Color Management in DaVinci Resolve and ACES

Overview

• Focus on color management in DaVinci Resolve and ACES.
• Key differentiation between display-referred grading and scene-referred grading.
• Suitable for beginners, with timestamps for advanced users.

Basic Concepts

Display-referred Grading vs Scene-referred Grading

• Display-referred Grading:

  • Directly adjust image to improve appearance based on monitor display.
  • Typically involves adjusting lift and gain to enhance contrast and saturation.
  • Suitable for outputs like web and broadcast.

• Scene-referred Grading:

  • Utilizes camera manufacturer's technical specs to establish a better starting point.
  • More technically accurate; involves using LUTs for correct color mapping.
  • Example: using AR Alexa LUT to transform log footage to Rec 709.

Using DaVinci Resolve Color Management

• Color Space Transform:
  • Allows users to set input and output color spaces.
  • Input example: AR Wide Gamma 3, Output example: Rec 709.
  • Ensures images are in a technically correct color space before grading.

Steps for Color Management in DaVinci Resolve

1. Create versions for testing adjustments.
2. Use Color Space Transform to apply camera-specific specs.
3. Copy settings across shots for consistent starting points.
4. Customize timeline color space for better grading efficiency.

Working with ACES

Overview of ACES

• ACES standardizes color management across various platforms.
• Supports a large color space (AP0) and dynamic range.
• Utilizes input device transforms (IDTs) to correctly interpret camera footage.
  • Example IDTs include AR log C, Red log 3G10, etc.

Working Process in ACES

• Clips are processed through AP0 to AP1 to be used for grading.
• Input Device Transform is essential for accurate color representation.
• Final output can be easily transformed to various delivery formats (Rec 709, P3, HDR).

Comparison of ACES and Resolve Color Management

• ACES:

  • Industry standard; better interoperability between platforms.
  • Open source; recommended for broadcasting platforms like Netflix.
  • Fewer options, easier for beginners.

• Resolve Color Management:

  • More customizable and scalable for advanced users.
  • Offers flexibility in managing color spaces and tone mapping.
  • Provides a familiar feel for users accustomed to Resolve.

Practical Tips for Beginners

• If unsure about source material, check file names or consult the production team.
• Experiment with various input transforms if the source is unknown.
• Use Rec 709 scene settings when dealing with stock footage or graded clips.

Conclusion

• Understanding color management is essential for effective grading in DaVinci Resolve.
• Both ACES and Resolve color management offer unique benefits based on project needs.
• Encouragement to explore and subscribe for more advanced topics in future episodes.