Remove Background in DaVinci Resolve: Faster Than Magic Mask… But With Limits

Removing backgrounds in DaVinci Resolve 20 doesn’t always have to rely on the AI Magic Mask. In this video, I’ll show you another method—using the Depth Map effect—to cut out your background.

✅ It can be faster than Magic Mask, especially on lower-end GPUs or older computers.
❌ But it also comes with serious limitations you need to know before using it.

I’ll walk you through step by step:

How to set up Depth Map for background removal

Why I tested it with iPhone Cinematic Mode footage

Render speed differences (Magic Mask vs Depth Map)

When to use Depth Map for faster results

The real limitations that might make Magic Mask (or green screen) a better choice

🎬 By the end, you’ll know whether Depth Map background removal is worth trying in your workflow—or if sticking with AI Magic Mask is still the cleaner solution.

👉 If you missed my AI Magic Mask background removal tutorial, check it out here:
   • DaVinci Resolve 20 - How to remove backgro...  

Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Why Depth Map Instead of Magic Mask
1:12 - Setting Up Depth Map Background Removal
3:05 - Render Speed Comparison (Magic Mask vs Depth Map)
4:55 - Limitations of Depth Map Background Removal
7:20 - iPhone Cinematic Mode Test
9:02 - My Takeaways & Best Use Cases
9:40 - Outro

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