Add from 35 conversion LUTs and artistic looks to VariCam^® cinema cameras and the AU-EVA1.

HOW V-LOG AND V-GAMUT WORK

When acquiring in native V-Log/V-Gamut, the VariCam lineup of cinema cameras capture imagery with more than 14 stops of dynamic range and a very wide color spectrum, both parameters often exceeding that of 35 mm film.

To store this wide range of exposure in the recorded image, a log (logarithmic) contrast curve is utilized. However, displaying this huge range of image contrast (the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights) in Log format on a conventional monitor will result in an image that looks flat and dull to the eye, with colors appearing desaturated. These Log-recorded images are used to provide the greatest possible flexibility for later color correction; they are not intended to be viewed directly.

CREATING LOOKS WITH LUTS

You can adjust V-Log for viewing using a 3D LUT (3D Look Up Table). A Conversion LUT translates the flat V-Log material to a more restricted, yet contrasty, dynamic range and shifts the color-space to match the monitor, bringing both parameters to a technical standard for viewing such as Rec. 709. These conversion LUTs provide a neutral matching of the signal to the monitor, so they can be considered technical LUTs. Artistic Look LUTs create stylistic visuals like soft blue dusk, golden magic hour, or harsh desert sun by combining the technical conversion with creative changes to gamma, contrast, saturation, bias, and other aspects.

LOADING AND USING LUTS

3D LUTs can be loaded into VariCam cinema cameras. These LUTs can be separately applied to monitor outputs, the camera’s viewfinder, recorded proxy files, or even the camera’s master recording. Please note that “baking in” a LUT to the master recording is generally not recommended as it restricts the ability to adjust the image in post-production. The VariCam PURE records strictly RAW images without grading, but can apply a LUT to the monitor and viewfinder outputs. Using a LUT with a monitor or viewfinder can aid in lighting and exposing, and a proxy with a LUT applied is helpful for editing. LUTs can also be loaded into third-party LUT boxes for converting Log images on-set during production.