2019 iMac retina color calibration help, please

Running an i9 late model iMac with Resolve. No complaints.
Bought a Spyder Elite calibrator and latest software for Big Sur.

Current documentary project shot mainly 10-bit SLog3.cine source, for Rec.709 deliverable.

1. Should I be calibrating my iMac for Rec.709 gamma 2.4?
2. Should I ignore Rec.2020?
3. Should my color management be set to Color managed DaVinci Wide Gamut, or restricted to 709?

When I do all the above, the effect is to warm up the overall balance, which I’d expect, but the blacks/shadows seem excessively washed out.

So many variables. I only have the one monitor. Any help appreciated.

Thanks.


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Well, the Spyders are not the greatest of all devices, since they have massive sample variation. That said:

1. Yes, you should calibrate to Rec. 709 with gamma 2.4.
2. Yes, you should ignore it if you are delivering in 709.
3. That's a matter of taste. You can work in DaVinci Wide gamut in the timeline, while looking at it in 709.
That's done by the device transfer you define for the monitor or, in your case, the viewers.

I can wholeheartedly recommend the tutorial on Resolve Color Management by Rippletraining with Alexis van Hurkman.

Disclaimer: I wrote about that tutorial for a magazine and got my license for free.
No other compensation received from them.

Uli thank you so much for the speedy reply.
Is there a better calibrator you’d recommend? This one seemed to be well reviews but I’ll switch in a heartbeat.

I shall watch the video right now

Thanks again


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If you didn't buy yet, try to find a ColorMunki Display. That's a slower version of the i1 Display Pro, which is considered a good probe generally. It's not in production any more, but you may find some lying around at dealers for a good price.

And then go to https://hub.displaycal.net/wiki/3d-lut- ... r-resolve/ and read all about it.
The software is free.

I did buy the Spyder, but I’m more interested in being right than saving a few bucks. Thanks.


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Try it first, the recent models are said to be getting better.
Are your productions for broadcast or for the internet? If YT and the like, the Spyder should be good enough.

Broadcast, this one.


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OK, then it might be better to switch or at least compare the Spyder to a known good device.

Just wanted to follow up, Uli, and thank you for sending me to that Ripple Training RCM course. Probably the best $59 I’ve spent in a long while. Answered SO MANY questions I had about what is a VERY complicated issue if you don’t know what’s going on under the hood.

I’ve been able to set up my RCM now so that I can avoid having to use convoluted Color Space Transform node trees to retain my footage’s potential down the grading path. Dispensed with at least four nodes per grade. Often more.

Thanks again.

Knowledge is power.


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