Blackmagic Design has introduced a major update to its editing software with the release of DaVinci Resolve 21, expanding its capabilities beyond video into full photo editing in an effort to compete with established tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. The update adds an entirely new Photo page, marking a significant shift for the platform as it moves into the still image editing space while maintaining its core strengths in video production.
The new Photo page allows users to organize large collections of images by rating, labeling, and sorting them, while also offering an AI-powered search tool that can quickly locate specific subjects or content within a library. This feature is designed to make managing large photo collections more efficient and intuitive, especially for professionals handling high volumes of images.
DaVinci Resolve 21 supports a wide range of image formats, including JPEG and HEIC files, as well as RAW files from major camera manufacturers such as Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm. This RAW support is especially important for photographers, as it allows them to work with unprocessed image data and retain maximum detail and flexibility during editing.
The software builds on its well-known color grading tools by bringing those same advanced capabilities to still images. Users can apply detailed color corrections, masking, cropping, sharpening, and noise reduction directly within the Photo page. It also includes preset options like Film Looks, allowing photographers to quickly apply stylized finishes to their images.
A key advantage of the new system is its node-based workflow, which has long been a defining feature of DaVinci Resolve. This approach allows users to apply multiple adjustments in layers, either in sequence or simultaneously, giving them precise control over how different parts of an image are edited. This same workflow can now be applied to photos, enabling more complex and flexible editing than traditional tools.
The Photo page also introduces non-destructive editing, meaning that all adjustments are made without permanently altering the original file. Users can reframe, crop, and adjust images at their original resolution, ensuring that quality is preserved throughout the editing process.
Additional features are designed to improve workflow efficiency. A LightBox view allows users to see entire photo collections at once, with edits applied in real time across multiple images. Albums can be created and organized based on different criteria, such as shoot dates or camera types, making it easier to manage large projects.
The update also includes integration with other platforms, allowing users to import images from Apple Photos and Lightroom catalogs. This makes it easier for photographers to transition their existing work into the software without starting from scratch.
Collaboration has also been enhanced through Blackmagic Cloud, enabling multiple users to work on the same projects simultaneously. This feature allows editors, colorists, and photographers to share files, edits, and metadata in real time, regardless of location.
For those working on tight deadlines, the software includes GPU-accelerated batch exporting and conversion tools, which can significantly speed up processing times by utilizing modern graphics hardware.
Another notable addition is tethered shooting support for Sony and Canon cameras. This allows users to connect their camera directly to the software, view images live, and adjust settings such as ISO, exposure, and white balance in real time before capturing photos.
Beyond photography, DaVinci Resolve 21 also introduces new AI-powered tools for video editing. These include features that can modify a person’s appearance, such as making an actor look younger or older by adjusting facial details. This further expands the software’s capabilities and positions it as a strong competitor to other professional editing platforms.
The release of DaVinci Resolve 21 is currently available as a free beta version across macOS, Windows, and Linux, continuing the company’s approach of offering powerful tools at little to no cost while competing with subscription-based alternatives.
Overall, this update represents a major evolution for the software, transforming it from a video-focused tool into a more comprehensive creative platform that now supports both video and photo editing in a single application.
Source: The Verge
