Adding a facecam effect in Da Vinci Resolve

In this lesson, we'll move forward with incorporating a facecam effect into your screencast. This video focuses on doing it manually using DaVinci Resolve. While the next session will introduce a preset for the facecam effect, which simplifies the process with a drag-and-drop tool for professional results, today we're delving into the manual build. Mastering this process in DaVinci Resolve is crucial for those who prefer doing everything within the program.

Getting started with transform in Da Vinci Resolve

To add a facecam effect manually, start on the edit page in DaVinci Resolve. Navigate to the effects tab and locate the transform tool within open effects. Drag this tool onto your facecam video. Initially, this won't change anything visually. Your next step is to select the specific clip for the transformation by holding 'Alt' and clicking on the desired top clip. This action allows you to access the effects tab in the inspector.

Transform controls and settings

Once inside the inspector's effects tab, you'll find a range of transform controls such as zoom, position adjustments, and more. Although the video tab also offers similar controls, using the transform effect is preferred because it allows the addition of rounded corners to your facecam effect, which isn't possible with standard zoom tools.

To crop your image, first adjust the left side and mirror this value onto the right side to maintain symmetry. This gets us close to a square shape, which is beneficial for further adjustments. Continue by zooming to the desired size and positioning the facecam in the screen's corner. Adjust edge rounding for a smoother, softer appearance if needed.

Enhancing with drop shadow

To give your video a more polished look, add a drop shadow effect. Search for 'drop shadow' in open effects, then drag it onto your clip. Within the effects tab, adjust drop distance, strength, and blur settings to achieve the desired shadow look. Soft shadows often give a more refined appearance, but color changes for brand consistency are also a creative option.

Toggling effects

The corner camera effect is now in place, and you can easily enable or disable it through the effects tab. This flexibility allows for quick adjustments as needed.

Wrapping up: Ready for advanced customization

With the manual setup complete, you have a solid foundation for adding facecam effects in DaVinci Resolve. In the next lesson, we'll introduce a tool that further streamlines this process, offering additional customization and the ability to animate your facecam effects effortlessly. Now, you're prepared to enhance your screencast with professional video layering techniques.