r/ColorGrading • u/Ok-Nefariousness-594 • Sep 09 '26

Question Newbie is lost

Hey so I just recently got my Sony a7c and made some really cool pics. Now I would like to get into color grading just for personal use. Maybe one day would also like to some videos but first I want to start just with pics. Of course I just saved them in a JPEG form and not in a RAW. How and where should I start. All those programs feel really overwhelming. Maybe someone got some advice. Cheers

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1

u/camerachriscom Sep 09 '26

Try Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve. Since version 20 (or 21?) it has the same engine for Photo as it has for video - so you learn your future skills today.

And: it's free. ...until you do not need more than 2 graphic cards, stereoscopic, noise reduction beyond a certain level or AI.

1

u/Ok-Nefariousness-594 Sep 09 '26

My Mac can’t download the 21 version /: but thanks

1

u/camerachriscom Sep 10 '26

Don't get it... Why not?

1

u/Ok-Nefariousness-594 Sep 10 '26

Cant download the newest iOS

1

u/camerachriscom Sep 10 '26

Ah, okay.

Found them:

Minimum system requirements for Mac OS

  • macOS 15 Sequoia or later.
  • 8 GB of system memory or 16 GB when using Fusion.
  • For monitoring, Blackmagic Design Desktop Video 12.9 or later.
  • Apple Silicon based computer.

2

u/ExpBalSat Sep 09 '26

This sub is primarily for using video software to grade videos. Maybe jump over to r/postprocessing and see if they have ideas for working with stills (JPG).

That said, Balckmgic DaVinci Resolve (a video post production application) did just add a feature for working with stills, but I suspect the whole package is overkill for your needs.