Color Correcting Your Clips; Using Scopes - Blackmagicdesign Cinema Operation Manual

Using DaVinci Resolve
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With the 'color' page you get absolute control over the look of
your clips.
The parade scope helps you optimize highlights, mid tones
and shadows.
Your new audio track will appear on the timeline.
This can be handy when you want to separate your audio elements into individual tracks for a sound
mix, for example voice, sound effects, and music.
Refer to the DaVinci Resolve manual for more information on how you can use all the powerful
editing tools.

Color Correcting your Clips

Once you have edited your sequence of clips, you can start color correcting. This is best begun after
you have finished editing your sequence so you can maintain a consistent look, but part of the fun
of DaVinci Resolve is being able to move between the edit and color page to make fine adjustments
and discover new creative choices.
First, click on the color tab to open the color page.
You'll see the color wheels, curves palettes and general color correction tools as well as the preview
and nodes window. Don't feel overwhelmed by the vast array of features in front of you, they are
all there to help you get the most amazing looking pictures. The DaVinci Resolve manual will show
you exactly what the tools are for and how to use them in easy to follow steps. You'll learn the same
techniques the professionals use in high end color correction facilities.
Generally, the first thing you'll want do is optimize the shadows, mid tones and highlights in your clips.
In other words adjust the 'lift', 'gamma' and 'gain' settings. This will help get your pictures looking
their brightest and best with a clean, uniform starting point from where you can begin grading the
'look' of your film.

Using Scopes

Most colorists make creative color choices by focusing on the emotion and the look they want their
program to have and then simply work using the monitor to achieve that look. You can look at everyday
objects and how different types of light interact with them to generate ideas on what you can do
with your images and a little practice.
Another way to color grade is to use the built in scopes to help you balance shots. You can open the
scopes by clicking 'view' in the title bar, and turning video scopes 'on'. Make sure 4 up is selected.
These 4 scopes contain a waveform, parade, vectorscope and histogram. Using these scopes you can
monitor your tonal balance, check the levels of your video to avoid crushing your blacks and clipping
the highlights, plus monitor any color cast in your clips.