Reference point in color grading around which adjustments are made.
Definition
The pivot is the tonal value that remains unchanged during contrast adjustments. Increasing contrast makes tones above the pivot brighter, and tones below it darker.
Practical Application
Standard pivot at Middle Grey (18%). Shifting the pivot changes which tonal values are affected by contrast changes. Log wheels in DaVinci Resolve have an adjustable pivot.
Technical Details
Pivot = Tonal value where Output = Input. Mathematically: the turning point of the contrast curve. In an S-curve: the pivot is the midpoint. Default 0.435 in DaVinci (corresponds to ~Middle Grey in Log).
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