It is possible to considerably improve the visual quality of a video recording by playing with colors. Indeed, colors can help reinforce the mood and tone you want to give to your video. However, it is important to choose the appropriate tones and colors to achieve the best possible result.
Although you can select the colors of the different elements present in your video recording, it is impossible to guarantee the final result on the screen. This is where color correction or video calibration comes in, which consists of adjusting the color tone of the video to make it as faithful as possible to reality perceived by the human eye.
This process is essential to obtaining professional visual quality from your video project. You can call on a freelance graphic designer on Graphiste.com so that they can support you in this mission.
Selection of the best video calibration software
1. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve software is a comprehensive video grading tool that integrates a variety of color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production tools.
Only available on Windows, this all-in-one solution provides numerous high-quality tools that will allow you to precisely adjust the colorimetry of your video sequences.
Forces
- Accessible for beginners
- Clear and practical interface
- Powerful color grading and correction tools compared to other software
- Very good free version
- Available in French
Weaknesses
- Complicated setup
- The learning curve can be long
2. Adobe Premiere
Adobe Premiere is professional video editing software that offers a wide range of tools and effects for manipulating video footage, audio, and color.
Available on MacOS and Windows, Adobe Premiere has basic and advanced color grading features to meet your video editing needs. Although Adobe Premiere offers a wide variety of features, it is also one of the most expensive programs on the market.
If you’re looking for software specifically for video grading and color correction, this might not be the best solution given its price.
Forces
- Many features
- Quick and easy fixes
Weaknesses
- The price
3. Red Giant Colorista Free
Colorista Free is an excellent free video grading software, which offers three color correction options and multiple inputs to easily adjust the colorimetry of your videos.
If you use Adobe Premiere, Colorista Free can be used as a secondary correction tool. Furthermore, for more advanced use, it is possible to purchase Colorista II as a plug-in for After Effects, for $199. This software is available on MacOS and Windows.
Forces
- Guided color correction
- Easy to use
- Many features
- Free version sufficient for video grading
- Better experience with Adobe products (Premiere Pro and After Effects)
Weaknesses
- Possible slowdowns during the editing process
4. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro X is considered one of the most powerful color-grading software for professional editors.
With its intuitive interface and user-friendly features, this software offers a wide range of easily accessible color grading tools. Software developed by Apple can only be downloaded on MacOS from the Apple Store.
Forces
- Extensive video grading features
- Very good interface and rendering ++
Weaknesses
- Only available on Mac
- Paid
5. VEGAS Post
VEGAS Post is post-production software compatible with VEGAS Pro, which provides you with a complete set of tools to improve the colors of your video editing project.
Available exclusively on Windows, VEGAS Post’s intuitive interface is equipped with an advanced color panel that will allow you to apply a wide range of color effects to your videos.
Forces
- Very good color grading features
- White Balance Tools
Weaknesses
- Very expensive
- Available only on Windows
- Not as intuitive as some other software
6. Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is an ideal video editing solution for beginners due to its ease of use.
This software includes a built-in color calibration tool that allows you to easily adjust settings for contrast, saturation, brightness, hue, white balance, etc. Wondershare Filmora is available on both MacOS and Windows.
Forces
- Many effects
- Easy to use
- Ideal for beginners
Weaknesses
- Very slow tool
- Paid tool, only a free trial version
7. Lightworks
Lightworks offers frequent features, including creative timeline editing options and numerous video grading effects.
Available for download on MacOS, Linux, and Windows, users also enjoy easy access to royalty-free video and audio content, as well as a library of ready-to-use video and audio effects.
Forces
- Organized workflow
- Interface intuitive et simple d’utilisation
- Extensive video grading features
Weaknesses
- No help available
- Effects still very limited
8. MAGIX Video Pro
MAGIX Video Pro X is a professional video editing software developed by the German company Magix.
It offers advanced features for video editing, color grading, title animation, visual effects, image defect correction, and more. Available on MacOS and Windows, it is a powerful tool used by professionals in the film, television, and video production industries.
Forces
- Very intuitive interface
- Haute performance
- Extensive video grading features
Weaknesses
- Very unsuitable for beginners
- No predefined templates
- Cannot import all types of videos
9. Edius X
Edius X is video editing software designed for video professionals and offers a wide variety of advanced tools for high-resolution video editing, editing, and post-production.
Available on Windows and MacOS, the software notably offers multi-format and multi-camera compatibility and high-performance color calibration tools.
Forces
- Precise and fast work
- Important features and advanced tool management for video grading
- High-end color correction and tracking
- Import all types of videos
Weaknesses
- Some effects are complex
10. PowerDirectorzz
PowerDirector is powerful video editing software that also offers color correction tools to improve the quality of your projects.
It offers several intuitive features and tools to allow users to select the ideal colors to enhance their videos. This editing software is available on MacOS and Windows.
Forces
- The interface is simple and intuitive
- Powerful features
- Regular updates
Weaknesses
- Includes a watermark in the free version
What does color grading your videos involve?
After video editing, calibration is an important step to adjust and modify the contrasts, colors, and saturation of each shot to standardize the whole and create the general atmosphere of your video.
Calibrating your videos requires several steps:
- Choosing video calibration software
- Master analysis tools (waveform monitor, RGB color code, vectorscope)
- Harmonize all the shots in your video
- Adjust video brightness
- Adjust the tone of the video
- Balancing hues and colors
- Correct defects
- Add effects
How to choose your calibration software?
Although color grading may seem simple, it can be time-consuming. For beginners, it’s best not to invest in expensive video grading software. However, if you are working on a large project with a comfortable budget, it is advisable to take the time to use a professional program.
In most cases, designers and developers choose color-grading tools based on client needs. If you don’t charge your clients for color correction, it’s best to use the built-in color correction tools or plugins instead of spending on specific software.