Great Value, Steep Learning Curve
March 03, 2021

Great Value, Steep Learning Curve

Jason Burke | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with DaVinci Resolve

We use it for editing internal and external video projects. The marketing department uses it for quick edits, trimming and improving webinars, and some short external videos. Larger video projects are usually handled by agencies. It allows us to create and post videos quickly, and to save money by doing this work internally.
  • 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.
  • Steep learning curve - You can get the basics of editing quickly if you've worked with other non-linear video editors, but the interface has significant differences from its competitors. Additionally, there is a very challenging curve to learning advanced features, especially in the motion graphics and compositing software. There are lots of resources online including plenty of free tutorial videos, but be prepared to spend some time learning the tools.
  • No integration with external software - While this software package is comprehensive for video post-production, it doesn't have built-in integration with image editing, 3D modeling, or music creation software. It can accept all of the formats that other software providers create, but other suites may offer this software and tie it all together well.
  • Davinci Resolve allows us to make quick edits and improve the sound on our company webinars and demo videos. This adds a lot of polish, and since we can do it in-house, it's cheaper and allows us to post and share those videos quickly.
  • We've used the software for some flashier marketing videos, and that does drive some positive attention and business our way. Most of that higher-level work is handled by outside agencies, but the fact that we can do some of it in-house saved us money.
Davinci Resolve is MUCH cheaper than Adobe's video tools, but is harder to learn and lacks the rest of Adobe's image editing and design tools. Pricing is comparable to Final Cut Pro X, but Final Cut is Mac-only, and you have to purchase motion graphics and compression tools separately. Final Cut has an easier, more intuitive interface, but is limited compared to Resolve's cluttered, all-you-can-eat package. All three are good platforms, but Davinci wins on price.

Do you think DaVinci Resolve delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with DaVinci Resolve's feature set?

Yes

Did DaVinci Resolve live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of DaVinci Resolve go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy DaVinci Resolve again?

Yes

It's a really full-featured software suite, but based on the learning curve it may be best suited for quick edits and audio touch-up for organizations that don't have a dedicated video specialist. For organizations that do have someone with a video background, the price for this suite is amazing, but you'll need to give that person time and online training to make the most of all of the tools.