Avoiding frame rate conversions with discarded frames in DaVinci Resolve

Resolve default handling of mixed frame rates

The default “Resolve” handling of mixed frame rates is to discard or duplicate frames and keep the same length as the original. This is OK when the source is 50 fps, and you add it to a 25 fps project. Every other frame is discarded, and motion is smooth. The same would happen with a 60 fps file in a 30 fps timeline.
Many film festivals will be able to screen 30 FPS DCPs instead of 24 FPS DCPs, so you could make both a preferred 30 FPS DCP and a backup 24 FPS DCP to avoid uneven motion.

Discarded and duplicated frames

A 25 FPS film is the same length in a 24 FPS project and a 25 FPS project in Resolve. To achieve this, Resolve drops every 25th frame in the 24 FPS project. For a 24 FPS film in a 25 FPS project one frame each second is duplicated. 23.98 FPS films in 24 FPS projects will also be adjusted. This results in ueven motion when someone is walking or when the camera pans.

Avoiding adding or discarding frames

You can change Resolve mixed frame rates setting not to discard or add frames and instead change sound speed. This is used when converting 25 to 24 or 23.98 to 24.

In Project setting – General options

Change Mixed frame rate format from Resolve to None

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