DaVinci Resolve: Contrast and Exposure

Even though baked-in color palettes are convenient, they offer less range of freedom and detail than working with flat-looking log footage. Even though it can be daunting, the benefits will yield better results.

While working with convenient baked-in color spaces (such as rec.709) doesn't require much correction, the benefits of flat-looking log footage far outweigh the ease of a baked-in look. Why? Because of our wide dynamic range of control over shadows and highlights within the image. Read the "Why Ungraded" blog article for more info.

We'll tackle the foundation of a healthy and well-balanced image by looking at contrast and exposure, learning how to preserve or recover details in the shadows and highlights — the signatures of a professional-looking, high-end video.

Here is what we'll cover:

• Log Footage — starting with maximum dynamic range
• Waveform Scope — understanding how the image is mapped
• Broadcast Safe — learn how to stay within the correct luminance range
• Contrast and pivot — creating the look and feel of the scene
• Primary Wheels — broad stroke adjustments using the Lift, Gamma and Gain
• Log Wheels — detailed and precise fine-tuning with the Log wheels

Check out the YouTube playlist to see all published videos in this season.