DaVinci Resolve Color Grading: Mastering Saturation and Color Density with HSV Channel 2 and Hue Curves

Jeff Lathrop

Summary:

This video demonstrates advanced saturation and color density techniques within DaVinci Resolve, contrasting general saturation with a specialized "color density" node for a more natural look.

• The tutorial begins by setting up a standard color space transform node tree for Blackmagic footage [00:00:20].
• It highlights the difference between using the general saturation slider, which can lead to over-saturation, and creating a specialized "color density" node using HSV channel 2 [00:01:30].

  

• Further granular control is shown using custom curves like Hue vs. Luminance, Hue vs. Saturation, and Hue vs. Hue to individually adjust specific colors [00:03:07].
• The video also covers creating localized effects, such as a subtle vignette with adjusted warmth and contrast, to add depth and make subjects pop [00:04:52].
• The instructor emphasizes an iterative process, constantly reviewing adjustments and making further refinements to achieve a desired look, showcasing the final before-and-after [00:11:29].

  

  

Initial Setup and Color Management [00:00:20]

The video begins by explaining the initial node tree setup in DaVinci Resolve for color management.

• The setup includes color space transforms to handle Blackmagic BW footage.
  • Input footage is transformed into DaVinci Wide Gamut and DaVinci Intermediate.
  • The timeline color space is set to DaVinci Wide Gamut and Intermediate.
  • Output color space is transformed to Rec. 709 Gamma 2.4 for display.

    

Understanding Saturation vs. Color Density [00:01:04]

The instructor demonstrates the difference between applying general saturation and controlling color density using a specialized node setup.

• Standard Saturation Adjustment [00:01:06]
  • Using the global saturation slider can quickly lead to an "overkill" and unnatural look, making the image appear too flat or blown out in colors.
• Custom Saturation Node (HSV Channel 2) [00:01:30]
  • To achieve a denser, more controlled saturation (subtractive saturation), create a dedicated node.
  • Right-click the node, change its color space to HSV.
  • Right-click again and uncheck channels 1 and 3, leaving only channel 2 selected. This isolates the saturation component.
  • Adjusting the 'gain' or 'gamma' in this HSV Channel 2 node allows for adding color density without the harshness of the regular saturation slider.
  • This method provides a "juicy dense" result, particularly noticeable in blues, enhancing color without over-saturating.

    

Advanced Color Adjustments with Custom Curves [00:03:07]

The video explores using custom curves for more precise control over specific colors.

• Hue vs. Luminance Adjustments [00:03:15]
  • Select "Hue versus Luminance" in the custom curves.
  • Use the eyedropper to select specific colors (e.g., blues on a truck, greens in foliage).
  • Lowering the luminance for selected hues makes them darker, adding depth.
  • It's noted that greens might appear more yellow in the waveform, requiring careful selection.

    

• Hue vs. Saturation Adjustments [00:03:55]
  • Switch to "Hue versus Saturation" to control the intensity of specific color ranges.
  • Drop the saturation for blues to make them muted or muted greens to enhance a specific mood.
  • Alternatively, increase saturation for targeted hues if desired.
• Hue vs. Hue for Color Shifting [00:04:18]
  • Use "Hue versus Hue" to shift the actual hue of specific colors.
  • For example, shifting blues towards green to create a more homogenous scene or to match a specific aesthetic.

    

Creating Depth with Vignettes and Local Adjustments [00:04:52]

The instructor demonstrates how to add a vignette and make localized color and contrast adjustments to guide the viewer's eye and add dimension.

• Adding a Window/Vignette [00:04:52]
  • Add a new node and apply a circular window (vignette).
  • Invert the window to affect the areas outside the central subject.
  • Soften and widen the window for a natural fall-off.
• Adjusting Contrast and Shadow Detail [00:05:25]
  • Darken the vignetted area to create depth.
  • Decrease contrast within the vignette to bring back shadow detail, preventing crushed blacks.
• Adding Color to the Vignette [00:05:36]
  • Experiment with adding color to the lift (shadows) of the vignette.
  • A subtle warm tone in the shadows can be preferred over cool shadows, making the truck in the center "pop" more effectively.

    

Refining Specific Elements (Truck and Tires) [00:07:05]

The video continues with more detailed adjustments, focusing on specific elements in the scene.

• Adjusting Truck Wheels [00:07:44]
  • Using Hue vs. Hue, shift the color of the yellow tires slightly towards red.
  • Use Hue vs. Luminance to drop their brightness, preventing them from being distracting.
• Refining Greens in Foliage [00:09:59]
  • Emphasizes the need for careful selection with Hue vs. Hue to target the greens without affecting other yellow elements.
  • Adjust Hue vs. Saturation to deepen the greens, making them denser and richer, contrasting with an initial "pastel" appearance.

Final Review and Iterative Process [00:11:29]

The video concludes by reviewing the overall color grade and emphasizing the iterative nature of the process.

• Compare the starting footage to the final graded look, noting the improvements in depth, color density, and targeted adjustments.

  

• The instructor highlights how different techniques were combined to achieve a unique and pleasing aesthetic.

  

• Discusses exploring options like adjusting contrast (primary vs. HDR contrast) and further fine-tuning exposure and shadow details to achieve the desired visual impact.