DaVinci Resolve on the iPad Pro offers a robust set of tools for HDR color grading, making it a versatile option for both beginners and professionals. Here's how it handles HDR color grading:
HDR Color Grading Tools
DaVinci Resolve for iPad includes advanced HDR grading tools, similar to its desktop counterpart. It allows users to work with HDR footage using features like PowerWindows, qualifiers, and 3D trackers. These tools enable precise control over highlights, midtones, and shadows, which is crucial for HDR content that captures a wider dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) footage[2][3].
Color Management and HDR Support
To handle HDR, DaVinci Resolve supports various HDR formats and color spaces, such as Rec. 2020 and DCI-P3. Users can set up their projects with the correct color space and bit depth to ensure accurate HDR grading. The software also supports HDR metadata, which is essential for maintaining the intended visual quality across different devices[1][3].
Monitoring HDR Content
For monitoring HDR content on the iPad Pro, users can utilize the DaVinci Resolve Monitor app. This app allows the iPad to function as a remote HDR grading monitor, providing real-time feedback over Wi-Fi. However, while the iPad can display HDR content, it is not a substitute for a high-end reference monitor. For optimal results, using a calibrated external monitor is recommended[4][7].
Reference Mode on iPad
The iPad Pro can be set to Reference Mode, which disables features like True Tone and limits the brightness to 1000 nits for HDR content. This mode helps improve color accuracy for grading purposes, although it does not replace professional calibration[4].
HDR Export
DaVinci Resolve for iPad allows users to export HDR videos. To do this, users must set the project settings to HDR, selecting options like HDR Rec. 2020 PQ P3 d65 limited for color processing and Rec. 2020 1000 nits for the output color space. This ensures that the exported video is mastered for HDR playback on compatible devices[9].
Overall, DaVinci Resolve on the iPad Pro offers a comprehensive HDR color grading experience, making it suitable for both on-location grading and studio work, albeit with some limitations compared to professional-grade equipment.
Citations:[1] https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/color
[2] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/davinci-resolve-for-ipad/id1581363826
[3] https://www.arzopa.com/blogs/guide/hdr-color-grading
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcXIobepmMw
[5] https://documents.blackmagicdesign.com/SupportNotes/DaVinci_Resolve_Studio_Features.pdf?_v=1723705210000
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/davinciresolve/comments/1d7zbzh/anyways_to_improve_this_setup_for_on_set_grading/
[7] https://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=180692
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/davinciresolve/comments/1epoed5/til_use_your_iphoneor_ipadas_a_poor_mans_hdr/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5WRq7ih-I
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_tWIjuLA8A