Eye See Color works with DaVinci Resolve Studio v.19

DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of video formats. Here’s a list of the most commonly used 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 and color grading. Supports various codecs such as ProRes, DNxHR, and H.264.
• Average File Size:
  • ProRes 422 HQ: ~1.3 GB per minute
  • DNxHR HQ: ~1.2 GB per minute
• Details: Ideal for high-quality footage, widely used in professional environments.

2. MP4 (H.264)

• Quality: Medium to High
• Best Use Case: Web content, social media, and general-purpose video.
• Average File Size: ~150 MB per minute at 1080p
• Details: Common for consumer cameras and smartphones, offering a good balance between file size and quality.

3. AVI

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Legacy projects or specific workflows that require this format.
• Average File Size: Varies greatly depending on the codec
• Details: Less commonly used in modern workflows but still supported for compatibility with older projects.

4. MXF

• Quality: High
• Best Use Case: Broadcast and professional video production.
• Average File Size: DNxHD: ~1 GB per minute
• Details: Often used for camera footage from professional video cameras, supporting codecs like DNxHD and AVC-Intra.

5. CinemaDNG

• Quality: Very High
• Best Use Case: RAW video editing for maximum flexibility in post-production.
• Average File Size: ~6 GB per minute at 4K
• Details: Provides uncompressed video data, ideal for high-end productions where quality is paramount.

6. REDCODE RAW (R3D)

• Quality: Very High
• Best Use Case: High-end cinematography with RED cameras.
• Average File Size: ~2.5 GB per minute at 4K
• Details: Offers extensive control over image parameters in post-production.

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, offering excellent quality and efficient performance.

8. Apple ProRes

• Quality: High to Very High
• Best Use Case: Professional editing, broadcast, and film production.
• Average File Size:
  • ProRes 422 HQ: ~1.3 GB per minute
  • ProRes 4444: ~2.1 GB per minute
• Details: Widely used in the industry for its balance of quality and performance.

9. DNxHD / DNxHR

• Quality: High to Very High
• Best Use Case: Professional editing and broadcast production.
• Average File Size:
  • DNxHD HQ: ~1.2 GB per minute
  • DNxHR HQ: ~1.2 GB per minute
• Details: Developed by Avid, it’s ideal for high-quality editing workflows.

10. GoPro CineForm

• 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 maintaining manageable file sizes.

11. HEVC (H.265)

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

12. AVCHD

• 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.

Choosing the Right Format

When choosing a format, consider the following factors:

• Purpose: Determine if the footage is for professional editing, web, broadcast, or archival.
• Quality vs. File Size: Higher quality often means larger file sizes. Balance the need for quality with storage and performance considerations.
• Compatibility: Ensure the format is compatible with your workflow and other software you might be using.

By selecting the appropriate format, you can optimize your workflow, ensuring the best possible quality and efficiency for your Davinci Resolve projects.