In this lesson we’ll go over grading S-Log3. I’m assuming you have watched the lesson on grading S-Log2, because the same principles apply.
First, please watch the final video, In Situ, so you can follow along.
In Situ on Youtube:
In Situ on Vimeo:
Download original 4K H.264 “Master” uploaded to Vimeo
Here’s how I graded it:
Notes:
- The clouds and sunset shots were filmed in Cine1, because I only had one chance and the exposure wouldn’t have worked out with S-Log3. I’m glad I nailed the mood, though.
- Everything else, except one or two shots, were filmed in S-Log3/Cine using the wolfcrow system. White balance was maintained to Daylight most of the time.
To learn how to use the Crow Chart to get the film look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSGVJkqAOw8
Important: I’m not providing the crow chart for download. You should be able to make it in half an hour in Photoshop. Instructions for the same can be found here.
Takeaways
- To avoid banding by Youtube or Vimeo compression keep tonal gradations above 20 IRE.
- Vimeo does better than Youtube.
- Avoid automatic matching or LUTs if they cause banding. Better to use an app that allows you to tweak, like Filmconvert, etc. But I like the crow chart system better!
- To really get good results, you need to learn how to grade, or find a decent colorist. Secondary color correction is key. You can get close with primary grading, but for professional results it will be found wanting.
- Exposing using the wolfcrow system leads to best results.
- If there’s too much noise, you can use NeatVideo.
- Don’t forget to add sharpening, because the default setting for Detail is -7.
- Grade using a 4K monitor if possible. Many of the artifacts are hard to catch otherwise. I used a 2.5K iMac calibrated using an X-Rite i1Display Pro probe, and verified shots in 100%.
- Use Prores over H.264 for easier and faster turnarounds.