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neilm8506696
Known Participant
February 18, 2021
Question

Maximum Bit Depth when sending to ProRes4444 for Resolve?

  • February 18, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 972 views

I am rendering a Quicktime PreRes4444 to send to my colorist. She will color grade in Resolve.  Should I specify Maximum Bit Depth?  My thinking is that gives me the most color information, which would be important for a colorist, yes?

 

Am I correct that without this option I get less color bits?

 

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but after two years working on my first documentary, I want to do the best job I can!

 

Thanks,

 

Neil Myers

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1 reply

R Neil Haugen
R Neil Haugen
Brainiac
February 18, 2021

No ... that's one of the puzzling items that doesn't actually do what it sounds like mostly.

 

Max Bit Depth is normally needed if you don't have a usable GPU and you are wanting the CPU to process the bit-depth of the color changes in the math that a GPU would use. If you're working with anything other than "software only" in your Project Settings dialog for Mercury Acceleration, you don't normally need that item checked. Premiere will be processing at full bit depth.

 

There are a few odd circumstances where that can be an issue. One I know of is DNxHD/R in the 4444 option, that ... you do normally need to check the MBD option.

 

I've not had any troubles with ProRes bit-dept though.

 

Neil

Everyone's mileage always varies ...
N
neilm8506696Author
Known Participant
February 18, 2021

Thanks, I appreciate your response.

 

BUT ... my question stands.  I am creating a Quicktime ProRes4444 render of my project.  This is being used by a colorist who uses Resolve.

 

Is it true that when I specify Maximum Bit Depth that the file it writes will contain 16 bit color instead of 8 bit?  Or, is it always 16 bit?  OR ... is is STILL 8 bit even with that option selected.

 

I believe it has to be one of the three options I have listed.  Do you know which it is?

 

FYI, the cameras used on thirs project range from a lowly iPhone to a Red camera.  IOW, there is a wide variety of color bit depths.

 

Thanks!

Ann Bens
Ann Bens
Community Expert
February 18, 2021

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