New capabilities in DaVinci Resolve 8 include multi layer timeline support with editing, and XML import and export with Apple Final Cut Pro. The software now includes OpenCL processing to allow use on Apple iMac and MacBook Pro computers. Processing tools have been added for real-time noise reduction, curve grading, advanced multi point stabilization and automatic stereoscopic 3D image alignment. DaVinci Resolve 8 supports the Avid Artist Color control panel and also offers ALE export to relink graded DNxHD files back into Avid editors.

The new XML import and export combined with the multi layer timeline lets users import complex sequences from Final Cut Pro, colour grade them and export them directly back into FCP with the new graded shots and layer structure intact. If the Final Cut Pro edit is changed, Resolve 8 will automatically relink all the clips so the grades are preserved. Editing can also be performed inside DaVinci Resolve 8, and clips adjusted and relocated.

The OpenCL image processing has been incorporated into the system in order to use a broader range of GPUs for real time processing up to 1080 HD resolutions. OpenCL based processing, while not as powerful as CUDA processing also used on Resolve, does access a wider range of suitable computers. Now Apple iMac and MacBook Pro series computers can be used for real-time grading, allowing customers to use the computer hardware they already have. DaVinci Resolve 8 running on a MacBook Pro, for example, is useful on-set.

When shooting in low light conditions, images from digital cameras may suffer from electrical noise in blacks, while shots on film may include film grain and electronic noise from the film scanner. Resolve 8 includes a new CUDA noise reducer which eliminates noise and helps make images perfectly clean. Different to other systems, the DaVinci Resolve 8 noise reduction is incorporated into the colour correctors, so the colourist can use it creatively in any corrector node and limit it to inside or outside windows or by colour qualifiers.

To handle unstable shots that suffer from movement of the camera, the application includes a new multi point stabilizer. The stabilizer is intelligent, and uses dozens of stabilization points to totally lock every part of the image and generate very stable images even from poor quality sources such as hand held shoots.

For colourists who are new to DaVinci Resolve, a new Curve Grading feature works exactly the same way as low end editing software grading, to help new users get started quickly with an interface they are familiar with. Resolve 8 Curve Grading extends this interface by letting colorists customize the curves as they gain control of hue vs hue, hue vs sat, hue vs lum and lum vs sat controls. For faster grading speed, curves can be adjusted from the mouse as well as the control panel.

For colourists working on stereo 3D footage, a new alignment tool automatically aligns images between cameras to produce a near-perfect 3D image. Because it is impossible to mechanically align two cameras on a rig down to pixel level, users have had to accept some misalignment, which is fatiguing for viewers. When working in higher resolutions such as 4K, the mechanical tolerances are even narrower.

The new DaVinci Resolve 8 automatic stereo image alignment tool’s algorithm uses hundreds of individual image points to analyze and align the image pair, producing a sharper more vibrant 3D image. Alignment takes a few seconds per shot and is completely automatic needing no settings by the colourist.

DaVinci Resolve 8 will be available in June starting at US$995. Existing Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve customers will be able to download this update free of charge.

Blackmagic is also releasing a new reduced-feature version of DaVinci Resolve in a downloadable software package - available free of charge. To help promote the art of colour correction, DaVinci Resolve Lite is based on the upcoming Resolve version 8, and will run on the latest model iMac, 17inch MacBook Pro and Mac Pro computers.

DaVinci Resolve Lite includes the same processing as the full DaVinci Resolve, but limits projects to SD and HD resolutions, only two color correction nodes, a single processing GPU and a single RED rocket card. Stereoscopic 3D tools, noise reduction, power mastering, remote grading and sharing projects with an external database server will only be offered in the full DaVinci Resolve and are not included in this free DaVinci Resolve Lite edition.

Nevertheless, customers will be able to see the image processing of DaVinci Resolve, and work with high resolution source footage in 2K and 4K from the latest digital cameras such as RED and ARRI. Lite includes optical resizing, curve grading, XML import and export, 32 bit float processing, YRGB image processing, multi layer timelines, stabilization, window tracking, primary and secondary colour correction, real-time processing, capture and playback with deck control and compatibility with third party control panels.

DaVinci Resolve Lite will be available in July free of charge from the Blackmagic Design website. www.blackmagic-design.com  www.newmagic.com.au