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How to Grade S-Log2 using Adobe Speedgrade: A Complete Walkthrough

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I’ve shown you how to expose S-Log2 in the Sony A7s for best results, and I’ve also reviewed Catalyst Browse, a software that will help you create LUTs for it.

In this video, I’ll walk you through my grading process. Here’s what I’ll be covering:

  • How to bring clips to a certain ‘level’.
  • How to grade S-Log2 while keeping the filmic look and the intended vision.
  • Finally, how to match clips so they all look like they belong in the same sequence.

 
Note: Before you watch the video, please note that I’m not a colorist. I make no claims to the quality of the color grade. I’m pretty sure any half decent colorist can do a better job than I did. What I can show you is how to overcome the technical obstacle of grading S-Log2, so you never have to be afraid of it again.

Enjoy:

Here are the steps:

  • Make sure you grade in a 32-bit environment.
  • Use Offset and Gain (or Lift/Gain) to work with the shadows and highlights
  • Use the RGB parade to correctly white balance the shots.
  • Adjust saturation and local settings (Offset/Lift/Gamma/Gain/Curves/Levels) to match clips.
  • Apply a LUT or Look or color grade – whatever you prefer. I prefer the latter. I don’t like using LUTs or Looks.
  • Use masks/power windows and tracking (if necessary) to enhance your grade.
  • Always view your grades in 100%.
  • Playback your sequence to see if it all ties in well.
  • Give your eyes some rest. A good night’s worth of sleep is the secret ingredient!

 

Once you’re happy with your grade, it’s time to look at noise reduction and sharpening. This is purely a subjective matter. If you’ve exposed correctly, the noise is aesthetically pleasing!

Please tell me what you think. I’m also looking to improve my grading skills, you know!

Related Articles

  1. How to Expose and Grade S-Log2 for the Sony A7s
  2. How to expose and grade S-Log2 on the Sony a7R II and Sony a7S II
  3. Adobe Speedgrade CC Crash Course for Beginners (Part Two): The Workspace Simplified
  4. Adobe Speedgrade CC Crash Course for Beginners (Part Three): Importing Footage
  5. The Adobe Premiere Pro to SpeedGrade Workflow

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Copyright © 2018 Sareesh Sudhakaran. All rights reserved.

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  • Home
  • Quick Menu
    • Become a Patron
    • Recommended Gear
    • Filmmaking For Beginners
    • Cinematography and Photography Concepts Simplified
    • All About Lighting
    • Learn the Techniques of Great Cinematographers
    • What Camera Should I Buy?
    • Camera and Lens Reviews, Comparisons, Tests and Guides
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    • Post Production Workflows
    • Learn Color Grading
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  • Contact