When comparing the performance of the MacBook Pro M4 to the M1 Pro in DaVinci Resolve, several factors come into play, including processing power, memory, and GPU capabilities.
Overview of M1 Pro Performance
The M1 Pro chip in the MacBook Pro offers a robust performance for video editing tasks in DaVinci Resolve. It provides a reliable and snappy editing experience, thanks to its integrated graphics and power efficiency. The M1 Pro is optimized for DaVinci Resolve, allowing for smooth editing and decent rendering speeds, though it may not match the performance of more powerful desktop systems[2][5].Overview of M4 Performance
The M4 chip in the MacBook Pro represents a significant upgrade over previous models, offering enhanced processing capabilities and improved efficiency. It handles demanding tasks like 4K and 6K video editing with ease, providing faster rendering times compared to the M1 Pro. The M4 chip's performance is particularly notable in tasks that utilize both CPU and GPU resources, such as color grading and effects processing in DaVinci Resolve[1][4].Comparison Points
- Rendering Speeds: The M4 Pro generally offers faster rendering speeds than the M1 Pro, especially in complex projects that leverage both CPU and GPU capabilities. This is due to the M4's more advanced architecture and potentially higher GPU core count[4][7].- Editing Smoothness: Both chips provide smooth editing experiences, but the M4 Pro might handle more complex timelines and effects with greater ease due to its enhanced processing power[4].
- Multi-Core Performance: The M4 Pro tends to outperform the M1 Pro in multi-core tasks, which are common in video editing and 3D rendering applications like Blender[4].
- Single-Core Performance: While both chips are efficient, the M4 Pro may offer better single-core performance, which can be beneficial for tasks that don't fully utilize multi-core capabilities[4].
Practical Considerations
For users working with high-resolution footage (e.g., 6K raw) and frequently using advanced features like Fusion and special effects in DaVinci Resolve, the M4 Pro might offer noticeable improvements over the M1 Pro. However, for many users, the difference might not be dramatic enough to justify the cost of upgrading, especially if their workflow doesn't heavily rely on the most demanding features[8].In summary, while the MacBook Pro M4 offers superior performance in DaVinci Resolve compared to the M1 Pro, the practical benefits depend on the specific needs and workflow of the user. For those requiring top-tier performance and future-proofing, the M4 Pro is a better choice, but for many, the M1 Pro remains a capable and cost-effective option.
Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7b6eepNtYA
[2] https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/davinci-resolve-m1-vs-pc/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nQKKH28qzQ
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnaocd96Ctc
[5] https://creativevideotips.com/tutorials/m1-max-macbook-vs-mac-pro-video-editing-davinci-resolve
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esiOtj1a8_E
[7] https://larryjordan.com/articles/performance-test-davinci-resolve-19-1/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/1gqr63w/macbook_m1_pro_vs_m4_max_davinci_resolve/