DaVinci YRGB vs. DaVinci YRGB Color Managed (RCM)

The difference in look between these two modes comes down to Tone Mapping (OOTF).

DaVinci YRGB (Unmanaged)

In this mode, Resolve acts like a calculator. It does not "know" what your camera is or what your monitor is unless you manually tell it (via CST nodes or LUTs).

• If you load Rec.709 footage, Resolve displays the file values exactly as they are. It does not apply any hidden contrast curves or "System Gamma" tweaks.
• Result: The image looks exactly as the file dictates, often flatter if the file was not pre-graded.

DaVinci YRGB Color Managed (RCM)

In this mode, Resolve is "smart." It identifies your camera Source (Scene-Referred) and maps it to your Display (Display-Referred).

• The "System Gamma" Boost: When converting from a camera scene (Scene Linear) to a display (Rec.709), color science dictates that you must add contrast (an S-curve) to compensate for the fact that viewing screens are dimmer than real life.
• The Lift: RCM automatically applies a System Gamma boost (approx 1.2) to shadows and contrast.
• Result: Footage in RCM often looks "punchier" or has different shadow levels compared to Unmanaged YRGB because RCM is automatically applying that "Scene-to-Display" contrast curve (OOTF) that you would otherwise have to add manually in YRGB.