Blackmagic Design has released version 20.3 of its post-production suite, DaVinci Resolve / DaVinci Resolve Studio. The update brings resolution boosts, metadata workflow improvements, better noise-reduction performance and a broad round of stability fixes.

Up to 32K resolution on Apple Silicon

With Resolve 20.3, users on Apple Silicon Macs (specifically Apple M5 processors) gain support for footage up to 32K resolution. This opens the door for very high-resolution VFX, LED-volume workflows or future large-format display mastering. Or editing the the footage of the 17K Camera, easily.

Metadata and media-pool flexibility

The update adds new capabilities for metadata handling in the Media Pool. You can now add metadata fields as custom bin-columns, import and export metadata via ALE, retain media-pool views per project, and even define custom metadata for unknown fields during import. Exported metadata files will also include any custom fields.

Timeline versioning + UI/workflow improvements

Resolve 20.3 introduces named snapshots for timeline backups, enabling version naming for timeline states. The Media Pool offers new key-shortcuts for search and “open in timeline with source viewer.” Editing actions such as “insert gap at playhead,” plus improved speed/duration change behaviour respecting sync lock, streamline editorial work. Broadcast-safe aspect ratios (2.39 and 2.40) have been added.

Colour, HDR and encode features

On the deliver side, Resolve now supports embedding HDR10+ metadata in QuickTime and MP4 exports. There is also better support for industry workflows via IMF for “HDR Vivid” and “Audio Vivid.” For creative work, effects like film look creator, film damage and analog damage now have alpha support (useful for overlay/compositing).

Under-the-hood fixes & performance gains

Noise reduction via Resolve FX has improved in performance. The update also resolves a range of issues: missing clip actions in subtitle-caption context menus, lag when using stacked timelines, timeline state not restored when switching back from edit, problems loading certain deep OpenEXR files, decode issues with compressed ARW clips, potential QuickTime hangs on Windows, remote-monitor startup issues, and more.
Note: OpenCL GPU mode is no longer supported on macOS in this release.

What remains: free vs Studio version

As with previous releases, the free version of Resolve 20.3 retains the same core processing engine as Studio. However, output is limited to Ultra HD or below, and on Windows and Linux platforms it only supports a single GPU. Advanced features like multiple GPUs, 4K+ output, motion blur effects, temporal/spatial noise reduction, AI tools, HDR, surround/immersive audio, multiple Resolve FX, 3D stereoscopic tools and remote rendering remain exclusive to Resolve Studio.

Project-compatibility warning

Project libraries remain compatible with version 19.1.4 so you can open older libraries. But projects created or edited in 20.3 will no longer open in 19.1.4. A full project-library backup and individual project backups are strongly recommended before upgrading. Users working in high-end post, VFX or HDR finishing will likely welcome the 32K support, improved metadata workflows and HDR10+ deliverability. As always, test the update on smaller projects first, especially if you rely on external GPU modes, deep codecs, custom metadata pipelines or mixed OS environments.

The post Resolve 20.3 brings 32K support, metadata tools and stability fixes first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Node Mill profiles vintage cine and photo lenses by capturing their optical characteristics under controlled conditions, then encodes those traits—coma, bloom, distortion, chromatic aberration, bokeh shape, vignette, color cast, fringing—into pixel‑accurate OpenFX presets. This goes beyond generic film or diffusion emulation; it reproduces measured distortions and hue shifts, not just a soft blur.

Mix‑and‑Match and “Overdrive” Controls

LensNode provides standalone controls for each optical effect and allows users to combine traits from different lenses in one chain—like Canon FD geometry with Helios coma and Voigtländer color cast. A global “Overdrive” slider exaggerates effects for stylized looks, all animatable via DaVinci Resolve’s timeline.

Swirly Bokeh + Depth‑Aware Application

The plugin models individual lens bokeh and allows rotation before convolution. It supports swirly bokeh even for lenses without it originally. LensNode can also use depth maps as input, and includes a built-in lens profile blur map captured from focus chart measurements—addressing edge blur and focus fall‑off dynamically.

High‑Performance GPU + ACES‑Friendly

LensNode runs fully GPU‑accelerated with optimization options for high‑res footage. Reports indicate real‑time playback at 8K on an NVIDIA RTX 3080 with multiple nodes applied. Its linear‑space processing supports ACES pipelines, camera‑log inputs, and high‑bit‑depth deliverables.

Platform Support and Licensing

LensNode is currently available for DaVinci Resolve 18.6+ on macOS 14+ (Metal 3 support) and Windows 10/11 (CUDA GPU required). Linux and other editing platforms are not supported yet.

Early Access licenses cost USD 99—perpetual with two seats (macOS + Windows), free updates through version 1.0 (expected mid‑2025), plus one year of further updates. No trial exists during Early Access. Purchasing and license management is handled via LemonSqueezy.

Lens Library Today — and Roadmap

As of April 2025, the profile library includes lenses such as the Asahi Super Takumar 20 mm f/4.5, Voigtländer Nokton 40 mm f/1.4, Canon nFD 50 mm f/1.4, Helios 44‑2 58 mm f/2.0, and five focal lengths of LOMO Illumina MK1 S35 (with full‑frame variants). More cine glass, including Cooke S4, is planned soon.

Technical and Production Considerations

LensNode may appear more subtle at 4K compared to 1080p, due to resolution scaling behavior. Its developers note optimal quality when applied at full 4K resolution and recommend adding LensNode at final stages. Occasional crashes have been reported—responsible GPU configuration (for example, macOS Metal mode) and early Access debugging are advised.

Final Assessment for Pros

LensNode offers a novel, data‑driven means of introducing vintage lens signatures into post, with granular control, GPU acceleration, and sophisticated optical profiling. It suits projects needing optical matching without vintage glass, stylized video work, VFX lens continuity, or experimental grading. But performance varies, and it is not a substitute for physical lens behavior in all cases. Production users should test LensNode under realistic timelines and processing environments before full integration. Its Early Access status calls for caution in critical pipeline deployment.

Node Mill LensNode

The post LensNode Evolving Vintage Lens Emulation in DaVinci Resolve first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.