Comparing the Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel and Micro Panel: Making the Right Control Surface Choice

Blackmagic Design offers two portable control surfaces, the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel and the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel, designed to enhance the workflow of colorists and editors using DaVinci Resolve software. In this comparison blog, we'll explore the key differences and similarities between these two panels.

Let’s take a quick look at the key features of the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel and the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel

Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel

Video editing and color correction are essential aspects of post-production in the world of filmmaking and video production. To streamline these processes and improve efficiency, Blackmagic Design offers the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel. This portable control surface is a powerful tool for editors and colorists, providing a more intuitive and efficient way to work with DaVinci Resolve software. In this blog post, we will explore the key features and benefits of the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel.

Efficiency in a Compact Design:

The DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel is designed with efficiency in mind. It's compact and portable, making it an ideal solution for editors and colorists who need to work on location or in different editing suites. Measuring just 2.95 x 10.16 x 16.83 inches and weighing 7.71 pounds, it's easy to take with you wherever you go. Its compact size doesn't compromise on functionality, as it offers an impressive array of features.

Key Features:

1. High-Resolution Trackballs: The panel boasts three high-resolution, weighted trackballs that provide precise control over color correction. These trackballs are essential for adjusting color balance and achieving the desired look for your footage.

2. Primary Correction-Control Knobs: With 12 primary correction-control knobs, you can fine-tune various color parameters, including luminance, contrast, detail, saturation, hue, and more. Each knob offers 4096 steps per rotation, ensuring precision in your adjustments.

3. Navigation and Transport Keys: The 18 dedicated keys on the panel give you quick access to commonly used grading features and playback controls. This streamlines your workflow, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your work.

4. USB Type-C Interface: The DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel connects to your computer or laptop via a USB 3.0 Type-C interface. This not only simplifies the setup but also eliminates the need for a separate power supply, making it more convenient for users.

Control for Creative Precision

The panel offers extensive control over various aspects of color correction, which is essential for achieving the desired look in your videos. Here are some of the primary correction controls:

- Luminance: Control luminance parameters, adjusting contrast and brightness in the darker and mid-tone areas of your image.

- Contrast: Fine-tune contrast to make blacks darker and whites brighter, or vice versa. Adjust the pivot point for tonal adjustments.

- Detail: Enhance or soften image sharpness and definition, making it a versatile tool for a range of shots, including beauty shots.

- Color Boost: Boost saturation in regions with low saturation, adding vibrance to your footage without over-saturating it.

- Shadow Control: Precisely adjust shadow detail without affecting mid-tones.

- Highlight Control: Retrieve blown-out highlight detail in high dynamic range media, achieving a natural-looking image.

- Saturation: Control overall image saturation, allowing you to create vivid or grayscale effects.

- Hue Control: Rotate the hues of the image around the color wheel.

- Luminance Mix Control: Balance YRGB adjustments and Y-only adjustments for precise control over color correction.

Compatibility and Requirements:

To use the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel, your computer must be running DaVinci Resolve 14.3 or DaVinci Resolve Studio 14.3 or later. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, and select Linux installations, providing versatility across different operating systems.

The Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel is a powerful, compact, and portable tool for video editors and colorists. Its high-resolution trackballs, primary correction-control knobs, and dedicated keys streamline the color correction workflow. Whether you're working on location or in a studio, this panel offers precision and efficiency. It's a must-have for professionals who demand top-quality results in their color correction process. Invest in the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel, and elevate your video editing and color correction to new heights.

Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel

In the world of professional video editing and color grading, precision and efficiency are paramount. Blackmagic Design recognizes these needs and offers the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel, a versatile and feature-rich control surface designed to enhance the workflows of both editors and colorists. This blog post delves into the key features and capabilities of the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel and how it can revolutionize your post-production work.

Advanced Functionality in a Compact Package:

The DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel is a versatile control surface that strikes a balance between the compact DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel and the comprehensive DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel. With its advanced functionality and portability, it's an ideal choice for professionals who frequently switch between editing and color-grading tasks.

Key Features:

1. High-Resolution Trackballs: The panel boasts three high-resolution, weighted trackballs, which are essential for precise color correction. These trackballs allow you to make subtle adjustments to color balance, saturation, and more.

2. Primary Correction-Control Knobs: With 12 primary correction-control knobs, you gain precise control over essential color correction parameters. Fine-tune aspects like luminance, contrast, saturation, and more with 4096 steps per rotation for unparalleled accuracy.

3. Navigation and Transport Keys: The 18 dedicated keys on the panel provide quick access to frequently used grading features and playback controls, streamlining your workflow and reducing the need to rely on keyboard shortcuts.

4. Dedicated Feature Buttons: The panel features dedicated feature buttons that make it easier to access specific functions within DaVinci Resolve. These buttons provide a convenient shortcut to key operations.

5. LCD Information Display Screens: The two 5-inch LCD screens offer a visual overview of your project, allowing you to monitor vital information and settings without the need to switch between screens on your computer.

6. Backlit and Illuminated Buttons: The backlit and illuminated buttons ensure that you can work efficiently even in dimly lit editing suites or color grading rooms.

7. USB Type-C and Ethernet Interface: The panel connects to your computer or workstation via a USB 3.0 Type-C interface, simplifying the setup. Additionally, it supports Ethernet connectivity for added versatility.

8. USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-C Cable: An included USB cable provides backward compatibility for systems with USB 3.0 Type-A ports, ensuring that you can seamlessly integrate the panel into your existing setup.

Technical Specifications:

To ensure optimal performance, the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel comes with the following minimum requirements:

- Software: DaVinci Resolve 14.3 or DaVinci Resolve Studio 14.3 or later, along with Blackmagic Design Desktop 10.4.1.

- Operating Systems: Compatible with macOS/OS X (10.10.5 Yosemite or later), Windows (8.1 Pro 64-bit or later), and select Linux installations (CentOS 6.4, Red Hat Enterprise 6.8, and 7.3).

- RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, with 16 GB recommended (16/32 GB for Linux).

- Material of Construction: The panel is built with die-cast and machined aluminum, ensuring durability and longevity.

- Power Options: The panel can be powered via a 4-pin XLR connector, AC power, or Power over Ethernet (PoE).

The Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel is a game-changer for professionals in the video editing and color grading industry. Its advanced functionality, high-resolution trackballs, primary correction-control knobs, and dedicated feature buttons provide a level of control and precision that significantly enhances post-production workflows.

Whether you are an editor or a colorist, the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel provides a seamless transition between editing and color grading tasks. Its compact size makes it highly portable, and its versatility in terms of compatibility ensures that it can integrate smoothly with a variety of systems.

Investing in the DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel is an investment in the efficiency and quality of your work. It's a powerful tool that can help you achieve exceptional results in your video projects, and it's a must-have for professionals who demand excellence in color grading and editing.