HitFilm Express vs DaVinci Resolve: Best Video Editor Battle

Updated on 16 Sep 2024

OneBrowsing

 4.5

(Reviews: 1.5K)

Est. users: 5M

 4.7

(Reviews: 25K)

Est. users: 2M

Price Ranges: $299 - $295

HitFilm Express vs DaVinci Resolve

HitFilm Express is known for its user-friendly interface and integrated special effects capabilities, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to create visually compelling content without a steep learning curve. DaVinci Resolve, on the other hand, is renowned for its professional-grade color correction, extensive editing features, and high-end audio post-production tools, catering more to seasoned editors and filmmakers seeking a comprehensive suite for advanced post-production work.

HitFilm Express

  1. Focused on VFX and compositing
  2. User-friendly for beginners
  3. Limited free version features
  4. Integration with video editing and VFX
  5. Frequent updates with new features
  6. Less demanding on system resources

DaVinci Resolve

  1. Professional-grade color correction
  2. Advanced audio post-production tools
  3. Comprehensive editing suite
  4. High learning curve
  5. Collaborative workflows supported
  6. Better for high-end hardware
  7. Rich free version
  8. Industry-standard for color grading

Key Differences

  1. User Interface

    DaVinci Resolve is known for its clean, professional-grade interface which aligns with high-end industry standards, while HitFilm Express offers a more user-friendly and beginner-oriented interface.

    Winner: DaVinci Resolve

  2. Color Grading

    DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its advanced color grading features, considered to be one of the best in the industry. HitFilm Express, while capable, can't match the depth of DaVinci Resolve in this area.

    Winner: DaVinci Resolve

  3. Visual Effects

    HitFilm Express integrates a variety of built-in visual effects and compositing tools, making it particularly strong in this area compared to the standard version of DaVinci Resolve.

    Winner: HitFilm Express

  4. Performance

    DaVinci Resolve tends to offer better performance and stability on high-end hardware, whereas HitFilm Express may struggle with larger, more complex projects.

    Winner: DaVinci Resolve

  5. Learning Curve

    HitFilm Express offers a less steep learning curve with numerous tutorials aimed at beginners, compared to DaVinci Resolve which can be more intimidating for new users.

    Winner: HitFilm Express

  6. Price

    HitFilm Express offers a free version with substantial features, while DaVinci Resolve also has a free version, but its Studio version, which unlocks all the advanced features, is costly.

    Winner: Its a tie

  7. Audio Editing

    DaVinci Resolve includes Fairlight, a professional audio post-production suite, providing more comprehensive audio editing capabilities compared to HitFilm Express.

    Winner: DaVinci Resolve

Distinct Features

HitFilm ExpressDaVinci Resolve
Integrated visual effects and compositing toolsAdvanced color correction and grading tools used by professionals in the industry
Layer-based editing with unique effects like lightning, fire, and various particle effectsFusion, a fully integrated suite for visual effects and motion graphics
Free version includes a wide range of VFX tools without requiring additional purchasesFairlight, a complete digital audio workstation for editing, mixing, and mastering audio
Detailed tutorials and a large community of user-generated add-onsMulticam editing features for complex video productions
Built-in 3D model rendering and animation toolsCollaboration tools allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously

Pricing Overview

DaVinci Resolve

View Pricing Plans  

  1. DaVinci Resolve Studio ($299) - Recommended for professional filmmakers and studios.
  2. DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor ($295) - Ideal for users who prefer tactile controls for editing.

DaVinci Resolve Studio

$299 / One-Time Purchase

Professional post-production software with advanced features.

  • Advanced Editing

  • Color Correction

  • Fairlight Audio

  • DaVinci Neural Engine

DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor

$295 / One-Time Purchase

Specialized control surface for faster video editing.

  • Hardware Control Surface

  • Multifunctional Keys

  • Bluetooth Compatibility

Indepth Overview

HitFilm ExpressDaVinci Resolve
Interface
GUI ★4.5 - user-friendly and customizable ★4.8 - sleek and professional
Workflow ★4.2 - easy to learn and navigate ★4.6 - efficient and intuitive
Node-Based Workflow ★4.5 - advanced and non-linear
Timeline ★4.7 - powerful and flexible ★4.9 - feature-rich and responsive
Video Editing
Non-destructive Editing ★4.5 - preserves original files ★4.8 - allows unlimited revisions
Color Grading ★4.3 - basic grading tools ★4.9 - industry-standard tools
Video Effects ★4.7 - extensive library with presets ★4.6 - advanced and customizable
Audio Editing ★4.2 - simple but effective ★4.7 - professional-grade capabilities
Color Correction
Primary Color Correction ★4.4 - basic adjustments ★4.9 - comprehensive control
Secondary Color Correction ★4.7 - precise keying and masking
LUT Support ★4.3 - import custom LUTs ★4.8 - advanced LUT management
HDR Support ★4.6 - high dynamic range grading
Audio Editing
Audio Mixing ★4.8 - powerful mixing capabilities
Audio Effects ★4.1 - limited but usable ★4.6 - extensive library with plugins
Voice-over Recording ★4.3 - basic recording tools ★4.5 - professional recording tools
Automatic Ducking ★4.7 - automates audio attenuation
Exporting
Formats ★4.6 - supports popular video formats ★4.9 - extensive range of export options
Custom Presets ★4.4 - create and save presets ★4.7 - highly customizable
Batch Exporting ★4.5 - export multiple projects
GPU Acceleration ★4.3 - utilizes graphics card ★4.8 - utilizes GPU for fast rendering

Comparision Reviews

Alice Green

Chicago, IL

HitFilm Express offers an intuitive interface and a solid set of features for basic editing and special effects. However, DaVinci Resolve outshines it with its advanced color grading tools and professional post-production capabilities. Resolve's multi-user collaboration feature is a game-changer for filmmaking teams, making it a better fit for more comprehensive projects.

HitFilm Express 4.1

DaVinci Resolve 4.8

Michael Jones

Austin, TX

While HitFilm Express is a fantastic free option for beginners venturing into video editing, DaVinci Resolve is superior in terms of performance and depth. Resolve's node-based compositing and superior audio tools make it a more robust choice for professionals, even though the steep learning curve can be daunting for new users.

HitFilm Express 3.9

DaVinci Resolve 4.6

Emily Roberts

San Francisco, CA

For hobbyists or casual users, HitFilm Express is perfect, thanks to its user-friendly interface and good range of VFX capabilities. On the other hand, DaVinci Resolve's comprehensive suite including Fusion and Fairlight is unmatched for professionals who need precision and power in their post-production workflow.

HitFilm Express 3.8

DaVinci Resolve 4.9

Peter Wilson

New York, NY

HitFilm Express allows for seamless integration with various other media formats and provides decent beginner tutorials which are great for learning basics. DaVinci Resolve, however, excels in its nearly unparalleled color correction suite and extensive control over video properties, making it suitable for high-end video projects.

HitFilm Express 4.2

DaVinci Resolve 4.7

Sarah Brown

Los Angeles, CA

If you're starting out and want a free, capable editing software, HitFilm Express should be your choice with its easy-to-navigate UI. For professionals focused on high-quality video production, DaVinci Resolve is better because of its powerful editing features and advanced effects, despite its complex interface.

HitFilm Express 4.0

DaVinci Resolve 4.6

Comments

JaneDoe123
Hey everyone, what are your thoughts on HitFilm Express vs DaVinci Resolve? I'm trying to pick which one to invest my time in.
Alice
JaneDoe123, I'd say DaVinci Resolve hands down, especially for color grading. Nothing beats its color tools!
TechGuy42
True dat, Alice! But don't sleep on HitFilm Express. It rocks for VFX and compositing. Plus, the learning curve ain't too steep.
Bob
@TechGuy42, that's a good point. But isn't HitFilm Express a bit limited in terms of professional features compared to DaVinci?
Charlie
From my experience, guys, DaVinci Resolve is way more stable and reliable for longer projects. HitFilm can get kinda buggy sometimes.
JaneDoe123
Thanks for the insights, everyone! What about system requirements? Which one's heavier on the PC?
Alice
Good question, JaneDoe123. DaVinci Resolve is definitely more resource-hungry. You'll need a decent GPU to get smooth performance.
TechGuy42
HitFilm's fairly light compared to Resolve. Runs fine on mid-range systems, though you'll still want a good GPU for the heavy VFX stuff.
Bob
Did someone say GPU? I upgraded mine recently and Resolve runs like a dream now. Highly recommend investing in good hardware if you're serious!
Charlie
Agree with @Bob, a solid GPU is worth every penny, especially if you're dealing with 4K footage.

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