
Has a good range of easy to advance controls for color and audio adjustments, has an extensive library of free and paid templates for text, titles, filters, motion graphics. It has all the basic and professionals tools that you would need. Support a wide range of file formats.
+/- MIGHT NEED ENTIRE SUITE
Don’t get me wrong, as a solo writer, Premiere Pro should function. The new Adobe Premiere Pro upgrade includes identical controls to Adobe Audition and a little bit of Adobe After Effects, as well as more sophisticated controls for color modification. But if you were to be able to do more, you’d need the whole Creative Suite, which is an added fee, to be able to be completely in depth in the editing. You could use Audition for Audio, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop for graphics, and After Effects for animated items. The complex link with all of Adobe’s applications is fantastic. It’s just that there’s going to be an extra fee, so it’s going to be up to you.
+ INTERFACE
The most customizable workspace is supported by Adobe Premiere Pro. You would be free to rearrange all the windows to create a nice workspace for you to use. The instruments and effects are all in their respective windows and can be found very easily. Overall, you’re free to do as you want and work as easily as possible with Adobe.
DaVinci Resolve Studio
A color correction and NLE, originally developed by da Vinci Systems, and now developed by Blackmagic Design.
+ PRICE:
One time purchase for 299 USD. Offers free version, no limit. – DaVinci Resolve
+ CROSS PLATFORM
Available for MacOS, Linux and Windows.
+ BEST COLOR CONTROL
DaVinci Resolve Studio has an 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, motion graphics. Great audio control, has an awesome tracking tool, can do basic to pro level editing.
+ ALL IN ONE PROGRAM
DaVinci Resolve Studio has several tools inside itself that has a particular mission, unlike Adobe Premiere, which needs After Effects and Audition for a more in-depth edit. It has Fusion, which is like After Effects, essentially for motion graphics, compositing, chroma. It has Fairlight, which is a completely working DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) similar to Adobe Audition, which gives DaVinci a very effective audio correction tool. So in a single curriculum, all of that and more are tied together. DaVinci is more like a computer than a program.
– 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.
