[Guy Ducker]

The histogram shows the ProRes footage to have peaks sitting within the 16-235 range, as with the h.264 file, when set to ‘Compress graphic levels to video levels’. The peaks are lower and smoother on the ProRes footage.

By eye, however, there is noticably more information in the shadows and highlights of the ProRes footage. I guess it’s possible that this is because it’s hidden in the gloom and glare of the full 0-225 range of the h.264. Monitor-wise, I’m looking at all this on a DVI computer screen, rather than an external video monitor.

Just to be clear, my objective is to work out the best way of giving the grader the flattest, most malleable image possible.