Blackmagic Design has unveiled DaVinci Resolve 21 in beta, marking an ambitious expansion into photo editing territory traditionally dominated by Adobe's Lightroom and Photoshop. The Australian company revealed the new software at the NAB 2026 broadcast convention, introducing a dedicated Photo page that transforms how creators approach still image workflows alongside video production.
The Photo page represents a significant departure from DaVinci Resolve's previous approach, which required users to edit images as clips within video timelines. Now photographers can import and manage photographs—including RAW files—directly into a streamlined interface. The editing capabilities leverage Resolve's powerful node-based Color page, offering sophisticated tools for primary color correction, curves, qualifiers, and power windows alongside noise reduction and sharpening features that rival industry-standard alternatives.
What sets Resolve's approach apart is its node-based architecture, enabling creators to chain corrections in series or parallel configurations. This flexibility allows photographers to build intricate color grades and save them as presets for batch application across entire photo albums. The software also preserves original image quality when reframing and cropping, working directly at source resolution without degradation.
The LightBox view provides a comprehensive album visualization, displaying all images with applied grades in real time. Users can filter collections by grading status, star ratings, flags, and clip color—mirroring organizational features found in competitive products. Albums function as sortable collections that automatically appear across Color, Cut, and Edit pages for seamless integration with video workflows.
Blackmagic Design has also equipped Resolve 21 with advanced video AI capabilities that extend beyond traditional editing. The new features can age subjects or reshape facial characteristics, broadening creative possibilities for content creators. For professional photographers, camera tether controls enable direct connection to Sony and Canon cameras for live image capture with adjustable settings integration.
The move signals Blackmagic Design's intent to create an all-in-one creative suite, capitalizing on the momentum from creators already transitioning from Adobe Premiere to its video editing platform. With these new photo tools, the company aims to consolidate workflows across both mediums.