Great explainer. Too many YT videos on this subject just compare well-known name brand monitors as opposed to giving a simple technical breakdown. You calm demeanor keeps the info easy to understand and digestible. Thanks for all the super helpful info.
Clean output refers to the signal coming from Davinci Resolve to your monitor. I have a Blackmagic Mini Monitor 4k card installed in my computer meaning that the video output bypasses the computer's GPU and gives me a clean output. Whereas without one, then the output goes from Resolve through your GPU and then to your monitor. Which means the output is influenced by your GPU and OS. It's therefore not clean. I hope this explanation helps.
Hi i'm not sure if you are aware but i have been informed DCI-P3 is specifically for grading films that are going to film festivals for DCP deliverables its not meant for a replacement of REC709. Great video and certainly is very valuable me right now so thank you.
Fred, I'm looking to get the Benq PD2705Q (100% Rec 709, 1000:1 contrast ratio, gamma 2.4). They advertise it as being Calman verified and factory calibrated. Will this do or do I need to calibrate it again in my room? I am editing and grading for TH-cam and Vimeo. Thanks.
Hey! You will still need to calibrate it probably one to two months after you get your monitor. Factory calibrated simply means that it’s calibrated in the factory before you get it. There is no monitor that you purchase and never calibrate. Plus, it’s always best to calibrate a monitor in your exact viewing environment.
GRADING like a pro - EIZO !!!! It’s for cinema level grading. Nothing else compares. But remember it’s a PRO monitor for professional grading at cinema level. YT & Social …. Stick with something you can afford. No big deal.
Fred, I can’t get a straight answer from anyone on this. Including Blackmagic support. Is the clean feed option out of Resolve clean or should it be called “full screen”? I can’t use deck link on a Mac. No PCIe slots. The only 4K option is the UltraStudio Mini 4K for $1000. If it’s not clean, what do the interface options actually do?
Hey Bigdogfilms, Yes, I'd call that more of a Full Screen setting since that isn't using a I/O device. Its using the computer's GPU which isn't the best thing. I'd recommend the mini monitor for only about $115. Yes the UltraStudio mini 4k is 1000 but thats actually a great price for the quality it delivers. If you want accurate monitoring you need an I/O card PLUS a calibrated video monitor.
@@FredTrevinoColor So the I/O device, whether it’s Decklink, UltraStudio 3G, or the UltraStudio Mini, functions as an external graphics card? Or does it modify the signal in some way coming from the GPU on the way to the monitor? We went with the DreamColor btw.
@@bigdogfilms6836 The I/O device is not a graphics card. In fact its whole point is bypassing the graphics card so that it outputs a true video signal. What you shot is what you're getting vs a graphics card, which is controlled by the OS, and changes the video signal too much. Get a mini monitor 3G and calibrate your monitor and you'll be in a great spot!
Extremely useful and very impressive video. Can I buy LG A9 Gen4 TV for the color grading? It comes with the factory calibration. How close (99% or 95%) this LG TV is to the requirements such as Rec.709, Gamma 2.4 and 1000:1 ratio? or Should I wait for LG A10 Gen5 TV (another 8 months after CES 2022) with HDMI 2.1 with much wider Gamut? I appreciate your answer.
If there were 2 monitors and one had 1000:1 but 99%AdobeRGB, and another had 2000:1 but only 85% AdobeRGB -then which would you choose? Photography and video editing is the work.
I'd say the most important thing is to calibrate whichever you have and that it depends on the work being done and the client. Most people won't notice the difference between those two. If I had to pick one I'd say the 1000:1 with 99% and calibrate it well!
Hey Fred thank you so much for this video and giving all info in simple words. I have one question. I think you can clear this confusion . Does Monitor panel matters in colour grading ? Like IPS , VA Etc . I think after that we all can have very clear idea about purchasing the Monitor for first time.
Hey Raj! Yes, it does matter however it's not the most important characteristic as you can imagine. OLEDs for example produce very rich blacks, which also effect how vibrant colors can look. They are also very expensive for this and other reasons. Most color grading monitors are LCD and are calibrated to be extremely capable high end devices. Flanders Scientific is a great well priced option.
Thanks so much for this video. I'm left with a burning questions about resolution and compatibility with an outputing device (like the Mini Monitor). I've been recommended the Eizo CG Series (specifically CG279X which is QHD). I have an older UltraStudio Mini Monitor, gifted to me. One, I don't quite understand what resolution & frame rates the UltraStudio devices support. Two, I don't understand why the Eizo CG monitors come in strange resolutions (gaming?). I've been told that monitoring QHD from DaVinci would not be pixel accurate - bc the Mini Monitor which is HD (?) and HD is not a direct multiple of QHD. I'm baffled which resolution monitor and output device are compatible. And why would people recommend a QHD monitor which wouldn't monitor pixel accurately? Is it a case of making a compromise on sharpness, for better color accuracy for a prosumer monitor? I know this is a lot to ask, I can't seem to get this straightened out for myself and asking everywhere. Any help would be much appreciated!
Hey Is a 10 bit monitor a need in color grading ? Also am considering pd2700Q ( which is the only 10 bit monitor and the cheapest of the 3 ) , PD 2705Q ( which is the updated version of pd2700q & apparently 8bit ) And Asus Proart Pa278Qv ... Which should I buy ?
Hey! I wouldn’t say 10 bit is a definite NEED, and honestly depends on the level you’re at, the level your clients are at and if you’re grading high end cameras. Most people (even filmmakers) can’t tell the difference in 10 bit and 8. If you’re a pro colorist then yes, but if not it’s not a deal breaker and it will honestly not effect your grade much. I’d make sure whatever monitor you get is calibrated to video standards. Hope this helps!
Fred, this is such a rookie question, I’m ashamed to ask. But here goes anyway. I just purchased an ASUS PA27UCX-K from B&H. It’s 4K, Mini LED, True 10 bit, HDR10, HLG, and DolbyVision HDR compatible. 1000 nits. Just came down from $2500.00 to $1989.00. So I have some growing room here to learn and improve my skills. I’m working on Rec709 footage in Resolve. Monitor set for Rec709 Gamma 2.4. It’s not nearly as bright as my 2 Apple Thunderbolt displays. Which I’ve most likely mistakingly had cranked up to maximum brightness for years. So do I reduce the brightness of the 2 Apple displays to match the ASUS? I know I need to watch my scopes, but I don’t know if should boost the ASUS monitor brightness, or will that action move me out of the calibrated Rec709 space that I need to learn to operate within? Well, at least what that space is supposed to look like. BTW, the factory brightness setting for the Rec709 profile is at 50. I think its a 0-100 scale. This monitor is a true calibrated display. It even came with the software and a i1X-rite Display Pro Calibration Sensor. I appreciate all your help. I want to avoid foundational mistakes that will mess me up all the way down the color grading pipeline. Thanks again! Jerry Thompson. Christiana Tennessee.
Hey Jerry, So LOTS of info here and this could easily be a multi-part video! So my first question is HOW your monitor is calibrated and to what specifications? You mentioned its set to rec709 but did you calibrate it or are you referring to the out of the box calibration? As far say our apple displays, it makes sense that they're brighter because proper calibration to rec709 should be to a brightness of 100nits and apple displays max out to about 500 or more (depending on what you have) Also, proper rec709 calibration is based on grading in a properly calibrated suite, not just an office or room. So usually a properly calibrated display in a regular bright room may seem too dark... The answer to your question may not be a simple brightness adjustment but how it was calibrated, and what environment you're grading in!
@@FredTrevinoColor It looks like I threw too much at you right off the bat in retrospect. Sorry about that. But I think you answered my question. Even as poorly as I presented it. I've simply gotten accustomed to out of spec overly bright Apple monitors. Graded some clips this weekend and they look fantastic. I backed off the brightness on the Apple monitors to about 75% and they are much closer now to the new display which is good just for continuity purposes. To your points on calibration and environment...The Asus monitor has multiple profiles to choose from. Each one calibrated to operate accurately within your chosen delivery gamut. The menu gives you multiple choices to pick from as the color space you are delivering to. ie: Rec709, DCI-P3, Rec 2020, etc... I would assume a Flanders operates in a similar fashion? Regarding calibration, the monitor came factory calibrated with 3 pages of data and results pertaining to that specific monitor. You can download the Asus calibration software or choose Calman. But the monitor does come with an X-Rite calibration sensor to use. I definitely have no business messing with calibration at this point in time. My studio is similar in design to Darren Mostyn's, minus the advanced panel of course. I used his TH-cam video, which I think you are familiar with, as a guide to set up my studio. So the lighting and environment is optimal. Even the walls are 18% gray. I think I was a bit startled at how much different the new calibrated monitor looked in Rec709, coming from the Clean Feed in Resolve, from the overly bright Apple displays that I had gotten accustomed to in the past. It seems to me if I understand you correctly, set your monitor to match your delivery in resolve and get to work? :) Here's a link to the monitor if you want to take a look further. I think its a great choice for an upgrade for the money with some options to grow into as I progress. www.asus.com/us/displays-desktops/monitors/proart/proart-display-pa27ucx-k/
@@bigdogfilms6836 Hey great, and yea this all makes sense. Also, yes, your monitor should match your delivery! Sounds like you got a good set up there. Also, yea when you work in a calibrated rec709 space a super bright, P3 Mac display can seem crazy bright haha. Thanks for the link, I'm a little familiar with that display and have heard great things!
Isn't there something to be said for grading on what the content will be consumed in? i.e. if most of the people on the client and agency side are on iMacs or MacBooks, who are singing off on this, wouldn't it save time to just edit on such a display? Not to mention how often those devices are uncalibrated and likely have TrueTone enabled.
Please help me choose! I am an animator & graphic designer who loves to play games as well. I am confused between: 1) MSI MAG274QRF-QD 2) GIGABYTE M27Q 3) DELL S2721DGF 4) LG 27UL500 5) LG 27GL850
Took a quick look, really none of these cover the bases. I guess the M27Q might work (it's 1000 to 1 and 140% sRGB). If you're goal is to do any grading past Web, I'd go with BenQ, Asus, Dell (Ultrasharp series) or Viewsonic all of which make 100% Rec709 compliant Monitors in the same price range. Good Hunting!
Great explainer. Too many YT videos on this subject just compare well-known name brand monitors as opposed to giving a simple technical breakdown. You calm demeanor keeps the info easy to understand and digestible. Thanks for all the super helpful info.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
I really don't get the clean output explaination 6:10 , is there a tutorial or video you can recommend that explains it more pls 🙏
Clean output refers to the signal coming from Davinci Resolve to your monitor. I have a Blackmagic Mini Monitor 4k card installed in my computer meaning that the video output bypasses the computer's GPU and gives me a clean output. Whereas without one, then the output goes from Resolve through your GPU and then to your monitor. Which means the output is influenced by your GPU and OS. It's therefore not clean. I hope this explanation helps.
You didnt mention the PCI express decklink serie, is there a reason? Are they as good as the external devices such as the ultrastudio?
Thank you!! Great explanation!
Thanks! Actually, thinking of upgrading this video soon!
Hi i'm not sure if you are aware but i have been informed DCI-P3 is specifically for grading films that are going to film festivals for DCP deliverables its not meant for a replacement of REC709. Great video and certainly is very valuable me right now so thank you.
You can also just grade Rec 709 and do a conversion LUT to P3. I've done it multiple times with no issues.
thanks for this video
Fred, I'm looking to get the Benq PD2705Q (100% Rec 709, 1000:1 contrast ratio, gamma 2.4). They advertise it as being Calman verified and factory calibrated. Will this do or do I need to calibrate it again in my room? I am editing and grading for TH-cam and Vimeo. Thanks.
Hey! You will still need to calibrate it probably one to two months after you get your monitor. Factory calibrated simply means that it’s calibrated in the factory before you get it. There is no monitor that you purchase and never calibrate. Plus, it’s always best to calibrate a monitor in your exact viewing environment.
@@FredTrevinoColor Understood. Thank you very much. I am going through your color grading classes on Skillshare. Very helpful I must say.
Awesome instruction Bro lookin forward to more Great content.
Thanks!
thank you
Appreciate all the info.
Any thoughts on the Viewsonic XG320U?
Not too familiar with that one but from what I know its mainly a great gaming monitor.
GRADING like a pro - EIZO !!!! It’s for cinema level grading. Nothing else compares. But remember it’s a PRO monitor for professional grading at cinema level. YT & Social …. Stick with something you can afford. No big deal.
Fred, I can’t get a straight answer from anyone on this. Including Blackmagic support. Is the clean feed option out of Resolve clean or should it be called “full screen”? I can’t use deck link on a Mac. No PCIe slots. The only 4K option is the UltraStudio Mini 4K for $1000. If it’s not clean, what do the interface options actually do?
Hey Bigdogfilms, Yes, I'd call that more of a Full Screen setting since that isn't using a I/O device. Its using the computer's GPU which isn't the best thing. I'd recommend the mini monitor for only about $115. Yes the UltraStudio mini 4k is 1000 but thats actually a great price for the quality it delivers. If you want accurate monitoring you need an I/O card PLUS a calibrated video monitor.
@@FredTrevinoColor So the I/O device, whether it’s Decklink, UltraStudio 3G, or the UltraStudio Mini, functions as an external graphics card? Or does it modify the signal in some way coming from the GPU on the way to the monitor?
We went with the DreamColor btw.
@@bigdogfilms6836 The I/O device is not a graphics card. In fact its whole point is bypassing the graphics card so that it outputs a true video signal. What you shot is what you're getting vs a graphics card, which is controlled by the OS, and changes the video signal too much. Get a mini monitor 3G and calibrate your monitor and you'll be in a great spot!
@@FredTrevinoColor Thanks Fred! Really appreciate you sharing. Jerry
Btw…you didn’t mention brightness recommendations in this video. Your thoughts there?
Extremely useful and very impressive video.
Can I buy LG A9 Gen4 TV for the color grading? It comes with the factory calibration. How close (99% or 95%) this LG TV is to the requirements such as Rec.709, Gamma 2.4 and 1000:1 ratio?
or
Should I wait for LG A10 Gen5 TV (another 8 months after CES 2022) with HDMI 2.1 with much wider Gamut?
I appreciate your answer.
If there were 2 monitors and one had 1000:1 but 99%AdobeRGB, and another had 2000:1 but only 85% AdobeRGB -then which would you choose? Photography and video editing is the work.
I'd say the most important thing is to calibrate whichever you have and that it depends on the work being done and the client. Most people won't notice the difference between those two. If I had to pick one I'd say the 1000:1 with 99% and calibrate it well!
@@FredTrevinoColor You made my choice harder! I have the choice between PA279CRV vs u2723qe. They seem close.
@@6969SpAcE6969 witch one did you get , i'm also have to choice between the same monitors.
Hey Fred thank you so much for this video and giving all info in simple words. I have one question. I think you can clear this confusion .
Does Monitor panel matters in colour grading ? Like IPS , VA Etc . I think after that we all can have very clear idea about purchasing the Monitor for first time.
Hey Raj! Yes, it does matter however it's not the most important characteristic as you can imagine. OLEDs for example produce very rich blacks, which also effect how vibrant colors can look. They are also very expensive for this and other reasons. Most color grading monitors are LCD and are calibrated to be extremely capable high end devices. Flanders Scientific is a great well priced option.
@@FredTrevinoColor Thanks Fred for Reply.
Very helpful, thank you!
Thanks so much for this video. I'm left with a burning questions about resolution and compatibility with an outputing device (like the Mini Monitor). I've been recommended the Eizo CG Series (specifically CG279X which is QHD). I have an older UltraStudio Mini Monitor, gifted to me. One, I don't quite understand what resolution & frame rates the UltraStudio devices support. Two, I don't understand why the Eizo CG monitors come in strange resolutions (gaming?). I've been told that monitoring QHD from DaVinci would not be pixel accurate - bc the Mini Monitor which is HD (?) and HD is not a direct multiple of QHD. I'm baffled which resolution monitor and output device are compatible. And why would people recommend a QHD monitor which wouldn't monitor pixel accurately? Is it a case of making a compromise on sharpness, for better color accuracy for a prosumer monitor? I know this is a lot to ask, I can't seem to get this straightened out for myself and asking everywhere. Any help would be much appreciated!
Hey Is a 10 bit monitor a need in color grading ?
Also am considering pd2700Q ( which is the only 10 bit monitor and the cheapest of the 3 ) , PD 2705Q ( which is the updated version of pd2700q & apparently 8bit ) And Asus Proart Pa278Qv ... Which should I buy ?
Hey! I wouldn’t say 10 bit is a definite NEED, and honestly depends on the level you’re at, the level your clients are at and if you’re grading high end cameras. Most people (even filmmakers) can’t tell the difference in 10 bit and 8. If you’re a pro colorist then yes, but if not it’s not a deal breaker and it will honestly not effect your grade much. I’d make sure whatever monitor you get is calibrated to video standards. Hope this helps!
@@FredTrevinoColor Oh ty mahn
Fred, this is such a rookie question, I’m ashamed to ask. But here goes anyway. I just purchased an ASUS PA27UCX-K from B&H. It’s 4K, Mini LED, True 10 bit, HDR10, HLG, and DolbyVision HDR compatible. 1000 nits. Just came down from $2500.00 to $1989.00. So I have some growing room here to learn and improve my skills. I’m working on Rec709 footage in Resolve. Monitor set for Rec709 Gamma 2.4. It’s not nearly as bright as my 2 Apple Thunderbolt displays. Which I’ve most likely mistakingly had cranked up to maximum brightness for years. So do I reduce the brightness of the 2 Apple displays to match the ASUS? I know I need to watch my scopes, but I don’t know if should boost the ASUS monitor brightness, or will that action move me out of the calibrated Rec709 space that I need to learn to operate within? Well, at least what that space is supposed to look like. BTW, the factory brightness setting for the Rec709 profile is at 50. I think its a 0-100 scale. This monitor is a true calibrated display. It even came with the software and a i1X-rite Display Pro Calibration Sensor. I appreciate all your help. I want to avoid foundational mistakes that will mess me up all the way down the color grading pipeline. Thanks again! Jerry Thompson. Christiana Tennessee.
Hey Jerry, So LOTS of info here and this could easily be a multi-part video! So my first question is HOW your monitor is calibrated and to what specifications? You mentioned its set to rec709 but did you calibrate it or are you referring to the out of the box calibration? As far say our apple displays, it makes sense that they're brighter because proper calibration to rec709 should be to a brightness of 100nits and apple displays max out to about 500 or more (depending on what you have) Also, proper rec709 calibration is based on grading in a properly calibrated suite, not just an office or room. So usually a properly calibrated display in a regular bright room may seem too dark... The answer to your question may not be a simple brightness adjustment but how it was calibrated, and what environment you're grading in!
@@FredTrevinoColor It looks like I threw too much at you right off the bat in retrospect. Sorry about that. But I think you answered my question. Even as poorly as I presented it. I've simply gotten accustomed to out of spec overly bright Apple monitors. Graded some clips this weekend and they look fantastic. I backed off the brightness on the Apple monitors to about 75% and they are much closer now to the new display which is good just for continuity purposes. To your points on calibration and environment...The Asus monitor has multiple profiles to choose from. Each one calibrated to operate accurately within your chosen delivery gamut. The menu gives you multiple choices to pick from as the color space you are delivering to. ie: Rec709, DCI-P3, Rec 2020, etc... I would assume a Flanders operates in a similar fashion? Regarding calibration, the monitor came factory calibrated with 3 pages of data and results pertaining to that specific monitor. You can download the Asus calibration software or choose Calman. But the monitor does come with an X-Rite calibration sensor to use. I definitely have no business messing with calibration at this point in time. My studio is similar in design to Darren Mostyn's, minus the advanced panel of course. I used his TH-cam video, which I think you are familiar with, as a guide to set up my studio. So the lighting and environment is optimal. Even the walls are 18% gray. I think I was a bit startled at how much different the new calibrated monitor looked in Rec709, coming from the Clean Feed in Resolve, from the overly bright Apple displays that I had gotten accustomed to in the past. It seems to me if I understand you correctly, set your monitor to match your delivery in resolve and get to work? :) Here's a link to the monitor if you want to take a look further. I think its a great choice for an upgrade for the money with some options to grow into as I progress. www.asus.com/us/displays-desktops/monitors/proart/proart-display-pa27ucx-k/
@@FredTrevinoColor Have you considered offering some type of training? Or even better...mentorship?
@@bigdogfilms6836 Hey great, and yea this all makes sense. Also, yes, your monitor should match your delivery! Sounds like you got a good set up there. Also, yea when you work in a calibrated rec709 space a super bright, P3 Mac display can seem crazy bright haha. Thanks for the link, I'm a little familiar with that display and have heard great things!
@@bigdogfilms6836 Actually yes, working out a few things now! Once I get it going I'll definitely post on here and let you know!
Isn't there something to be said for grading on what the content will be consumed in? i.e. if most of the people on the client and agency side are on iMacs or MacBooks, who are singing off on this, wouldn't it save time to just edit on such a display? Not to mention how often those devices are uncalibrated and likely have TrueTone enabled.
in short 9:12
and 10 bits
Please help me choose! I am an animator & graphic designer who loves to play games as well. I am confused between:
1) MSI MAG274QRF-QD
2) GIGABYTE M27Q
3) DELL S2721DGF
4) LG 27UL500
5) LG 27GL850
Took a quick look, really none of these cover the bases. I guess the M27Q might work (it's 1000 to 1 and 140% sRGB). If you're goal is to do any grading past Web, I'd go with BenQ, Asus, Dell (Ultrasharp series) or Viewsonic all of which make 100% Rec709 compliant Monitors in the same price range. Good Hunting!