10/17/2024
Understanding Log, raw and rec 709 camera footage
From The Learning pages of OntrackCommunications.ca
Broadcast Design | Creative | Creative Excellence Fridays | Design | Film Production | Tech Tips
October 16, 2024
When it comes to camera footage, understanding the differences between RAW, LOG, and Rec 709 is crucial for achieving the desired look and flexibility in post-production. Keep in mind, when it comes to LOG there are various kinds created specific to the manufacturer. S-Log 2&3 (Sony), LogC (Arri), Canon Log, V-Log (Panasonic), Red Logfilm, Blackmagic Log are all made by the camera manufacturers to establish their Log color space. Here’s a breakdown of each:
RAW
Definition: RAW footage is the unprocessed data captured directly from the camera sensor. It contains all the information without any compression or processing.
Advantages:
Maximum flexibility in post-production (color grading, exposure adjustments).
Higher dynamic range and bit depth, allowing for better detail in shadows and highlights.
Disadvantages:
Large file sizes, requiring more storage space and processing power.
More complex workflow, as it often requires specific software to decode.
LOG
Definition: LOG (logarithmic) footage is a gamma curve applied to the recorded image that compresses highlights and shadows to maximize dynamic range.
Advantages:
More manageable file sizes compared to RAW while still retaining a wide dynamic range.
Allows for greater flexibility in color grading without losing detail in highlights or shadows.
Disadvantages:
The footage often looks flat and desaturated straight out of the camera, requiring color grading for a polished look.
Less latitude than RAW, though still significantly better than standard gamma curves.
Rec 709
Definition: Rec 709 is a color space and gamma curve used for standard HD video, designed for television and web content.
Advantages:
Provides a ready-to-use image that is bright, vibrant, and well-saturated, ideal for immediate viewing.
Simplifies the workflow since the footage is already color graded and gamma corrected.
Disadvantages:
Limited dynamic range compared to RAW and LOG, making it less suitable for extensive color correction or dramatic lighting adjustments.
Less flexibility in post-production, as it’s closer to a finished product.
Summary
RAW offers the most flexibility but comes with large file sizes and complexity.
LOG strikes a balance between flexibility and file size, providing a good starting point for grading.
Rec 709 is ready to use but offers the least flexibility for creative adjustments.
Choosing between these formats depends on your project’s needs, the budget available, the available storage and processing capabilities, and the desired outcome in post-production.
From The Learning pages of OntrackCommunications.ca
