DaVinci Resolve 21
DaVinci Resolve 21’s release is drawing praise for its powerful new tools, including a built‑in Lightroom-style photo workflow, expanded motion graphics, and a generous free tier with a one‑time paid “Studio” upgrade instead of a subscription. Much attention centers on its many “AI” features—local, task-specific models for search, masking, tagging, deblurring, and cleanup—that professionals say can save hours of repetitive work, even as some users resent the marketing hype and fear broader creative and economic impacts of generative AI. Resolve’s strong Linux support, long-term license validity, and deep color and node-based capabilities are seen as major advantages, though users note a steep learning curve, uneven hardware support (especially on Linux/AMD), and some longstanding workflow quirks.
AI Branding & User Sentiment
- Many dislike that almost every new feature is labeled “AI”; seen as marketing noise akin to ’90s “cyber.”
- Some argue the label is redundant (titles are descriptive without it); others say “AI” signals that older, bad versions (e.g., background removal, face aging) now actually work.
- Strong divide on sentiment: some claim “creators love AI,” others say many artists resent AI for devaluing skills and exploiting existing work.
- Broad agreement that task‑specific, local tools (search, tagging, masking, noise reduction) are far more acceptable than generic chatbots or full generative “slop.”
Impact on Filmmaking & Media
- Comparisons to CGI: expectation that generative AI will become invisible infrastructure when used well, but garish when overused.
- Disagreement over “most video will be AI soon”: some foresee AI-dominated production; others compare this to past “everything will be CGI/photography/digital” predictions, arguing old forms persist.
- Concerns: flood of low‑quality content, pressure to cheap out on shoots (“fix it with AI”), and economic harm to creative workers.
- Optimists see unprecedented tools for indie filmmakers (AI VFX, mocap, gaussian splats) and community theatre–level productions with “A24 + Marvel powers.”
New Features Beyond AI
- Photo page positioned as a Lightroom competitor, especially attractive on Linux; some call it potentially the best Linux photo editor, others say it’s still far behind Lightroom.
- Strong praise for Resolve’s color tools and node‑based workflows, seen as far more powerful than Lightroom/Photoshop and a key reason Hollywood grades in Resolve.
- Motion graphics/Fusion upgrades may replace many basic After Effects use cases, though some note Fusion instability and a controversial paywall around previously open Reactor content.
- RAW support gaps (e.g., DJI, Olympus/Lumix at first) are a blocker for some; claims that support is improving but still incomplete.
Licensing, Platforms & Workflow
- Free version is widely praised as extremely capable; Studio’s one‑time fee with lifetime major upgrades is considered unusually generous vs Adobe’s subscriptions.
- Linux support is valued but described as fragile: best on specific distros with Nvidia; AMD and ARM Linux support are weak or missing.
- Resolve is seen as pro‑grade, powerful, and stable compared to some rivals, but with a very steep learning curve, dense manuals, and a UI some find awkward or buggy.
- Users report effective Python scripting and see potential for agentic automation, but the scripting API is limited and under‑documented.