Blackmagic Design has just released DaVinci Resolve 16.2.3. The version includes bug fixes and improvements like better support for RED Komodo files, ARRIRAW, and more. Furthermore, there is enhanced decoding for the forthcoming Canon EOS R5. Read on.

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve 16.2

One of the major improvements of DaVinci Resolve 16.2, is the enhanced sound design capabilities regarding Fairlight. Read more: Blackmagic News: DaVinci Resolve 16.2 Announced With Boosted Audio Capabilities. The 16.2.1 was focused on sharpening the R3D editing and grading ability on Mac systems, due to the implementation of R3D GPU acceleration via the Metal framework (Read: DaVinci Resolve 16.2.1 Released With Improved R3D Editing and Grading Capabilities). Resolve 16.2.2 was composed of many little add-ons, and now the current brand new version 16.2.3 which is focused on the forthcoming beast by Canon: The EOS R5.

Resolve 16.2.3: Metal utilization for the EOS R5

As stated by Blackmagic Design: “Today we released DaVinci Resolve 16.2.3 update which uses Apple Metal to dramatically improve playback performance of clips from Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 cameras. If you’re working in HDR, DaVinci Resolve Studio 16.2.3 adds support for version 4.1 of the Dolby Vision CM algorithm. You get access to the latest version of DolbyVision along with backward compatibility for generating v2.9 trims and exporting v2.9 XML from a new project. This update also improves playback performance and reliability of ARRIRAW clips, as well as improves ACES IDTs with ARRI MXF clips, making color management more accurate”.

Today we released DaVinci Resolve 16.2.3 update which uses Apple Metal to dramatically improve playback performance of clips from Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 cameras.

Blackmagic Design

Fairlight enhancement

This version also contains further sharpening of the sound design capabilities on Fairlight. According to Blackmagic: “DaVinci Resolve 16.2.3 update improves rippling audio in trim mode, fixes display issues in the Fairlight index, fixes layering issues with cloned audio clips, and now correctly moves tracks over linked audio tracks”.

Here’s the complete list for 16.2.3 features:

1. Support for Dolby Vision 4.1 CM algorithm to generate v2.9 trims from v4.
2. Option to export a Dolby Vision v2.9 XML from a v4 project.
3. Support for RED SDK 7.3.2.
4. Faster Metal decoding for Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 clips.
5. Addressed incorrect playback for some ARRIRAW clips.
6. Addressed an issue with ACES IDTs for some ARRI MXF clips.
7. Addressed a focus and text entry issue for editable media pool fields.
8. Addressed an issue rippling audio extend edits in trim mode.
9. Addressed display issues with track and edit index in the Fairlight page.
10. Addressed a layered editing issue when cloning audio clips.
11. Addressed incorrect behavior moving tracks over linked audio tracks.
12. Addressed incorrect masking in Text+ when using image shading.
13. Addressed incorrect behavior deleting gradient points in the inspector.
14. Addressed multiple issues with blank Fusion previews.
15. Addressed an issue persisting viewer LUTs with comps in the Fusion page.
16. Addressed an issue with offline reference wipe sizing in the viewer.
17. Multiple performances and stability improvements.

RED Komodo and Canon EOS R5

For me, the fascinating point in this update is focusing on the improvement of Komodo R3D and Canon R5 CRM files. From the dry specs of 16.2.3, we can assume that the Mac users will earn better playback for their CRM files by this new Metal support for the R5 and 1D X Mark III. Besides, this version supports the last update of RED SDK 7.3.2. which is dedicated to better GPU decoding (CUDA/Metal) for the RED Komodo (currently in pre-production models since the camera has not formally launched yet). As a footnote for this article, we’ll start to see some kind of battle between those two absorbing cameras.

Do you have any thoughts on that? Comment them below.

DaVinci Resolve 16.2.3 update is available now as a free download from the Blackmagic Design website.