DaVinci Resolve Color Management MASTERCLASS - LUTs, CSTs, ACES or RCM - What you need to know

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00:00 Introduction
00:18 Primer
01:29 What is a Colour Space?
02:21 Rec709
05:14 Types of Colour Space?
06:32 What is Colour Management?
07:08 Types of Colour Management
10:15 Display/Camera/Scene Referred?
14:15 Node-Based or Project-Based?
15:08 Practical Demo
19:28 Misconceptions
20:36 FAQ
22:48 Conclusion
In this video we are discussing all things Colour Management, Colour Spaces and Workflow. It’s going to be a pretty deep look at the topic. We move fast, there might be sections you need to pause, or re-watch. The goal is to give you a proper understanding of why different Colour Spaces exist and the most effective way you can colour manage your footage. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.
Props to ​⁠@CullenKelly for all his fantastic work explaining colour management.
Created by Team 2 Films.
#colorgrading #davinciresolve #filmmaking #videoediting #videoeditor #davinciresolve #tutorial #howto #certifiedtrainer #masterclass

[@2424rocket]

This is the best tutorial I’ve ever seen explaining color space… Cullen Kelly makes amazing tutorials but they’re over complicated and he rambles on and on and on about the philosophy instead of getting to the point. Which is perfectly OK when you’re in the mood for that. But this tutorial is succinct, gets right to the point, it is easy to understand. Great great job! I’m sending a link to this tutorial to every editor I know. Except the sad pathetic ones that are still working in premiere pro. Lol. That was half a joke.

[@team2films]

Hahah! Thanks so much. What a nice compliment. Yeah, we make an effort to keep the videos as concise as possible so you can get back to editing and grading as quickly as possible. And Cullen Kelly does make amazing videos too, love his explanations, always accurate and balanced. Appreciate you sharing the video with other editors, thank-you so much.

[@manuelfigueroa894]

Very good and easy to understand. Thank you. Just subscribe!

[@LonwaboMfundisi]

🤣🤣 i love it. Am both PP and DR editor.

[@Forstmourne200]

I have never commented on a KZbin video in my entire life. This is my first, simply because I cannot tell you how confusing it has been for me as someone who is aspiring to give their lives to the colorist role and having the hardest time understanding color management! NOBODY has explained color management to me to better than you have! i would have paid for this information instantly! you have literally changed my life in this video! like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! THANK YOU!

[@team2films]

Heya! We're so glad you enjoyed the video. We've got more content coming, and we're working on some full-length courses too. If you have ideas for videos, you're welcome to put suggestions in the comments. Thanks once again for your kind words. Great to have you here.

[@team2films]

I failed to mention, a big thanks to Daria Fissoun for her invaluable input on this video and for spotting my mistakes! Any video that she is in is gold, and definitely worth watching.

[@TerenceKearns]

She's great. I learned Davinci Resolve from her version 12 goat tutorials.

[@ElMeach]

Big thanks to her. I have taken various live streams with her but I am always rushing on other things and I fail to grasp everything

[@kevinbillington9773]

Daria is great.

[@actornickjameson]

Great video. Clearly concisely, economically and articulately presented, functional graphics rather than whiz-bang effects, and best of all, no jump cuts! Covers what most KZbin colorists would take two or three videos to outline. Subscribed.

[@team2films]

Ah thanks. What an awesome compliment, much appreciated. Especially about it being concisely and economically presented. Trying to simplify something without compromising the information can take effort sometimes. Great to have you here. Welcome.

[@phanatiksent]

Thanks for this video guide. All info was well said and explained. I shoot on a bmpcc 6k pro and doing more editing in DR lately from Final Cut Pro X. I needed more of this info about everything you spoke to. I feel the project CM is the way for me vs node based. I sometimes shoot or add a different camera in the mix and need to balance them to each other. Thank you and any other tips for a 6K pro workflow please advise 🙏🏾🙏🏾 New sub💪🏾

[@halosoundandvision924]

Team2Films has become my absolute favourite Davinci channel! You guys are awesome. The best tutorials out there. No rambling and rubbish...straight to the point and explained with all ability levels considered. Thank you! And my word, you know your topic!!! Keep them coming please. Thank you

[@team2films]

Thank you so much. What an awesome compliment. Glad you like our straight to the point approach. It’s great to have you here, more content is on the way.

[@aybee5908]

By far the clearest explenation all around colour management. Thank`s for this one!

[@team2films]

Thank you so much!

[@irfansait2061]

Just 3 min into the video and I came here to declare - This man is a genius ! absolutely brilliant in explaining the concepts . Hands down the best video on the topic. Thanks !

[@team2films]

Welcome aboard! Great to have you here. Thanks for watching and thanks for your really kind comment.

[@jakubphotography]

THIS was the video I've been looking for. Not only explaining color management, but the WHY. Instead of being told "do this" I feel like I much better understand the relationship between the options, and how and when to use each option. Thank you.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. The why is so important. Glad you enjoyed the video. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@riojiang9377]

Dude, this shit should be paid stuff, I can not believe this is free!!! You guys are just amazing!!!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much! We've got a paid course out btw, for editors transitioning from other NLEs to Davinci Resolve.

[@UpbeatStreet-vq6sp]

An oasis in the middle of the KZbin desert….after watching too many videos on this subject this one cleared the fog for me, great job in explaining 👍

[@team2films]

Ah thank-you so much. Glad it has bought some clarity. We had a blast making it and are planning some more content like this later in the year.

[@kvraviteja]

I have been trying to wrap my head around color management and understand the fundamentals of it properly. But most people either suck at conveying their thoughts properly to others (bad teachers) or, are not very knowledgeable themselves and just try to show something that has worked for them. But this video of yours is clear, crsip, to the point and covers everything that is there to be know about color management, especially to noobs like me! Wonderful job and I'm glad KZbin recommended me your video. This made my day!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. What an awesome comment. Glad the video was helpful. Great to have you here.

[@skymakai]

Absolutely stellar explanation. I've never, even through many tutorials, had such a clear tutorial on color space fundamentals, management, and transformations. Thank you.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much, we're glad it's landed well!

[@laniakeasupercluster4606]

Great video. The only thing I would add (and this is not preferential), working with RCM means that you generally don’t have FULL control over how these transforms are applied - This can limit the colour controls. For example, placing a CST near the end of your pipeline(node tree), can preserve dynamic range of a shot, rather than the transform having already taken place before you start grading as is the case with RCM. The KZbinr Darren Mostyn (whom I’m not associated with in any way), demonstrates this quite nicely. But again, this video is not suggesting you don’t do that, just something one should know when deciding on your colour management. Thanks for the video, well thought out.

[@team2films]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your kind comment too. Yes, agreed, CSTs allows you granular control over each transformation. When using RCM if that level of control is needed on a particular shot, the Bypass Color Management option can be used and CSTs configured as needed. This allows users to take advantage of RCM's ease of use and CSTs power (when needed) in a single project. I'm curious what you mean regarding preserving Dynamic Range with CSTs placed near the end of the node tree.

[@laniakeasupercluster4606]

@@team2films When applying the CST after (e.g) grading primaries, experiment with increasing the gain to a high level. By doing so, you'll notice that the highlights are preserved better, maintaining (what I call) it’s dynamic range, with a gentle falloff. However, if you apply the CST before making this gain adjustment, the highlights are more likely to be clipped - this is case when using RCM. But as you have rightly said, one can turn off RCM independently from the project settings.

[@visualsequence8262]

Thanks Leon for this presentation on the RCM and DWG intermediate. It's very clear now :-)

[@team2films]

Thanks Eric. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@BrianRouse]

Just found this…it was very helpful! I had almost given up on color management tutorials; I found myself guessing a lot and had been getting quite frustrated lately!

[@team2films]

So glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@marianlanrieve991]

It's a shame not to be able to click the like button several times ! All your tutorials are incredible ! Thanks a lot !

[@team2films]

Ah, thanks so much! If you click it more than once, just make sure it's an even number of times 🤣 Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching.

[@Lloydbar]

This was quite remarkable. I've watched so many videos about colour management that I've lost count, but I've never heard anyone explain Rec 709 further than saying "It's the broadcast standard." I guess it's very difficult for people who know the ins and outs of something so well to fully grasp how little the rest of us understand it, but you do a truly amazing job of breaking it all down. I don't know how many other videos you have made, but I will be watching them all.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. We're glad the explanations in the video are hitting home for people. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Great to have you here.

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Best video on color management. Period. You have a new subscriber.

[@team2films]

That's awesome. Thanks for your support and so pleased you found it helpful.

[@ajjipark3142]

Best video on color management. Period. You have a new subscriber. Thank You!!

[@team2films]

Thank-you, that means a lot. Great to have you here.

[@Gedaly]

This is the perfect primer to the topic for those who are new to color management. Well done!

[@team2films]

Thanks Gedaly. Appreciate you saying that. Great to have you here.

[@matrixate]

This was by far, the best Resolve workflow management tutorial. It's like you read everyone's minds for the questions of the scenarios we don't find clear answers to reading the manual. This a great supplement to Darren's abs Cullen's videos.

[@team2films]

Yes, Darren and Cullen's videos are fantastic, such great resources. Thanks for watching and commenting, glad you liked the video.

[@21stcenturybohemian]

This video clearly demonstrates the difference between knowledge and understanding. Kudos.

[@team2films]

Thanks 😊 It's great to have an audience who appreciates the videos.

[@PattayaBars]

This is the best tutorial i have ever seen 10/10

[@team2films]

Thanks so much

[@fabriziozambelli9762]

One of the most clear tutorial. You made a great job! Thanks 😊

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Appreciate you commenting.

[@TheBanjaraMan]

This is what a student from 8th grade can understand. Loved the way you have explained everything is very impactful. Thank You So much for this tutorial 👍👍👍👍

[@team2films]

That's really cool of you to say. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Henminlul]

Rated 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best knowledge gained from this video. Thank you so much❤

[@team2films]

You are welcome. We’re working on a part 2.

[@fotograf121]

Very good walkthru of different proceses!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much, glad it was helpful.

[@RebecaRossato]

Amazing. Thank you

[@Didvere]

Im a project based color managment person, if i use only ONE camera type for the project i put the correct input color space of the camera, you won a subscriber

[@team2films]

Great to have you here.

[@jedichefmaster]

By far this is the best breakdown of color management I've seen on the internet. Thank you!

[@team2films]

Really kind of you to say. Thank-you.

[@hellotoddsky]

Absolutely the best explanation of Color Management I've ever encountered. Thank you a million 🙏

[@team2films]

Wow, thank-you. Great to have you here, and thanks for watching.

[@PolyRev]

Can't believe this is free. Thank you so much you earned a student for life!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Great to have you here

[@CypiXmusic]

Insane quality in here! Big ups!

[@team2films]

Big up yourself too! 😎 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@cinema8564]

Very helpful to view this video AGAIN and AGAIN, after some practice using various methods. A wonderful review and reminder of the concepts and so helpful to clarify otherwise baffling terms like, "Scene-Referred," which otherwise have no immediate logical meaning. Likewise, what is the meaning of "Timeline" in the Project Setup page? Timeline is a user-interface term, not a color science term. So your clarification that "timeline" means an "working" or "intermediate" space is very helpful.

[@team2films]

Thanks, glad it is a good reference for you.

[@happilicious]

Didactic! Thank you very much for such a clear explanation.

[@sridharreddy3853]

I spent months on understanding the differences in color management, you made me understand in 20 min, thanks a lot and hope to see more videos of you

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Glad the video was so helpful.

[@wearetrackclub]

Great guide! Super easy to follow and love the editing too 👏

[@team2films]

Thanks alot! Great to have you here.

[@vijayvenkataramanan4568]

Hands down, the best explanation I have seen about colour management. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@team2films]

Thank-you thank-you so much. Very kind of you to say.

[@makossamakossa7946]

Brilliant! Very clear and helpful

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much!

[@eversparx]

A BIG THANK YOU! At 16:50, selecting all the clips in the media pool & right clicking Input Color Space/etc helped enormously! I've spent so much time in Resolve and thought I knew what I was doing, but clips in the timeline often still looked like log footage and had to be wrestled into submission LOL. Clip-level Input Color Space selection (which isn't mentioned nearly enough in tuts) was the MAGIC I somehow improbably missed before! Cheers

[@team2films]

I’m so glad that worked for you! Thanks for watching and leaving such a kind comment :)

[@eversparx]

@@team2films OMG, well, that was short lived! I updated to the latest Resolve on my Mac, and now the media pool/right-click "Input Color Space" option (between "LUT" and "Update Timecode...") has disappeared! 😶 . Good while it lasted?

[@team2films]

@@eversparxthe feature is definitely still there! It only appears when colour management is turned on.

[@eversparx]

@@team2films ahhhh, I had switched to using node CSTs - Thanks for yet another heads up! Cheers

[@jamesepiclight]

I tell you this is a breath of fresh air. I feel I’ve been “shamed” into trying a CST workflow, but I do prefer the ease and amazing quality of the Davinci color managed workflow. I feel like there are 2 things with Davinci Color Managed timelines that have been difficult. 1. When I want to apply any of the built in Luta (like the Kodak lut) I just haven’t been able to get good results. Could I just sandwich that lut between 2 cst’s on a color managed timeline? 2. Other issue is I can’t figure out how to get the fusion page to give me a good scene referred color. Either way this video has been very insightful and really appreciate it.

[@team2films]

Ah thanks James. I know what you mean. 'You're not pro if you're not using CSTs'. It's a great workflow for sure though, and I'm glad there are options to tackle different scenarios. Yes, you can use CSTs to colour manage footage to suit a LUTs requirements. Check out our Masterclass on Bleach Bypass. We show that technique in there. Great to have you here. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@aov_james]

so far loving your straightforward tutorials! keep them coming!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Really happy that people are enjoying the videos.

[@ALucio]

Easily the best video I have seen on this really complex subject. I have tried to understand this for years but various people say the wrong things. Having it neatly laid out like this is really awesome, thanks!

[@team2films]

What an awesome comment. Thanks for your kind words. It's great to have you here and we're glad the video has been so helpful.

[@toomasvendelin]

Concise and to the point. Congratulations and thanks!

[@team2films]

Thank you Toomas. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@aariflaljee9990]

Another brilliant video Leon

[@team2films]

Thanks Aarif! Kind of you to say. Looking forward to working together on something.

[@dubstepzsi]

Wow ive been using DaVinci resolve for over 5 years and this video has taught me a lot i will never go into a project thinking the same again, thank you very much.

[@team2films]

That's fantastic to hear! Keep up your hard work and thanks for your comment.

[@TxabiNet]

Great video indeed! Thank you for all the knowledge you share .

[@team2films]

Pleasure Txabi. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AexoeroV]

Good video and glad you mentioned about a HDR and an SDR version of an export!

[@team2films]

We’ll do more on that soon. Thanks so much.

[@AexoeroV]

@@team2films please do, ill wait eagerly!

[@AexoeroV]

@@team2films 18:16 you never made a video about multiple deliverables of the same material, like an HDR10 one and an SDR one!

[@RideandRemember]

What a brilliant explanation!

[@team2films]

Thank-you very much.

[@AudioTalks]

Amazing!! Thank you so much ❤

[@team2films]

You're welcome 😊

[@user-dx4gn3kn6v]

I spent months on understanding the differences in color management, you made me understand in 20 min, thanks a lot and hope to see more videos of you 🙏

[@team2films]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting, we appreciating hearing how people are enjoying the videos.

[@pietervanderwal]

Thank you for making this great content 💪👍 A very clear explanation how this works.😊

[@team2films]

Glad you like it!

[@LeoPetri]

Awesome Tutorial! Congrats

[@team2films]

Thank-you Leo

[@LerosOnline]

Awesome!!! Very great job....

[@ArdanaMindFilms]

this is the best explanation I've ever watching in youtube. now I understand what is color management

[@team2films]

So glad to hear. We're working on a part 2. If you have any suggestions for colour management topics we should include, please say.

[@ashishjatiani3356]

Thanks a lot for this comprehensive guide of color management!

[@FranckBourrel]

What a great great tutorial !!! Thx !!

[@team2films]

You're welcome

[@7AVMedia]

Great video, super useful and it was easy to follow. Thanks🙏

[@team2films]

You are welcome

[@MartinAaberge]

Great tutorial. Extremely valuable:)

[@team2films]

Thank-you Martin

[@johngiatropoulos3848]

Wow! One of the best, if not the best video tutorial I've watched about color management. Excellent!

[@team2films]

Thanks John! What a nice compliment. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

[@MuzTalkies]

Yours is the best tutorial explaining what is what, these are the questions i was searching answers for so long. Thank you!

[@team2films]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@JonatanCastro]

Incredible helpful, thanks so much!

[@team2films]

That makes us happy!

[@rynonortje]

This is a phenomenal tutorial, well done.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@QadeerGhumman]

most informative video i have ever scene on youtube regarding colour managment. Thank you very much for this information.

[@team2films]

That's our pleasure. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@wanderingox]

Great work! i love nerding out to this stuff!

[@team2films]

haha Same! Thanks for watching.

[@brokenstudiotv]

I'm going to save this video and probably come back to it multiple times just because it's so clear and concise. Thank you for such a wonderful video!

[@team2films]

I’m glad it’s a good reference for you 👍

[@user-ic6oq5ty9c]

Very impressed at your work mate. Subscribed and look forward to learning more from your videos 👍

[@team2films]

That is very kind of you to say. Thanks so much, glad to have you here.

[@RezaMehr]

That was such a great video! Thanks for making videos on topics that are not flashy, but super important!

[@team2films]

Thank you, appreciate that.

[@fullbars]

This is the best explanation of color space management I have seen. Keep them coming!

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much. Glad you liked it so much.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Finally! You made these topics easy to understand for me 💚

[@team2films]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pumpum000]

Superb instructor, very clear and easy to follow, please keep it up

[@team2films]

Thank-you, glad it's helpful.

[@GoTravelPlanet]

Outstanding video mate, thank you very very much!

[@team2films]

You are welcome. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@myrthaev2326]

GREAT even if too short that the kind of tutorial i expected

[@team2films]

Thanks so much for watching. More content on it’s way

[@DeepkumarVelaga]

I started working on resolve a couple of days ago and having tried to work on some gopro footage, I was introduced to these concepts of CST/ColorManagement for the first time, this video made me understand indepth what I was trying to do, what I want to do and how to do things efficiently. Thank you for the very clear explanation.

[@team2films]

Thank you so much. We are glad the video was helpful.

[@grahamf695]

This is really helpful, thanks.

[@team2films]

Our pleasure

[@rustytaco8412]

This video was so awesome!

[@team2films]

Thanks a lot.

[@Resolve_This]

Very nice walkthrough of what can be really hard to wrap your head around when you’re a beginner colorist. But you managed to explain an advanced subject in a way that makes it very easy to understand. Great pace and illustrations too. Well done, Leon.

[@team2films]

Thank-you Tony, that's very kind of you to say.

[@ChiliVonat]

Awesome video! I needed that! Thank you!

[@team2films]

Our pleasure! Glad it was helpful.

[@riquelalmeida]

Dude! thank you so much! You explain so well! 🙏 💯

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much for watching and commenting. Appreciated!

[@rhewes100]

Thank you for this, your concise delivery of the material makes understanding this issue much easier

[@team2films]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@PerroneFord]

This was FANTASTIC! A great primer and cleared up some things for me. Thank you!

[@team2films]

You are so welcome!

[@jamied6166]

Excellent! Thorough, consice. I'd argue that node-based can be less hassle and quicker than project based, just the setting up and assigning input colour space can be fiddly how ever you do it.

[@team2films]

Thanks Jamie, appreciate you watching and commenting. Maybe we should organise a colour management race 🤣

[@jamied6166]

@@team2films I'm too scared 😜

[@Fedor_Dokuchaev_Color]

I totally agree. When working with footage from different cameras or with external graphics project-level color management can be pain in the ass. Also, there is timeline based color management now!

[@mrkumaran]

This was really helpful. Thank you for the effort.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much.

[@istian_]

This channel is a gem. Thanks Team 2

[@team2films]

Thanks so much!

[@yothomasbarnes]

This is a FANTASTIC video. Thanks so much.

[@team2films]

Thanks Thomas. Great to have you here.

[@JasonStokesVisualSolutions]

Absolute best video on color management I've come across so far!

[@team2films]

Wow, thanks Jason! Kind of you to say. Glad to have you here.

[@i20010]

This is the best explanation I've encountered on this topic! Thank you for this!

[@team2films]

Ah thank-you so much! That's kind of you to say. We're glad it's proving helpful.

[@PlayStopPauseCut]

this video has cleared up so much for me, excellent subscribed!

[@team2films]

We’re glad. Thanks for watching.

[@stephentalent]

Superb, practical overview - subscribed!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much

[@andrewmason8691]

Brilliant video. Thank you.

[@team2films]

Thanks Andrew. Appreciate you commenting.

[@nicholashannah]

Incredibly grateful for how clear this is.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Glad it came across clear.

[@wcourson11]

This really explains a lot! Thank you. Well presented too.

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. Great to have you here.

[@MrRemiggio]

Fantastic tutorial!

[@team2films]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

[@guestlistplus1010]

12/10 video thank you 🎉

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. 12/10 comment as well :)

[@jean-david-ouellette]

Awesome tutorial, thank you for the solid info!

[@team2films]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nathanmoine]

The best video about color management. Thank you!

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much. Great to have you here.

[@jonaseriksson27]

What an amazingly clear explanation. Thank you - and subscribed!

[@team2films]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Jmccabe1111]

Best video I have seen on this subject by a long shot. Well done sir!!!

[@team2films]

That's great feedback, thank you for watching.

[@joelstrom7128]

Thank you! Really one of the best color management explenations!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much Joel.

[@FlyEnri]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial !! Congratulations guys !!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much!!!