Best Resolve Video Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Aim: Teach how to use DaVinci Resolve from media importing to final render
• Versions: Paid ($300) & Free (covers most features covered)
• Lecture hosted by Casey from Ground Control

Prerequisites

• A good system: Mid-range gaming PC, newer Macs (M1/M2)
• Download DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design's website
• Basic knowledge of video production beneficial
• Time commitment to practice alongside watching the video
• Download provided media files to follow along

Overview of DaVinci Resolve

• End-to-end post-production program used in professional settings
• All post-production tasks (edit, color grading, audio mixing, etc.) in a single app
• Collaborative capabilities for team projects
• Different pages for different tasks: Cut, Edit, Color, Fusion, Fairlight

Getting Started

Media Page

• Organize media before editing
• Media storage: explore files on drive
• Media pool: import and manage project media
• Monitor and metadata panels for detailed media info
• Inspector panel for properties adjustments

Edit Page

• Timeline and media pool for assembling project
• Two viewers for source and timeline preview
• Toolbar for different editing tools
• Effects, titles, transitions under Effects panel
• Inspector for clip properties adjustments
• Keyboard shortcuts for efficient editing
• Organizing timeline and tracks for scenes and sequences

Cut Page

• Efficient editing with dual timelines
• Focus on streamlined media organization and editing
• Source tape feature to view all clips end-to-end
• Various edit buttons for quick media insertion into timeline
• Multicam edits and synchronizations

Fusion Page

• Node-based compositing for visual effects and motion graphics
• Nodes: image, effect, merge, and mask
• Transformations, blurs, and color corrections using nodes
• Masks for limiting effects to specific areas
• Practical examples: Night shot, overlaying puppet into scene

Color Page

• Unified interface for color correction and grading
• Importance of proper color management
• Using nodes for organized color workflow
• Primary color wheels for basic corrections
• Advanced tools: curves, qualifiers, and secondary adjustments
• Matching shots for consistent color grading

Fairlight Page

• Detailed audio editing and mixing capabilities
• Interface for audio track management and effects
• EQ, dynamics, and reverb adjustments
• Grouping tracks using buses for organized mixing
• Timeline features for detailed audio keyframing

Delivery Page

• Rendering final project with all settings and formats
• Quick export options for common presets
• Custom export for detailed settings adjustments
• Managing multiple render jobs in the render queue
• Example settings for YouTube and high-quality masters

Conclusion

• Summary of key capabilities within DaVinci Resolve
• Encouragement for ongoing practice and learning modules like Fusion Zero to Hero

Resources

• Attached PDF guide for deeper learning and resources
• Links to tutorials and courses for specific features