Why is the default timeline gamma curve in DaVinci Resolve set to 'gamma 2.4'?
I understand that the default gamma curve is 'gamma 2.4', but I'm puzzled because many Resolve LUTs, such as Resolve Log to Rec709, ACES Rec709, etc., appear to use the 'Rec709 (Scene)' gamma curve. What is the rationale behind 'gamma 2.4' being the default gamma curve? I understand the function of 'gamma 2.4', but Resolve also offers 'gamma 2.2' and 'Rec709 (Scene)' curves for Rec709 delivery. The 'Rec709 (Scene)' curve seems to resemble the familiar Rec709 gamma curve. So, why is 'gamma 2.4' the default choice? What aspect am I overlooking?
In DaVinci Resolve, the choice between Rec709 (Scene) and Rec709 Gamma 2.4 can impact the color grading process. Rec709 (Scene) is tailored for scene-referred workflows, interpreting footage with a gamma of around 2.4, suitable for dark viewing environments like cinemas. It considers the original lighting conditions during capture, aiming for a natural representation of the scene. On the other hand, Rec709 Gamma 2.4 applies a fixed gamma curve of 2.4 across all calibrated Rec709 displays, offering consistency without scene-referred considerations. While both target a similar gamma, their theoretical difference lies in the approach to gamma management during grading and output. In a well-calibrated setup, visual differences may be negligible, but the choice should align with the intended display context and workflow specifics.
