A couple of weeks ago, I detailed the new Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve 12 and the powerful new NLE features being added to this version. Now, it is available as a public beta to download for free.
Blackmagic is changing the branding with the free version simply called DaVinci Resolve 12 and the $995 version, which adds support for multiple GPUs, 4K output, noise reduction, 3D tools and collaboration, among other advanced features, will be called DaVinci Resolve Studio. Previously, the free version was called Resolve Lite, while the paid version was simply called Resolve.
Notably, the release of DaVinci Resolve 12’s public beta includes some features not previously announced. These new features include a new feature called Smooth Cut, which appears to be DaVinci’s version of Morph Cut that was recently introduced into Premiere Pro CC. Smooth Cut uses “optical flow algorithms to create a seamless transition between different parts of an interview, so you don’t have to cover jump cuts with b-roll.”
Morph Cut was a feature I was initially excited to see in Premiere Pro CC; however, the practical application has been very limited. When I have really needed to use it, the circumstances have never been quite right for it to work properly as it can only address the most subtle of jump cuts. I’m looking forward to seeing how DaVinci’s Smooth Cut works but I’m not expecting much more than the limited use currently available in Premiere Pro CC.
Additionally, Resolve 12 adds native support for Intel Iris and Iris Pro GPUs for improved performance on a wider range of systems, including laptops. Notably, some MacBook Pro Retina models use integrated Iris and Iris Pro graphics instead of a dedicated GPU.
For a full breakdown of the killer new features, see my previous article on Resolve 12. You can download Resolve 12 public beta here on Blackmagic Design’s website.
