• Canon Cameras

  Matching XF100 and 5D Mark II/muddy footage

  Posted by Elizabeth Johnson on November 7, 2011 at 7:38 pm

  Hi everyone,

  I finally received my new XF100 in the mail, after it was backordered for some time. I purchased the XF100 as a second camera to compliment my 5D Mark II and to use it in situations where the MKII might be difficult.

  I’ve read through most of the manual and have done a good deal of searching online regarding the picture settings in an effort to make it match with the 5D MKII footage. I applied former BBC cameraman Alan Robert’s settings (https://thebrownings.name/WHP034/pdf/WHP034-ADD65_Canon_XF100-105.pdf), but I’m still seeing a lot of noise/grain.

  Additionally, the footage looks, well…muddy to me? Not in all circumstance, but quite often the results look really bland and muted.

  Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the deep saturation of the 5D MKII, but if I’m going to use these cameras together, it’s important to match the colors.

  Does anyone have experience with this? Is there a technique in post production? Or should I also flatten the 5D with a profile like CineStyle?

  I’d be very appreciative of any help.

  Thanks!

  Cheers,
  Elissa

  Life is worth living.

  Elizabeth Johnson replied 14 years, 8 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
• 2 Replies

• 

  Angelo Lorenzo

  November 7, 2011 at 9:12 pm

  Introducing different camera models into a single production will complicate your workflow at least twofold. It introduces the issue of needing to apply proper color timing to at least one camera, and probably both.

  First, you need to bring your 5D to a proper flat profile: installing Technicolor Cinestyle

  I’m not wholly familiar with the XF line but I assume Mr. Robert’s video settings are pretty flat as well. It’s “muddy” because it trades contrast for a more compressed, low contrast image with more shadow and highlight detail after baked in processing. As far as the noise, I would assume it’ll sink into the blacks as real color correction is applied; you’re seeing it now because the gamma curve of the camera is lifting the shadows.

  Lastly, I suggest picking up https://www.amazon.com/Color-Correction-Handbook-Professional-Techniques/dp/0321713117 and downloading Magic Bullet Colorista Free https://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/all/magic-bullet-colorista-free/

  You’ll basically fuss with the color wheels until you can match representative samples from each camera. Save those as presets to apply to footage in the future. You edit your program, apply the color correction and export.

  It’s a little more effort now, but this is one of the easier ways to manage it.

  Angelo Lorenzo
  https://filmsfor.us – Helping you sell your film online
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• 

  Elizabeth Johnson

  November 8, 2011 at 10:31 am

  Hi Angelo,

  Thanks so much for sharing your suggestions and for the Color Correction Handbook and Colorista Free recommendations.

  So helpful to have a place like Creative Cow to learn from others!
  Thank you again,
  E

  Life is worth living.

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