Comparing Output Transforms in DaVinci Resolve: Sony LUT, Battery LUT, CST, JP DCTL, and OpenDRT for Optimal Color Grading

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Introduction to Output Transforms (ODTs) in DaVinci Resolve [0:00]

• The video explores various Output Data Transforms (ODTs) in DaVinci Resolve to help users choose the most suitable one for their projects.
• The presenter, Andi Jaff, answers common questions from viewers about which ODT to use.
• Footage used for comparison is from a Sony FX6, chosen for its comprehensive range of scenarios.
  • Exterior shot with natural lighting and skin tones [0:37]
  • Another exterior shot with diverse color palettes [1:06]
  • Interior night shot [1:14]
  • Night shot with neon lights [1:24]
• The purpose of the video is not to declare a "best" ODT, but to showcase the characteristics and performance of each, acknowledging that the optimal choice depends on the footage and desired look.

Comparison of ODTs on Exterior Shot 1 [1:46]

• The first comparison is performed on an exterior shot featuring a woman in a blue dress.
• Sony Native LUT (S-Log3 to Rec.709) [1:50]
  • This is the camera's built-in LUT, converting directly from S-Log3 to Rec.709.
  • Results in a generally neutral look with a slight magenta cast in skin tones.
  • Serves as a baseline for comparison.
• Battery LUT (by Mateo) [2:50]
  • This is a custom LUT designed to enhance contrast and saturation.
  • Provides a brighter image with more punchy colors compared to the Sony LUT.
  • The presenter uses the "Contrast +1" version.
• Color Space Transform (CST) [3:05]
  • A powerful tool in DaVinci Resolve for managing color spaces.
  • Handles highlights effectively, showing a smoother rolloff.
  • The overall contrast might appear thinner, and colors can be slightly desaturated.
• J.P. DCTL (DCTL) [3:11]
  • A custom DCTL (DaVinci Color Transform Language) developed by J.P.
  • Produces more vibrant colors and a softer, more pleasing contrast than CST.
• OpenDRT (DCTL) [3:16]
  • Another DCTL, offering a distinct look.
  • Characterized by strong contrast and a tendency towards desaturation.

Comparison of ODTs on Exterior Shot 2 [3:59]

• The comparison extends to a second exterior shot, a woman in a red dress in a garden.
• Sony Native LUT [4:13]
  • Skin tones appear somewhat pale, and the red dress has a magenta hue, typical of Sony's sensor characteristics.
• Battery LUT [4:38]
  • Exhibits better contrast and richer, more saturated colors, making the red dress pop more vividly.
  • The presenter notes a preference for Battery LUT in this specific shot due to its enhanced vibrance and contrast.
• Color Space Transform (CST) [5:34]
  • Similar to Sony's native LUT in terms of color rendition, with slightly muted reds and greens.
• J.P. DCTL [5:46]
  • Colors are more pronounced, and contrast is softer, providing a balanced and pleasant image.
• OpenDRT [5:53]
  • Delivers strong contrast but with a desaturated look, emphasizing the cinematic feel.
• The presenter reiterates that each ODT has its strengths and weaknesses, making selection dependent on the desired outcome.

Comparison of ODTs on Interior Night Shot [7:00]

• The test moves to an interior shot captured at night, focusing on how each ODT handles artificial lighting and shadows.
• Sony Native LUT [7:06]
  • Produces a generally warm and slightly muted image, maintaining some log characteristics.
• Battery LUT [7:33]
  • Elevates contrast and saturation, making the image punchier.
  • May require additional exposure compensation due to increased contrast.
• Color Space Transform (CST) [7:43]
  • Demonstrates good highlight retention and a lower contrast.
• J.P. DCTL [8:18]
  • Colors appear more vibrant, and the contrast is gentler, contributing to a smooth visual.
• OpenDRT [8:30]
  • Offers a high-contrast look, but with reduced saturation. It performs similarly to the Battery LUT in terms of contrast, but with different color characteristics.
• The presenter uses a split-screen view in the gallery to show the differences side-by-side, allowing for direct comparison of skin tones, shadows, and highlights.

Comparison of ODTs on Night Neon Shot [13:24]

• The final scenario involves a challenging night shot with prominent neon lights, testing color accuracy and highlight handling in extreme conditions.
• Sony Native LUT [13:31]
  • Exhibits a pronounced magenta shift due to Sony's sensor characteristics, especially noticeable in the neon lights.
• Battery LUT [14:00]
  • Offers better handling of the magenta bias, providing a more neutral and natural color rendition in neon and dark areas.
  • The overall look is more natural and pleasing in this specific shot.
• Color Space Transform (CST) [14:48]
  • While good at handling highlights, it can lead to a loss of detail in very bright neon areas and also has some magenta cast similar to Sony LUT.
• J.P. DCTL [15:20]
  • Delivers a more filmic and natural appearance, with well-preserved details in dark areas and vibrant, yet controlled, neon colors. This is the preferred ODT for this shot.
• OpenDRT [16:17]
  • Shows high contrast, but the highlights can be harsh, and overall saturation is reduced, making it less ideal for shots with strong, vibrant lights.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right ODT [17:03]

• The video concludes that there is no single "best" Output Transform. Each ODT has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different types of footage and desired aesthetic outcomes.
• Factors like sensor characteristics (e.g., Sony's magenta bias), lighting conditions, and creative intent play a crucial role in choosing an ODT.
• For color-managed workflows, CST, J.P. DCTL, and OpenDRT offer flexibility across various camera brands and drones, providing a wider color and gamma range for grading.
• Users are encouraged to experiment with all available ODTs and understand their individual strengths and weaknesses to make informed decisions for their color grading projects.