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Canon C300 Mk1 shooting C-log view assist image inconsistent with import into FCPX
I shoot actuality style documentaries by myself with a Canon C300 using C-log and a Zacuto Gratical viewfinder with wave forms switched on.
When I am shooting the images look great with the LUT applied through view assist and the EVF. The images still look great with the LUT applied in the Canon XF Utility browser.
The problem arises when I import them into FCPX, the LUT applied by this program makes the images look blown out and overexposed massively, but I’m careful to peak the highlights at around 90%IRE and skin tones around 30-50%IRE. Inside FCPX I then turn off the Canon Clog LUT for each shot and apply a very light grade manually and it looks beautiful again.
I’m wondering why there is such a large image difference between the Canon View Assist and import into FCPX? -
7 Replies
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Hmmm… that’s interesting, but as to WHY that is happening, it is hard to say.
I would say that for some reason the particular LUT and FCPX just don’t play well together.
My first inclination would be to say you should try using a different LUT in Final Cut… there are lots of LUTs that have been created for the C300 (just Google around and you’ll find quite a few). BUT keep in mind you don’t HAVE to use an LUT. It’s always assumed that you’ll have to do some grading anyway, and an LUT just gives you a leg up on that with a new “starting point” for grading rather than starting from scratch. Since you said you are only doing “a very light grade manually,” which you would probably do anyway even with an LUT applied, I wouldn’t worry about it and just skip it.
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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Thanks Todd for your reply. I have been ignoring it and just working my own way, but I realise this is not how its meant to work.
I guess I’m wondering if this is a common problem, or just peculiar to my set-up?
The whole idea of using a LUT is the convenience of pressing a button to make an image look good quickly, but it doesn’t seem to work that way for me.I specialise in shooting, editing and uploading quality footage from New Zealand for clients all over the globe.
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[Ivars Berzins] “The whole idea of using a LUT is the convenience of pressing a button to make an image look good quickly”
Not necessarily… the whole idea of using a LUT is the convenience of pressing a button to get a good starting point for grading. Using an LUT with log footage is rarely going to make an image look good as you said, but rather get it to where your grading on top of that won’t be such a monumental task.
If I were in your shoes I would actually look at this as a gift rather than a hindrance. You’ve actually dodged a bullet and are able to skip a step. Glass is half full.
It might be a common problem as you asked… I personally couldn’t say as I don’t edit with FCPX. You might wanna inquire over in the Final Cut forum, I’m sure plenty of users there are using LUTs with log footage.
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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Yes I agree Todd, I’m a glass half full guy and you’re right, nothing has been lost.
I’m just a bit confused as to why there is such a big difference in the looks achieved by apllying the same standard c-log LUT between View Assist and FCPX?
Maybe its a question on the FCPX forum as you suggest.
I specialise in shooting, editing and uploading quality footage from New Zealand for clients all over the globe.
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[Ivars Berzins] ” I have been ignoring it and just working my own way, but I realise this is not how its meant to work.”
If you’re saying you think it’s meant to work by using a LUT, well, not really. LUTs are a really a poor way to color correct. Going your own way with color correction on a Log image is the best way to do it.
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[Gary Huff] “If you’re saying you think it’s meant to work by using a LUT, well, not really. LUTs are a really a poor way to color correct. Going your own way with color correction on a Log image is the best way to do it.
“Ok thanks, going my own way is the way I have always done it with great success. I did think I must be missing out on something when I hear others talk about the ease of using LUTS.
Its good to hear others experience.
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Did you ever find a reason for this? I’ve had the same problem for a long time and have never understood why applying the Canon Log LUT in FCPX to log footage (shot with the C300 Mk1) doesn’t work right. Does this not happen to anyone else? I think my settings are all correct, but can anyone help?
We work with multiple editors, and I’d love to apply the Canon Log LUT as a convenient starting point.
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