Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 8, 2016. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Quite a few things were new in DaVinci Resolve 12, starting with the name itself: the previous free Lite version is now called DaVinci Resolve, and the paid version DaVinci Resolve Studio. Among other things, the free version is limited to UHD resolution, while the Studio version can also handle stereo and true 4K or higher resolutions.
The 12.1 update added functions such as remote rendering, a 10-bit viewer display, new editing and color correction tools, and more. 12.2 gives DaVinci Resolve Studio support for HEVC/H.265 QuickTime video on OS X as well as HDR Hybrid Log Gamma when using Resolve Color Management, and added Resolve Hybrid Log Gamma conversion LUTs—and much more.
New Editing Features with 12.1
With DaVinci Resolve 12.1, editors can select clips when using the editing tool (BladeTool), specify longer frame-repeat durations for still images, use faders with effect generators and titles, apply negative timecode offsets, and filter clips more efficiently. Editors are also aided by grouped media management of selected timeline clips, sorting bins and footage, as well as creating more effective filters for Smart Bins. Furthermore, Blackmagic Design optimized subclip support with Final Cut Pro 7 XML files and audio rendering of audio transitions.
Color Correction Features with 12.1
For colorists, version 12.1 of DaVinci Resolve added, among other things, the option to color-correct nested timelines and break apart Compound Nodes, as well as new manual keyframe options for Power Windows, support for 3D Stereo Decision Lists version 0.25, and filtering clips with keyframes.
The DaVinci Resolve update downloads can be found here.
The free version of DaVinci Resolve is available for Mac OS X; DaVinci 12 Studio costs 1,099 euros and is available for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux on the Blackmagic Design website.
In the attachment you will find a free downloadable PDF of the article “DaVinci Resolve 12—one for everything?” by Prof. Uli Plank about version 12 of DaVinci Resolve from DP issue 07 : 15.
