If you use Resolve, you absolutely must convert the footage to a intra-frame compressed or lossless codec (DNxHD for example) or the editing will be painful and laggy on all but the most powerful machines.

I tried out a bunch, eventually settled on Shotcut before moving on to Davinci Resolve. For 4K need to use proxy files, which is easy. Resolve is reasonably demanding although there are claims that the most recent release (still in Beta) is somewhat faster but I use it on a laptop and have little problem with FHD video. It is also free but even if you buy the Studio version, it isn't expensive - certainly, over time far cheaper than a subscription only editor (with continual price increases). It has a learning curve, but so does any editor that is worth learning, and in Resolve's case can be considered a better investment in time as you likely never outgrow this editor as your skills develop. Resolve is extremely capable, industry standard, well supported with continual updates and a lot of online tutorials and documentation, as well as reasonably active forums. I've been using it after starting with some of the more basic editors (of which my favorite, by far, is GoPro Studio). Of the three you mention, I would choose Resolve. What are the thoughts here about the best editing software for a newbie-learning-more? I've read a bit about some free video editing programs, like DaVinci Resolve, Media Composer First, and ShotCut. I have a Canon 650D and Sony RX100 III, neither with 4K video. I've used Microsoft's Movie Maker but (I think) would like to have more capability. I'm experienced in still photography but still very much a newbie at video.

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