Validity of converting/transcoding 10-bit footage

Hi all,

A few questions:

1) Is there any point recording 10-bit H.264 video when you're going to convert/transcode it to something that Resolve (free version) can handle?
2) If I convert 10-bit video to 8-bit, would that be the same as just recording it in 8-bit?
3) Which 10-bit codecs does Resolve (free version) handle?

I'd be happy to buy the full version if I have to.

Thank you!

the free mac version does, the win not

you need the studio version!

1) yes

2) no

3) on Windows, DNxHD/HR, Cineform and using some third-party converters (Shutter Encoder, Cliptoolz, etc.), an unauthorized but workable version of Prores.

Or just do the sensible thing and buy Studio and support its continued development.

I'd be happy to buy the full version if I have to.

Go with that. Proper solutions are always better than work arounds.

Thanks all for the help.

1) yes

2) no

3) on Windows, DNxHD/HR, Cineform and using some third-party converters (Shutter Encoder, Cliptoolz, etc.), an unauthorized but workable version of Prores.

Or just do the sensible thing and buy Studio and support its continued development.

Could you elaborate on 1) and 2)? I'm trying to understand the technicalities as much as I can...

1.) Most modern cameras can differentiate more shades of light (an color) than fit into 8 bit. Formats like ProRes Cineform or DNxHD/HR can preserve these even for the free version.
2.) You'll preserve more leeway for grading before the quality falls apart, even if your delivery is in 8 bit.

If you ever want to go HDR, 10 bit is a must.

1.) Most modern cameras can differentiate more shades of light (an color) than fit into 8 bit. Formats like ProRes Cineform or DNxHD/HR can preserve these even for the free version.
2.) You'll preserve more leeway for grading before the quality falls apart, even if your delivery is in 8 bit.

If you ever want to go HDR, 10 bit is a must.

Thank you!