A New Adobe Lightroom Competitor

credits: Blackmagic Design

Adobe Lightroom is getting an unexpected new competitor, and it is coming from Blackmagic Design. With the latest update, DaVinci Resolve 21 is adding a dedicated Photo page, bringing a full set of still image editing tools into software that has traditionally been focused on video editing and colour grading.

The main difference here is that Resolve is bringing its node-based grading system over to still images. Instead of stacking edits in layers like most photo apps, everything is built through nodes that can be arranged in series or parallel, which gives a bit more flexibility when building complex edits. You can apply different adjustments to specific parts of an image or reuse the same look across multiple photos using shared nodes. It is also non-destructive, and the software supports RAW files, LUTs, and third-party plugins through Resolve FX and Open FX, so it is not just a basic add-on feature.

There are also a few supporting tools around that. AI features like Magic Mask now work on photos, making it easier to isolate subjects, while AI UltraSharpen can be used to enhance detail or upscale images. On the organisation side, there is a LightBox view with filtering options, plus support for importing Lightroom catalogs, which makes switching over a bit easier. Tethered shooting is included too for some cameras, with direct control over things like ISO and exposure. The public beta is already available for free, and the full version is expected to cost $295.

You can see full details on Blackmagic Design’s website here