How to use resolve SCOPES - In-depth with a Pro Colourist

How to Use Resolve SCOPES - In-depth with a Pro Colourist

In this article, we will explore the capabilities and features of scopes in DaVinci Resolve. Scopes are invaluable tools for any colorist and offer a variety of configurations to suit different working environments, whether on a laptop or a large screen display.

Getting Started with Scopes

Currently, as we navigate to the Keyframe Editor, you will notice the integration of scopes into the UI. By clicking on the "i" button, one can access clip information and general project details. The scopes can be expanded to provide a larger view for better analysis.

To enable a more extensive display, simply press Command + Shift + W. This shortcut allows you to resize the scope window and move it around, or even utilize a second monitor for a more immersive analysis experience.

DaVinci Resolve offers five different scopes, but you can only view four at a time. Down in the lower section, you will also find the CIE graph, which will be discussed further in this article.

Essential User Preferences

Before diving deeper into the different scopes, it's important to adjust one user preference. Navigate to DaVinci Resolve Preferences > System > Memory and GPU, where you can find the Use GPU Scopes checkbox. Since version 16 of Resolve, scopes have been GPU accelerated, enhancing response times and overall quality. Be mindful that turning off this feature may slow down performance, especially on lower-powered laptops, and doing so will result in losing access to the CIE graph.

Display Options for Scopes

At the top of the scopes interface, you can choose from different viewing options: single view, dual view, and quad view. You can customize what each view displays. For example, you can have the waveform in one box and the vectorscope in another, providing flexibility in your analysis.

The main menu contains various features, including a low pass filter that can clean up signal noise for a clearer display. The Extents option in the submenu shows the full extent of the readings, even those removed by the low-pass filter. Video Level Scopes and Display Qualifier Focus are two other useful tools for further analysis, allowing granular observations of highlights and shadows.

Another useful feature is the ability to show scopes in either a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio, depending upon your screen space. The quality button allows you to decide the quality of the scopes displayed, with options for low, medium, high, or auto depending on your GPU capability.

Exploring the Individual Scopes

1. Waveform Scope

   • The waveform scope measures luminance. You can isolate red, green, or blue channels, and toggle between colorized and standard view.

2. Parade Scope

   • The parade scope displays the red, green, and blue channels simultaneously, allowing for quick analysis of RGB levels.

3. Vectorscope

   • This tool is excellent for observing saturation and hue within your image. Features like skin tone indicators allow for precise adjustments.

4. Histogram

   • The histogram represents channel percentages across the entire image, reflecting black and white levels effectively.

5. CIE Graph

   • Useful primarily for HDR grading, this graph visualizes the color gamut being used and allows for comparison against other color gamuts like Rec 709 and Rec 2020.

Understanding Video Level Scopes

Finally, let’s get into Video Level Scopes. This feature changes the scales to proper parameters, with focus points at 64 for the black level and 940 for highlights. The main advantage is the ability to show reference levels, making it easier to visualize the threshold at which black and white levels will clip or crush, respectively.

Switching between normal and video level scopes will only change how levels are represented and will not alter the image itself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, utilizing scopes effectively can dramatically enhance your color grading workflow in DaVinci Resolve. By adapting these tools to your needs, you can achieve greater color accuracy and clarity in your projects.

Keyword

• Scopes
• DaVinci Resolve
• Color Grading
• Waveform
• Vectorscope
• Parade
• Histogram
• CIE Graph
• GPU Acceleration

FAQ

1. What are scopes in DaVinci Resolve?
Scopes are analytical tools used to measure the color and luminance of video footage, allowing colorists to make informed adjustments.

2. How do I access GPU scopes?
You can enable GPU scopes by navigating to DaVinci Resolve Preferences > System > Memory and GPU and checking the Use GPU Scopes option.

3. Can I view more than one scope at a time in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can view up to four scopes at once and choose which ones to display in single, dual, or quad view formats.

4. What is the purpose of the low pass filter in scopes?
The low pass filter cleans up noise in the signal, providing a clearer reading on the scope for better analysis.

5. How do video level scopes differ from regular scopes?
Video level scopes display levels according to specific parameters (black level at 64 and highlights at 940), helping colorists to avoid clipping and crushing of blacks and whites.