The Best Portable Micro Colour Grading Panel Is a DaVinci Resolve By Blackmagic Design

The Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Colour Panel is a compact yet powerful tool, offering precision and tactile control far beyond what a mouse or keyboard can provide. To understand the full extent of its functions, Hieu spent some time reviewing this incredible device in our latest video.

Size & Weight

The DaVinci Resolve Micro Colour Panel is designed for portability, weighing just 1.1 kg with dimensions of 280mm x 166mm x 45mm. Its lightweight design allows professionals to transport it easily between studios or on-location shoots, while still offering the same robust build quality that withstands daily use. The compact size ensures it fits comfortably into any workspace without sacrificing essential functionality.

Panel Control Layout

This panel is equipped with three high-quality trackballs and 12 precision control knobs, providing tactile control over key aspects of colour grading, such as lift, gamma, and gain. Alongside the trackballs and knobs, the 18 dedicated buttons streamline common functions like playback, node management, and power window adjustments. This comprehensive control layout makes grading faster and more intuitive, enhancing productivity.

DaVinci Resolve Micro Colour Panel Connectivity

With both USB-C and Bluetooth options, the Micro Colour Panel offers versatile connectivity, enabling users to work in either wired or wireless mode. Its internal rechargeable battery supports wireless operation, making it ideal for mobile setups or clutter-free workstations. Whether connected directly to a desktop or paired with an iPad for on-the-go grading, the connectivity options provide maximum flexibility.

DaVinci Resolve 19 Compatibility

The lightweight Colour Panel integrates seamlessly with DaVinci Resolve, providing direct control over the software's most critical functions. Its design is user-friendly enough for beginners yet powerful enough for experienced colourists, making it a versatile choice. Whether grading simple projects or complex colour workflows, the panel adapts effortlessly to any skill level, enhancing both creativity and workflow efficiency.

Enhanced Functionality and Ergonomics

Blackmagic Design has improved the Micro Colour Panel's functionality and design, making it lighter and more portable. Now about the size of a standard keyboard, this updated version weighs only 1.1 kg, making it ideal for on-the-go work or compact studio setups.

Its three trackballs and precision rings, redesigned with enhanced grooves for grip, allow for finer adjustments in shadows, midtones, and highlights. The addition of 12 control knobs offers quick access to essential colour grading functions such as contrast, pivot, and saturation.

The Micro Colour Panel also includes dedicated buttons for playback, navigation, and various editing tools, streamlining your workflow and reducing time spent on software navigation. As demonstrated in our video review, the intuitive layout and customisable shift modifiers ensure quick access to essential functions, making it a vital tool for both freelancers and professionals alike.

Workflow Efficiency and Real-World Application

With its optimised layout, the Micro Colour Panel speeds up workflows in any grading environment. The shift modifier keys triple the functionality of buttons, allowing for additional control over nodes, keyframes, and colour adjustments without relying on external peripherals. With its user-friendly design, the Resolve Micro Colour Panel allows for a seamless experience when navigating through clips and timelines.

Additionally, the panel's high-precision knobs and tactile trackballs provide real-time feedback, making it easier to create detailed, professional-level grades. This combination of ease of use and advanced functionality makes it essential for any serious colourist or video editor.

Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Grading

In addition to USB-C connectivity, the Micro Colour Panel can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, making it perfect for clutter-free workstations or mobile setups. With an internal rechargeable battery, it supports uninterrupted use for extended periods. The integrated iPad dock allows for convenient on-the-go grading, further enhancing its portability. As highlighted in our review, this feature is particularly useful for professionals working in dynamic environments where mobility is key.

Comprehensive Features in a Compact Design

The Micro Colour Panel may be compact, but it includes all the essential tools you need for professional colour grading. It offers tactile control over lift, gamma, and gain, and its 12 custom buttons give you fast access to features like power windows, LUT application, and node navigation. To understand the extent of the configuration, the following list is a breakdown of what each of these knobs and buttons control:

Control Knobs Functionality

1. Lift Control: Adjusts the dark areas of an image, perfect for fine-tuning shadows.
   
   
2. Gamma Control: Modifies midtones, allowing you to control the overall balance.
   
   
3. Gain Control: Adjusts the highlights, perfect for bright areas in the image.
   
   
4. Contrast: Enhances the difference between the lightest and darkest parts of the image.
   
   
5. Pivot: Allows you to set the centre point when adjusting contrast.
   
   
6. Mid Detail: Fine-tunes the level of detail in the midtones, affecting sharpness.
   
   
7. Colour Boost: Saturates colours without affecting the overall exposure.
   
   
8. Shadows: Adjusts the colour balance in the shadow areas.
   
   
9. Highlights: Affects colour balance in the highlights for refined control over the brightest parts of the image.
   
   
10. Saturation: Controls the intensity of the colours.
    
    
11. Hue: Adjusts the overall colour tint of the image.
    
    
12. Luminance Mix: Blends your colour corrections with the original image luminance for more nuanced adjustments.

Control Buttons Functionality

1. Play Forward / Reverse: Quickly play or reverse your timeline without using the mouse.
   
   
2. Stop: Pauses playback at the current frame.
   
   
3. Next/Previous Frame: Step forward or backward in your timeline one frame at a time.
   
   
4. Node Management: Add or delete nodes for more complex corrections.
   
   
5. Power Windows: Create custom shapes to isolate areas of your image for correction.
   
   
6. Keyframes: Add, delete, or navigate keyframes for precise animation control.
   
   
7. Reset/Undo: Instantly revert changes or undo specific actions.
   
   
8. Shift Modifiers: Triple the functionality of each button, providing expanded features with ease.

For those looking for a portable yet powerful solution, the Resolve Micro Colour Panel delivers the same advanced features found in larger panels: DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel and DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel at a competitive price point, making it an excellent investment for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Colour Panel

The Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Colour Panel is an exceptional tool for anyone looking to enhance their colour grading workflow. Its portability, professional-level functionality, and wireless connectivity make it a must-have for both beginners and experts alike. Whether you're working from a small studio or grading on location, the Micro Colour Panel offers everything you need for efficient, creative, and precise colour grading.

Visit George's Cameras to explore the Micro Colour Panel and see how this versatile tool can assist your post-production projects to a new level. Our team is also available via Live Chat and phone to discuss your pre-production and post-production needs.