Exploring DaVinci Resolve on the iPad Pro: A New Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Unexpected Delight of the M2 iPad Pro
Recently, I found myself awake far later than usual, all thanks to the M2 iPad Pro. This is the same device I had been skeptical about since its release last year. Before you jump to conclusions, it wasn’t due to any frustrations with the device itself, nor was I laboring over yet another video bemoaning Apple’s delay in launching Final Cut Pro for the iPad.
Instead, I was immersed in DaVinci Resolve on my new 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro, and it was an absolutely thrilling experience. It’s the first time I’ve felt genuine excitement about technology since unboxing the Apple Watch Ultra last year.
A bit surprising, right?
Blinded by My Final Cut Pro Bias
As a dedicated Final Cut Pro user, I’ve never ventured into other editing software. My obsession with efficiency has kept me tethered to it, leaving little room for exploration. This hasn’t been an issue on my Mac, as video editing isn’t my primary focus, and the choice between Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Premiere Pro hasn’t significantly impacted my Mac content engagement.
The iPad, however, presents a different scenario. My audience craves insights into its creative capabilities, such as video editing, illustration, and music production, rather than just accessory reviews or retrospective assessments.
Unfortunately, I had become so fixated on the idea that Final Cut Pro must come to iPadOS—especially to leverage the impressive desktop-class chips in the iPad Pro lineup—that I overlooked other alternatives. Yet, I’m realizing that Apple may not be interested in releasing Final Cut Pro for the iPad after all, and strangely, I’m not as frustrated about it anymore.
Chapter 2: Discovering DaVinci Resolve
A few weeks back, I decided to invest in a 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro with the intention of embracing an iPad-only lifestyle. I planned to switch to editing for my secondary YouTube channel, Mark's Solo Club, using DaVinci Resolve on the iPad. The reasoning was straightforward; the stakes were lower on a smaller channel compared to Mark Ellis Reviews, where interruptions in production could have significant consequences.
I must clarify that while I haven't completed an entire Solo Club video using DaVinci Resolve, I did experiment with it, and that’s what kept me up late last week.
I now comprehend why DaVinci Resolve holds a prominent position on the iPad Pro's landing page on Apple’s website—it has an uncanny resemblance to Final Cut Pro. Although I lack experience with DaVinci Resolve on the Mac, it’s evident that the choice to streamline the 'cut' editing interface for the iPad version is aimed at easing the transition for Final Cut Pro users.
Furthermore, Blackmagic Design has confirmed that DaVinci Resolve for the iPad is built on the same codebase as its desktop counterpart, ensuring it’s not a diluted version. The integration with the new Apple Pencil’s hover mode on the M2 iPad Pro is impressive, as scrubbing through clips without touching the screen is far from gimmicky. The M2 chip manages 4K 10-bit footage seamlessly.
In essence, this feels like Final Cut Pro for the iPad, albeit with different terms and advanced color grading options.
After just half an hour of exploration, I was captivated. Although I had no idea what I was doing, it felt refreshingly new, especially as I engaged with my footage outside of a Mac environment. More importantly, it signaled a promising new chapter for the iPad—exactly what I’ve been advocating for!
Apple’s decision to highlight this third-party app as a core part of the M2 iPad Pro launch is revealing and may suggest that Final Cut Pro will remain strictly a desktop application. I suspect Tim Cook may not want to allocate the necessary resources for developing and maintaining an iPad version, especially when a solid alternative already exists.
Chapter 3: Reflections on Past Experiences
While recording a recent episode of the Eight or Sixteen podcast, my co-host Rob reminded me of my brief foray into photo editing using Lightroom on the iPad. I had praised the iPad’s display quality and the tactile experience of the Apple Pencil.
I admit, I had completely forgotten about that phase. Somewhere along the way, I reverted to using the Mac for my photo editing, neglecting the iPad's potential in my creative workflow.
Though it didn’t quite match the excitement I felt with DaVinci Resolve last week, using Lightroom on the iPad also felt like a new beginning—a way to finally incorporate the iPad into my creative processes.
Chapter 4: Embracing DaVinci Resolve's Learning Curve
Returning to DaVinci Resolve on the iPad Pro, I must emphasize that I’m still unfamiliar with the software. Although the risk of editing videos for the Solo Club channel feels lower, I still harbor some concerns.
There’s a significant learning curve that I need to navigate in the coming days. Fortunately, my Solo Club videos are relatively straightforward, primarily featuring a-roll (albeit a two-camera setup, which DaVinci Resolve can handle with multicam editing). I still have room to experiment with my style.
However, I am apprehensive about the learning curve; my schedule is already packed, and this will mark the first time in three years that I’ll need to learn a new tool from scratch.
Additionally, I’m accustomed to Final Cut Pro’s approach to color grading and audio mastering, which raises concerns about adapting to a different platform. Finding equivalent assets and third-party plugins could also be time-consuming.
Lastly, juggling two distinct editing platforms will pose its challenges. Despite DaVinci Resolve's striking similarity to Final Cut Pro, I will need to adapt to different shortcuts, terminology, and workflows.
It’s a challenge I’m finally ready to embrace.
If you’re a DaVinci Resolve user on the iPad, I’d love to hear any tips or tricks you recommend—especially if you share my Final Cut Pro background!
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