CST vs ACES in DaVinci Resolve: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Color Workflow

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Introduction

When working with Log footage in DaVinci Resolve, many filmmakers and content creators face one common question:

Should I use CST or ACES for color grading?

Modern cameras like Sony, Canon, ARRI, RED, and even smartphones record footage in Log profiles to capture more dynamic range and preserve more image information. However, Log footage looks flat and cannot be used directly for a final cinematic image.

To transform this flat footage into a professional color workflow, colorists use tools like Color Space Transform (CST) and ACES.

In this guide, we will understand what CST and ACES are, how they work, their differences, and which workflow is better for different types of projects.

What is Log Footage?

Log footage is a camera recording format designed to preserve maximum dynamic range.

Examples:

  • Sony S-Log3
  • Canon C-Log / C-Log3
  • ARRI LogC
  • Apple Log

Log footage usually looks:

  • Flat
  • Low contrast
  • Low saturation

This is intentional because cameras store more highlight and shadow information.

Before color grading, Log footage needs to be converted into a proper color space.

This is where CST and ACES come in

What is CST (Color Space Transform)?

CST stands for Color Space Transform.

In simple words, CST is a conversion tool that transforms camera footage from one color space into another.

For example:

A Sony S-Log3 clip:

Sony S-Log3
      ↓
CST
      ↓
DaVinci Wide Gamut

A Canon C-Log3 clip:

Canon C-Log3
      ↓
CST
      ↓
DaVinci Wide Gamut

After conversion, different camera footage can exist in the same working color space and can be graded together.

Professional CST Workflow in DaVinci Resolve

A common professional CST workflow looks like this:

Node 1: Input Transform

Convert camera Log footage into a working color space.

Example: Sony Log Footage

Input Color SpaceInput GammaColor SpaceGamma
Sony S-Gamut3.CineS-Log3DaVinci Wide GamutDaVinci Intermediate

Node 2: Primary Correction

This is where you adjust

  • Exposure
  • White balance
  • Contrast
  • Saturation
  • Image balance

Node 3: Creative Look

This is the creative part

  • Cinematic color grading
  • Film emulation
  • Teal and orange look
  • Film grain
  • Halation

Node 4: Output Transform

Convert the working color space into the final delivery format.

Example

DaVinci Wide Gamut
          ↓
Rec.709 Gamma 2.4

What is ACES?

ACES stands for Academy Color Encoding System.

Unlike CST, ACES is not only a conversion tool. It is a complete color management system designed for professional cinema and VFX workflows.

The main purpose of ACES is to bring different cameras into one standardized color environment.

Sony S-Log3:

Sony S-Log3
       ↓
ACES Input Transform
       ↓
ACEScct

Now both cameras are working inside the same ACES color space.

CST vs ACES: Main Difference

CST

CST gives you more manual control.

You decide:

  • Camera input
  • Log profile
  • Working color space
  • Output color space

The workflow is customizable.

CST is popular for:

  • YouTube creators
  • Commercial videos
  • LUT creation
  • Personal projects

ACES

ACES provides a standardized workflow.

It is designed for:

  • Feature films
  • VFX pipelines
  • Large productions
  • Multiple cinema cameras

ACES keeps the color pipeline consistent between different departments.

Camera Matching: CST vs ACES

Imagine a project has:

  • Sony FX30 S-Log3 footage
  • Canon Cinema Camera footage

With CST:

Sony S-Log3CSTDaVinci Wide Gamut
Canon LogCSTDaVinci Wide Gamut

With ACES:

Sony S-Log3ACESACEScct
Canon LogACESACEScct

Both cameras reach the same grading environment.

Which One Should You Use?

Use CST + DaVinci Wide Gamut if:

  • You create YouTube videos
  • You make cinematic reels
  • You work with Sony FX30, Sony cameras, Canon cameras, or iPhone Log
  • You want more control over your grading workflow

Use ACES if:

  • You work on cinema projects
  • You handle multiple professional cameras
  • You work with VFX teams
  • You need an industry-standard pipeline

Final Thoughts

CST and ACES are both powerful color management solutions.

The simple difference is:

CST = You build and control your own color workflow.

ACES = You follow a professional standardized color workflow.

For most creators, filmmakers, and LUT designers, a CST workflow with DaVinci Wide Gamut is simple, flexible, and powerful.

For high-end cinema and VFX production, ACES provides a reliable professional pipeline.

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