Chris Whitten wrote:FWIW my 'beginner' view....
I've spent hours watching and rewatching Resolve tutorials. I've spent money on courses, for example at Ripple Training. Grading in Resolve is a very steep learning curve for beginners, at least for me.
I personally have found it easier to adjust my footage using the correction tools than using a LUT.
For me I try to get the shot as good as I can in camera. Of course in situations of a main subject in shadow, while other parts of the scene are bathed in hard, bright sun, are going to be a challenge. It's going to involve compromise, where some of the brighter parts of the image might be blown out, unrecoverable.
Both the camera (P4k) and Davinci Resolve are complex to use properly. If I'm having issues I know it's down to me, not the product. I wouldn't say using LUTs is 'essential' for beginners. If I get my CDNG or BRAW footage right in the camera, I find it relatively easy to get it to stage one viewable in Resolve using the wheels and curves.
Great! Now you got it! Only thing left is practice. That, no one can avoid. But you are exactly right on the path now, you showed you're an intelligent guy. I never use LUTs. In the beginning, I didnt cause I wanted to learn and practice. Then, I dont use because now I know how to do my own way. But we never stop learning.
Be sure of 1 true thing: You got high quality tools that are more than enough to let you do great work. Now it is up to you only. And be patient, its not easy and not quick, but it comes and you will love it everyday.
Ulysses Paiva