NAB 2023 has concluded and the much-anticipated next generation release of Blackmagic Design‘s DaVinci Resolve editing software remains elusively just over the horizon. While Resolve 19 was notably absent from the company‘s announcements, BM‘s event still brought welcome updates that will drive efficiency for editors, colorists and other post-production professionals.
Rather than unveil the next iteration of their editing app suite, Blackmagic chose to showcase several new video workflow products. Additionally, sneak peeks were provided of the forthcoming DaVinci Resolve 18.5 update along with a major new capability for their Pocket cinema camera line.
DaVinci Resolve 18.5 Beta Brings Helpful Improvements
Hero image: DaVinci Resolve 18.5 UI Updates
Although the wait continues for the landmark DaVinci Resolve 19 release, the newly-announced DaVinci Resolve 18.5 beta provides some helpful functionality upgrades:
Streamlined Subtitling
- Audio captioning – speech-to-text transcribing will automatically generate a subtitle file from video dialogue. Huge time saver!
- Audio transcribing – handy tool for quickly creating transcript documents from interviews and voiceovers
Boosted Image Handling
- Upscaling engine improved – better handling of vintage, small resolution or pixelated files
- Timeline Proxy Mode – edit lower res proxies then easily relink to high res source later
Cut Page Enhancements
- Split edits functionality added – allows separating video & audio to slip one independently
- Quicker to perform J and L cuts – trim talking head clips without slipping connected B-roll
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
"Being able to generate accurate automated transcripts as subtitiles right inside Resolve without needing to export to another app will be a massive boost for accessibility and efficiency."
- Molly Thompson, Senior Video Editor @ Apple
The ability to add burned-in subtitles directly in the Cut page without relying on exports or third-party software will measurably improve efficiency for editors responsible for their own closed captions and transcripts.
Meanwhile, the upgraded upscaling will come in very handy when working with older legacy tapes and footage that may only exist in vintage formats like Standard Definition.
The addition of split edits are a welcome timesaver for editors, allowing quick trims to either end of a clip without affecting the audio timing, or vice versa. This makes fast work of perfecting J and L cuts on dialogue-heavy videos.
J Cuts:
Resolve 18.5 Split Edit Example:
Game-Changing Vertical Shooting for Pocket Cameras
Pocket Camera Update 8.1 was also launched, introducing vertical/portrait orientation shooting to Blackmagic‘s popular Pocket 4K/6K cinema camera line.
This allows switching the sensor and display view to a 9:16 aspect ratio for mobile-friendly framing.
Why Vertical Shooting Matters
Recent surveys indicate over 50% of all videos are now viewed on smartphones. Vertical videos simply better fit the ubiquitous phone screen interface.
Short-form vertical content also thrives on sites like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
"We‘ve been waiting for the ability to efficiently capture vertical on the Pockets. This brings Blackmagic cameras fully into relevance with Gen Z social-first creators."
- Sara Thomson, Director, Digital Arts Academy
Key Features
Pocket Camera 8.1‘s vertical mode abilities enable:
- Sensor auto-rotation for adjusting to vertical framing
- Touch screen layout changes for vertical orientation
- Option to lock into vertical capture
- Access to all pro video settings while shooting vertical
This vertical flexibility will really open up options for solo content creators, mobile journalists, and corporate teams looking to produce video content tailored for phone consumption.
The intuitive viewfinder changes put all typical shooting controls and vital camera metrics at a thumb‘s reach without needing to pivot or flip the whole rig.Shooters can easily toggle from horizontal to vertical framing with the touch of a button while maintaining full access to pro features like RAW recording, genlock sync, and Blackmagic RAW codec options.
Beefed Up Infrastructure – What Else is New?
Blackmagic Video Assist 10" HDR Monitor
While users eagerly anticipate DaVinci Resolve 19, Blackmagic has focused efforts on expanding the peripheral production infrastructure that post workflows rely on.
Some of the key new products include:
- Blackmagic URSA Broadcast – New gyro-stabilized 12K global shutter sensor
- Blackmagic Cloud Store – Collaborative workflow storage solution
- Video Assist 10" HDR – Latest monitor/recorder with 10-bit 1080p
- ATEM Television Studio 8K – Updated live production switcher
Rather than chase the annual iterative Resolve update, Blackmagic has doubled down on hardware and ecosystem that enables video editors and color correction artists to facilitate their creative work.
The Road to DaVinci Resolve 19
So with no sign of Resolve 19 at NAB 2023, what clues or insights does this signal about its release timeline and upcoming features?
First, let‘s reflect on major past updates…
Why is Resolve 19 so Highly Anticipated?
- Expanded HDR scopes and Dolby Vision grading tools expected
- Next evolution of Blackmagic RAW codec likely
- Multi-user collaboration for remote workflows?
- Further Fusion integration across the app?
Based on past update cycles, we anticipate Resolve 19 likely launching in late 2023 although Blackmagic always keeps the details secret until shortly before new version announcements.
While the wait continues, the 18.5 improvements and hardware releases provide timely boosts for post-production and broadcast workflows. Colourists get more control over creating stunning HDR content while editors benefit from enhancements that amplify efficiency.
For many, DaVinci Resolve has become the software heartbeat that empowers visual creatives to realize their boldest artistic visions. The passionate Resolve community eagerly awaits the platform‘s next technological leap!