Assimilate Live Looks vs DaVinci Resolve

Assimilate Live Looks is software for on-set video monitoring and live grading, supporting production workflows from standard HD through 8K. Its local webserver lets a crew review grades and looks in a browser on or near set, and it can stream one or more camera feeds to YouTube, SetStream.io, or another online platform. Grading tools include Lift, Gamma, Gain, CDL controls, curves, a color remapper, texture effects, skin retouch, and a chroma keyer. It records graded QuickTime snippets and Apple ProRes formats, with available camera metadata included. Looks can be matched in Assimilate SCRATCH, while CDL-EDL files can be transferred to DaVinci Resolve. The listed systems are Windows 10 and macOS 10.15 or later, with 8 GB RAM minimum and 32 GB or more preferred. A watermarked Personal Learning Edition is free with no time limit. Paid options include a subscription at $89 a month, a one-year rental at $595 a year, and a permanent license at $995 as a one-time purchase.

DaVinci Resolve combines video editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, audio post, and photo editing in desktop software for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version supports editing and finishing at up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 and 60 fps. DaVinci Resolve Studio costs $295 once and supports up to 32K resolution and 120 fps. Studio also includes temporal and AI spatial noise reduction, more than 45 additional GPU- and CPU-accelerated Resolve FX, and Python and LUA scripting with developer APIs. AI tools include facial recognition, object detection, smart reframing, and speed warp retiming. Fairlight can handle up to 2,000 tracks with real-time effects, EQ, and dynamics processing. Blackmagic Cloud can host projects and media and provide access from anywhere. The software supports third-party Open FX and audio plugins, titles, and motion graphics templates, as well as major file formats and transfers between Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, and Premiere Pro. It works with direct-attached drives, NAS, and SAN systems.