Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 30, 2014. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
DaVinci Resolve 11 comes with more than 100 new editing and color-correction functions as well as improvements for online editing, functions such as context-sensitive trimming, on-set cloning of files, color-correction tools modeled on familiar photography tools, and a new collaborative workflow that allows multiple users to work on the same timeline simultaneously.
The beta can be downloaded here.
Editors now have support for two screens as well as access to familiar professional tools such as dynamic JKL trimming, audio crossfading, and keyboard shortcuts that can be freely customized by the user for faster editing. The trimming tools are context-sensitive, so Resolve automatically “guesses" from the respective mouse-pointer position whether an editor wants to use Ripple, Roll, Slip, or Slide functions or extend or shorten the edit. This enables fast editing because no time is wasted switching tools, and clips can be trimmed simultaneously on multiple tracks in the same direction or asymmetrically.
Resolve 11 features a new spline-curve keyframe editor integrated into the editing timeline, which places keyframes directly beneath each clip and in context with that clip. Editors can now place open FX plug-ins directly in the timeline and animate them, as well as use plug-ins for transitions.
The new tools for collaborative workflows allow an editor and multiple colorists at different workstations to access the same timeline. This enables them to work together on finishing footage.
The expanded editing features are accompanied by improved round-trip collaboration with Apple Final Cut Pro X. This was achieved through increased compatibility with a larger number of features in both applications, allowing projects to be moved back and forth.
The color-correction features have also been upgraded, including controls for RAW images and color correction that were specially developed for photographers entering the art of filmmaking. The new camera RAW palette includes improved recovery of highlight and shadow detail, midtone detail, Color Boost, saturation, highlight (Lift), gain (Gain), and contrast.
Version 11 now allows backup copies to be created and digital camera files to be saved. The new clone tool copies media drives, memory cards, and camera packs to multiple destinations simultaneously. All copies are checksum-checked for completeness. The new clone tool is also included in the free DaVinci Resolve Lite software and can be installed on a laptop for work on set.
Resolve 11 also has a color-chart tool for automatic color matching that can be used with any kind of image material, including video, RAW, and even film. The new color-matching tool analyzes the footage using color charts and automatically creates a primary grade.
OpenCL image processing has also been further optimized, resulting in increased rendering speeds with new Apple MacPro systems.
