Output Video Formats Supported by DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve allows you to export video in various formats, catering to different needs such as web, broadcast, and high-quality archives. Here’s a list of output video formats, their quality, best use cases, and the average file size for one minute of footage:

1. QuickTime (.mov)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Professional editing, archiving, and high-quality delivery.
• Average File Size:
  • ProRes 422 HQ: ~1.3 GB per minute
  • ProRes 4444: ~2.1 GB per minute
• Details: Supports a variety of codecs, ideal for high-quality production and editing.

2. MP4 (.mp4)

• Quality: Medium to High
• Best Use Case: Web content, social media, and general-purpose distribution.
• Average File Size: ~150 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Uses H.264 or H.265 codecs, offering a good balance between quality and file size.

3. AVI (.avi)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Legacy formats or specific workflows that require this format.
• Average File Size: Varies greatly depending on codec; can be quite large.
• Details: Less common in modern workflows but still used for compatibility reasons.

4. MXF (.mxf)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Broadcast and professional video production.
• Average File Size:
  • DNxHD: ~1 GB per minute
  • XDCAM HD: ~800 MB per minute
• Details: Common in broadcast environments, supports various codecs like DNxHD and XDCAM.

5. H.265 (.mp4)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: High-efficiency video encoding for 4K and HDR content.
• Average File Size: ~100 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Provides excellent quality at lower bitrates, ideal for modern video applications.

6. ProRes RAW (.mov)

• Quality: Very High
• Best Use Case: High-end editing and post-production with maximum flexibility.
• Average File Size: ~2 GB per minute at 4K
• Details: Offers RAW video data for extensive color grading and editing.

7. Blackmagic RAW (.braw)

• Quality: Very High
• Best Use Case: Professional workflows using Blackmagic Design cameras.
• Average File Size: ~2 GB per minute at 4K
• Details: Optimized for DaVinci Resolve, providing excellent quality with manageable file sizes.

8. DNxHD (.mov)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Professional editing and broadcast.
• Average File Size: ~1.2 GB per minute
• Details: Developed by Avid, ideal for high-quality video editing workflows.

9. GoPro CineForm (.mov)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Intermediate format for editing and color grading.
• Average File Size: ~500 MB per minute at 4K
• Details: Good for preserving quality while keeping file sizes manageable.

10. AVCHD (.mts)

• Quality: Medium to High
• Best Use Case: Consumer and prosumer camcorders.
• Average File Size: ~400 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Used in many HD cameras, suitable for general-purpose video production.

11. H.264 (.mp4)

• Quality: Medium to High
• Best Use Case: Streaming, web delivery, and general-purpose playback.
• Average File Size: ~150 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Popular format for web and streaming, balancing quality with file size.

12. HEVC (.mp4)

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Efficient video encoding for high-resolution content.
• Average File Size: ~100 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Provides better compression than H.264, suitable for high-definition and 4K videos.

Choosing the Right Output Format

When selecting an output format in DaVinci Resolve, consider:

• Purpose: Determine if the video is for web, broadcast, high-quality archiving, or specific device playback.
• Quality vs. File Size: Higher quality generally means larger file sizes. Balance quality with the intended use and storage constraints.
• Compatibility: Ensure the format is compatible with the target platform or device where the video will be viewed or used.

By selecting the appropriate output format, you can optimize your video’s quality and performance, ensuring it meets your project’s needs and distribution requirements.