Is there an “auto level” function in Final Cut Pro??? – help!!!

[Scott Davis]

I believe you can use the 3-way CC and hit the button with the black and white arrows on it.

[Deborah.blu]

thanks for your answer!
I think what you suggested is only for black and white and not for color balance.

debbie

[Deborah.blu]

thanks for your answer!
I think what you suggested is only for black and white and not for color balance.

debbie

[Scott Davis]

No,it is an auto level. There is auto black, auto white, and auto contrast. Levels apply to B+W and color footage. Adjusting levels manually is not that hard.

[Deborah.blu]

Ok Scott!!! Your advice has been very precious!!!

[Jason Porthouse]

Debbie,

The problem you have for colour balanbce is FCP can’t tell what is right or wrong, just as Photoshop can’t. So you need a little human input. Believe me, the first person to come up with a ‘FIX IT NOW’ plugin (along with the associated ‘MAKE IT WORK’ filter) will make a mint…

Anyway, use the color corrector. You’ll se that the auto levels are there, and as you’ve stated they work on the luminance and contrast – but below the left-hand colour wheel there’s a little eydropper button. This sets white balance – you click on it, then click on something in your image that you know to be white. FCP will correct the image accordingly. It does a pretty good job – with the caveat that the area you click on must be something that should be white in order for it to be accurate.

Now, when you use it, look at how the colour wheel above the eydropper changes – the little dot will move towards a colour in the spectrum. by seeing what FCP does, you’ll get a feel for how the CC tool works – where you need to move the colour bias towards in order to correct a certain cast.

If the shot you’re correcting has nothing white in, find a shot (or part of the shot) with similar lighting that does have something white in, and correct that. You can then save the correction for other shots in similar light, and it won’t be too far off.

Obvioulsly this is very basic, but don’t be intimidated by the CC tool – the more you use it the more you’ll understand what’s happening.

J

_________________________________

Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then when you do criticise him, you’ll be a mile away. And have his shoes.

*the artist formally known as Jaymags*

[Deborah.blu]

Thanks Jason!!!

Your explanation was very clear! As you and Scott said, after trying it manual for few times it’s not that difficult.

Thanks again, you made my day!!!
Debbie