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Adobe Premiere Elements VS DaVinci Resolve

Compare Adobe Premiere Elements VS DaVinci Resolve and see what are their differences

Adobe Premiere Elements logo Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 software helps you create stunning movies with easy-to-use video editing options. Learn more.

DaVinci Resolve logo DaVinci Resolve

Revolutionary new tools for editing, color correction and professional audio post production, all in a single application!
  • Adobe Premiere Elements Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-03-14
  • DaVinci Resolve Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-05-04

Adobe Premiere Elements features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Adobe Premiere Elements offers a simplified interface that makes it easy for beginners to navigate and perform basic video editing tasks without a steep learning curve.
  • Guided Edits
    This feature provides step-by-step assistance through different types of edits and effects, allowing users to achieve professional-looking results even without extensive editing experience.
  • Auto Creations
    The software automatically generates slideshows and collages from imported media, saving users time in creating compelling and polished videos.
  • Integrated Organizer
    Premiere Elements includes an organizer to help manage media, making it easier to search, tag, and sort video and photo collections.
  • Variety of Formats
    Supports a wide array of formats allowing users to import and export videos in many different file types, which ensures project compatibility across devices.

Possible disadvantages of Adobe Premiere Elements

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for beginners, more advanced users may find that the software lacks the advanced tools and customization options available in Adobe Premiere Pro.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report that the software can be slow or lag, especially when handling large video files or complex projects.
  • No Multicam Editing
    The software does not support multicam editing, which can be limiting if you're working with footage from multiple cameras.
  • Subscription Costs
    While it's not as expensive as some professional tools, the cost can add up over time, particularly when compared to one-time-purchase alternatives.
  • Limited Sound Editing Tools
    The sound editing capabilities are basic and may not meet the needs of users looking for more comprehensive audio editing features.

DaVinci Resolve features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    DaVinci Resolve integrates editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production in a single software application, providing a complete solution for video creation.
  • Professional-Grade Color Grading
    Known for its industry-leading color grading tools, DaVinci Resolve offers advanced controls, color wheels, curves, and secondary color correction tools, making it a preferred choice for professional colorists.
  • Multi-User Collaboration
    DaVinci Resolve Studio allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, supporting collaborative workflows for large teams and complex projects.
  • Free Version Available
    DaVinci Resolve offers a highly functional free version with a comprehensive set of tools, which is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
  • High-Performance Playback
    Optimized for timeline performance, DaVinci Resolve offers smooth playback and quick responsiveness, even with high-resolution and RAW formats.
  • Fairlight Audio
    The integrated Fairlight audio tool provides high-end audio production capabilities, including mixing, ADR, sound design, and full 3D audio support.

Possible disadvantages of DaVinci Resolve

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive feature set and professional-grade tools, beginners may find DaVinci Resolve challenging to learn and master without proper training.
  • Resource-Intensive
    DaVinci Resolve can be demanding on computer hardware, requiring a powerful system with a high-performance GPU, ample RAM, and fast storage for optimal operation.
  • Paid Studio Version
    Some advanced features, such as additional ResolveFX and FairlightFX plugins, HDR grading, and higher GPU acceleration, are only available in the paid Studio version.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users have reported occasional crashes and bugs, particularly when working with large projects or specific hardware configurations.
  • Complex User Interface
    The user interface, while powerful, can be overwhelming for new users, and navigating through the multitude of features and settings can take time to get accustomed to.
  • Limited Third-Party Plugin Support
    Compared to some other video editing software, DaVinci Resolve offers limited support for third-party plugins, which can be a drawback for users relying on specialized tools.

Analysis of DaVinci Resolve

Overall verdict

  • Overall, DaVinci Resolve is considered an excellent software for both professional and amateur video editors. Its robust features, combined with a free version that includes most of the core functionalities, make it accessible and appealing to a wide range of users.

Why this product is good

  • DaVinci Resolve by Blackmagic Design is highly regarded for its powerful video editing, color grading, and audio post-production capabilities. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools suitable for professional filmmakers as well as hobbyists. Its unique combination of editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production in a single application sets it apart from other software.

Recommended for

  • Professional filmmakers and editors looking for a comprehensive, industry-standard video post-production tool.
  • Amateur video enthusiasts and content creators who want powerful editing and grading tools without a steep financial investment.
  • Anyone interested in learning professional-grade video editing and color grading.

Adobe Premiere Elements videos

Adobe Premiere Elements REVIEW! Best Starting Editor for Videos (Creators)?

DaVinci Resolve videos

DaVinci Resolve 16 Review - Is it best?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Adobe Premiere Elements and DaVinci Resolve)
Video
11 11%
89% 89
Video Editors
10 10%
90% 90
Video Tools
13 13%
87% 87
Marketing Videos
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Adobe Premiere Elements and DaVinci Resolve

Adobe Premiere Elements Reviews

9 Best Adobe Premiere Pro Alternatives in 2022 (FREE & Online)
Perhaps the most obvious alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for beginners is their pared-down version of Adobe Premiere Elements, which reduces the range of features available to deliver a more basic video editor for casual use.
Source: shotkit.com
Windows Best Video Editing Software
Premiere Elements is on the list primarily because it has long been a leader in the video editing industry. And while $79.99 isn’t outrageous, we’re here to tell you that you’re mostly paying for the name at that price. Too many other products have surpassed Premiere Elements in speed and capability since its inception for us to consider it among the best. That isn’t to say...
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
Adobe Premiere Elements is a great video editing software that can help you create a polished video, and teaches you how to use it along the way. This tool is a good starting point for video marketers who want to learn editing for themselves.

DaVinci Resolve Reviews

10 Best Video Editors for YouTube in 2024
DaVinci Resolve stands out as a top-notch video editing and color correction software, delivering professional-grade, advanced features for free! Renowned for its exceptional color grading, multi-track editing, and VFX options, it’s perfect for experienced editors or YouTubers aiming to craft high-quality content. However, the steep learning curve means it’s best for those...
13 Best Green Screen Software For Windows (2024)
We should also mention Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve 18. Shotcut is free and works on many platforms, with many green screen features. DaVinci Resolve 18 has a high-powered color grading, which is helpful for green screen projects.
Source: mixilab.com
9 Best Adobe Premiere Pro Alternatives in 2022 (FREE & Online)
While absolute beginners may find themselves scratching their heads as they come to terms with some of the more complex tools available, DaVinci Resolve rewards patience in spades, while more seasoned videographers will find its comprehensive tools exceptionally attractive.
Source: shotkit.com
Windows Best Video Editing Software
DaVinci supports both offline and online editing, and its high-performance playback engine speeds up editing and trimming, even for processor-intensive file formats like H.264 and RAW. The complex features of DaVinci Resolve may be too much for some users, but the free version is ideal for more advanced projects.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Linux
If you have a high-end computer and need advanced features you can go out with Lightworks or DaVinci Resolve. If you are looking for more advanced features for 3D works, Blender has got your back.
Source: itsfoss.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Adobe Premiere Elements and DaVinci Resolve, you can also consider the following products

Adobe Premiere Pro - Edit video faster than ever before with the powerful, more connected Adobe Premiere® Pro CC.

Final Cut Pro - Professional, non-linear video editing software created by Apple Inc.

Kdenlive - Free and open-source, full-featured video editor.

iMovie - Turn your videos into movie magic.

Filmora - Filmora is a trusted, legacy video editing platform that's strong in the fundamentals but lacks some of the bells and whistles that come with some other video editing software.

Animoto - Animoto turns your photos and video clips into professional video slideshows in minutes. Fast, free and shockingly simple - we make awesome easy.