DaVinci Resolve vs. Media Composer vs. PlayPlay

I learned so much from this instructional exercise, and I appreciated how the educator is an expert all-day colorist. The section on sound reduction was particularly instructive. I noticed a few inconsistencies between certain methodologies in this instructional exercise and approaches suggested in the Advanced Color Grading in Resolve 15 instructional exercise (e.g., where to place sound reduction in the hub tree), but this is to be expected given that there is no one right way to do any of this. I also learned a lot about Resolve's "Restoration" modules for working with authentic film. This instructional exercise will come up again and again in my work.

I've cut my own video content on Media Composer, and also worked on a network television show with it - it performed excellently in both situations. The bins are a great way to find and store content and the timeline is easy to understand. In my experience, crashes were few and far between (although they're a part of the job no matter what DAW you're using).

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

For any company that wants to use more video in their content and marketing overall, PlayPlay is your best bet. Anyone can make a video--no expertise required. Honestly, it's really fun to do, and you feel like a creative genius afterward! If you are making long-form videos or need something for a TV commercial, PlayPlay doesn't make sense. But you can absolutely take snippets from other video projects and break them into smaller videos. That's what we love to do. Also, they just launched a podcast tool to help podcasters use video to promote their episodes.

• Comprehensive - It has video editing, motion graphics, audio, and export tools in one package. It's probably more than most people need, but you don't have to use all of the tools.
• Platform and format agnostic - I like that I can work on projects on Mac or PC, and there are regular updates for new codecs and cameras. You can edit pretty much any format with no compatibility worries.
• Price - They offer a free version which has most of the functionality. It's a great way to try before you buy and learn the tools. The final price is only $300 per license for the full product. It's a bargain for everything you get, and you don't feel like you're not getting your money's worth, even if you don't use all of the tools.

• Manage Longform Media
• Edit video and sound
• Script Based editing

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• Very simple-to-use but super professional looking video templates
• Intuitive platform for creating a story with video
• One-click resizing for social formats
• Amazing customer success--if you need it--offering recommendations to make your video look amazing
• Access to Getty Premier for video and image stock

• Some areas of Resolve can leave inexperienced users feeling a bit handicapped. Multiple user sign-ins can be confusing, and determining where to place the database of users might need troubleshooting. The exporting workflow is a bit finicky and will need to be learned to use for even simple capabilities.
• Resolve is not friendly on a single screen editing workflow, and even worse on a laptop. Ideally, an editor has multiple screens in the first place, but because a colorist needs to see scopes and monitor, handling both on the same screen, along with all tools is a challenge. This software is best with more screens.
• While the NLE capability of Resolve makes for a quick editing workspace, my little experience with it leads me to the conclusion that unless someone desires a completely free alternative to other NLE software, Resolve is not your best friend. Other programs are better.

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• A faster update track

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• Product is very easy to use; I got a little stuck on changing font colors with text
• Automatic subtitling is amazing, but you do need to adjust the words per screen

I give it 9 out of 10 because I have been using Resolve since 2013 and am happy to see its evolution over the years. The Blackmagic team has really done a great job to make it better on a year-on-year basis. I like its workflow, that it has all a video editor needs, like transcoding, supporting a wide range of codes, video editing capabilities, a professional color grading suite, and improved Fusion and Fairlight, and in the end its export and mastering capability i can export pretty much every formate from it.

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

Not only do they have classes available in Los Angeles, but they'll also allow you to work from home with the manual and demo materials, and then let you test out to get a certification. They get back to you quickly when you email, and they've got a "family" approach to customer service, they make you feel like you're important to them.

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

It has a free version that is very complete. It lets everyone on the team use a lot of very good tools for video editing that would be very expensive while using other solutions that are equally excellent but not as generous. The cost is a very good reason but not the only one, the software is actually really good.

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

We [utilize] premiere for our VFX and animation curriculum due to tight integration with after effects and [photoshop]. we utilize resolve for DIT and color correction and finishing Media composer is the heart of our editorial workflow to align with the industry and give students a leg up to get jobs

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• Most of my videos are not public which is shown to clients. There is a clear improvement of quality which impacts the client interest. It's difficult to put a number but I am much more confident in showing our videos in the sales pitch.

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• It's saved time by being easy to learn (well, easy to start. It takes a long time to learn)
• Because everyone in the industry uses or has used it, collaborating is easier
• It's saved us money because we don't have to change products
• It integrates well with Pro Tools

Incentivized

Independently Invited by TrustRadius

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• Huge ROI--we're saving thousands on editing costs
• It's another way to repurpose content
• Our staff has loved using the product--also less work for them