I used Ai to summarise the video if it helps anyone
The tutorial outlines a method for handling CinemaDNG RAW footage in DaVinci Resolve by manually managing the color space transformation. Since CinemaDNG files don’t come with a preset color space, you need to define the input values and then convert the image into your target display color space for consistent grading.
Key points include:
Understanding Color Spaces:
Scene-Referred vs. Display-Referred: The footage as captured is in a scene-referred state, which must be transformed into a display-referred state to match your monitor and deliver consistent results.
Project Setup: Use DaVinci YRGB non-managed in your project settings for full control over how the footage is interpreted.
Manual Camera RAW Settings:
In the Camera RAW tab, select “Decode Using Clip” so you can manually set the input color space and gamma. Options might include Rec709, P3 D60, or Blackmagic Design depending on your creative intent.
Color Space Transform (CST) Nodes:
First CST Node: Apply a CST node to convert your manually defined input (e.g., Rec709/sRGB) into the desired display color space (commonly Rec709 or Rec709-A).
Optional Intermediate Space: For additional flexibility, first convert your footage to an intermediate working space (like DaVinci Wide Gamut/DaVinci Intermediate). Perform all your grading within this wide gamut environment, and then use another CST node to convert to the final display color space.
LUT Application and Final Adjustments:
You can change the output color space and gamma in the CST node to match the specifications of any LUT you wish to use (for example, a film print emulation LUT).
After applying the CST, make any necessary adjustments (exposure, contrast, saturation, etc.) on your graded footage.
How to Import CinemaDNG into DaVinci Resolve
Create and Configure a New Project:
Open DaVinci Resolve, create a new project, and set the project’s color science to DaVinci YRGB non-managed to allow manual control.
Import CinemaDNG Files:
Bring your CinemaDNG sequences into the Media Pool of your project.
Adjust Camera RAW Settings:
Select each CinemaDNG clip.
In the Camera RAW settings, choose “Decode Using Clip”.
Manually set the input color space and gamma (e.g., Rec709/sRGB, P3 D60/Linear, or Blackmagic Design) according to what best matches your initial vision for the footage.
Apply Color Space Transform Nodes:
On the Color page, create a CST node for each clip.
In the CST node, set the input to the values you defined in the Camera RAW tab, and set the output to your target display color space (for example, Rec709 or Rec709-A).
(Optional): Use an additional node to first convert to an intermediate working space (such as DaVinci Wide Gamut/DaVinci Intermediate), perform your grading adjustments there, and then convert to your final display color space.
(Optional) Apply LUTs and Final Corrections:
If you plan to use a LUT (like a film print emulation), adjust the output settings of your CST node to match the LUT’s requirements, and then apply the LUT in a separate node.
Fine-tune your image (exposure, contrast, saturation) after the CST node to achieve the desired look.
By following these steps, you can effectively import CinemaDNG footage into DaVinci Resolve and establish a controlled color grading workflow that ensures consistency and flexibility throughout your post-production process.
Reasoned about creating a CST node in DaVinci Resolve for 10 seconds
In DaVinci Resolve you create what’s commonly called a CST node by applying the Color Space Transform effect to a node. Here’s how to do it:
Open the Color Page:
Launch your project and switch to the Color page where you can work with nodes.
Add a New Node:
In the Node Editor, add a new serial node by pressing Alt+S (Windows) or Option+S (Mac).
Access the Effects Library:
In the upper left, open the Effects Library and navigate to the OpenFX section.
Locate the Color Space Transform Effect:
Look for the “Color Space Transform” effect. This is the tool that lets you convert between different color spaces and gammas.
Apply the Effect:
Drag the Color Space Transform effect onto your newly created node. This node now becomes your CST node.
Configure Your Settings:
With the node selected, head to the Inspector panel. Set your input parameters (such as your footage’s color space and gamma) and your desired output settings. This allows you to correctly transform your footage’s color characteristics.
By following these steps, you effectively create and set up a CST node to perform color space conversions within your grade.
The settings that worked for me are
decode color space: Blackmagic Design
input color space: Blackmagic Design Film Gen 1
Gamma Blackmagic Design Film
