Creating realistic depth of field effects (Bokeh) artificially has always been a rather tricky and time-consuming task to pull off in DaVinci Resolve. While it is possible to use tools such as Depth Map and Lens Blur for some time, combining them often required multiple steps and careful adjustment to achieve convincing results. And even then, they don't always look natural. Now you can use the new CineFocus to create artificial depth of field effects (Fake Bokeh) with way more control, better results in way less time!
Takeaways:
- What's the best way to create a bokeh effect in DaVinci Resolve?
- Is there an easy way to add a fake bokeh effect to footage in DaVinci Resolve?
Table of Contents
What Is CineFocus in DaVinci Resolve?
CineFocus is an AI-powered depth-of-field tool in DaVinci Resolve that simulates the look of lens-based focus and background blur, commonly referred to as "Bokeh". Rather than building a complicated node workflow of separate effects, CineFocus combines all the required controls into a single tool. While it doesn't replace the look of true optical bokeh created in-camera, it can produce pretty decent results for many types of content.
How to Use AI CineFocus to Add a Bokeh Effect to Footage in DaVinci Resolve
- Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and select the clip or image you want to edit.
- Go to the panel where CineFocus is available.
- Apply the CineFocus effect to your media (Drag and drop it)
- Adjust the focal range to define which areas of the image remain in focus.
- Fine-tune the aperture settings to control the intensity of the blur.
- Customise the bokeh shape to match the visual style you want to achieve.
For best results, make gradual adjustments and review the image at full resolution. You won't get the full effect until you preview things in full screen.
Creating Rack Focus Effects
One of CineFocus's most useful features is that its settings can be fully keyframed.
- To create a rack focus effect, set keyframes for the focal range at different points on the timeline.
As the values change, the area of sharp focus can shift from one subject to another, simulating the look of a camera pulling focus during a shot. This makes it possible to create dynamic focus transitions directly within the edit without requiring additional plugins or complex node setups. Getting smooth keyframing is the hardest part of this process, as you need it to look natural and gradual.
What are the Main Limitations of AI CineFocus?
AI CineFocus is great, but it's not perfect. Since the effect relies on AI-generated depth information, this means that shots don't have easy-to-read information won't work great. So if lighting, colour, movement, distance, etc isn't within a certain range, you'll get mixed results. So if you have the option, try to get the best possible Bokeh using your camera during recording.
Being an AI feature, it also uses a fair amount of system resources, so if you are stacking a lot of elements and other AI features on a specific clip/s in the timeline, you are going to feel it during playback.
