A crumby video that is a good example of how VIVIDRGB is awesome.

  • Thread starter Thread starter mayodaze
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mayodaze

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Really small quicktime movie (600kb):

http://img.peterslake.com/vrgbsmall1.mov

I shot the same thing twice. Once with no custom preset, then again with disjecta's VIVIDRGB preset.
Found here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=911832&postcount=35

Just something I decided to show you guys, if anyone isn't using VIVIDRGB yet. Never mind it's crumby export settings from iMovie, sound, etc. Notice the colors, which is bar none the best I've ever seen my backyard or my red Nissan Maxima ever look in video.

(M, 1/30, graycard white balanced, -3dB gain, HDV60i, built in 1/32 ND filter, stock lens (obviously :\).
 
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Thanks for posting that.

Is it possible to post still frames? I would love to see if I can match the VIVDRGB colors in post.
 
Quick screen captures of the iMovie.

vrgb2.png


vrgb1.png


vrgb4.png


vrgb3.png


vrgb4.jpg


vrgb3.jpg
 
I think it's obvious which ones are the VIVIDRGB grabs.

If you guys want to point out any obvious improvements I can make, go ahead.
 
Ok.

I dropped it in Final Cut and changed two settings.
1. I lowered the blacks just a touch.

2. I increased overall saturation just a touch.

I split the image in half. One side is VIVDRGB the other is the color corrected 'flat' image.

let me know which side you like better.

Either way, I think I want to shoot 'flat' and keep the latitude. I know a lot of people dont like the hassle of color correcting, but I prefer to do it that way.

Picture%201.png
 
You're right, Oynk. Color corrected from flat is a bit nicer (right.). I'll definitely keep it in mind when I have an important project when I care and/or can afford the time and attention to go fix a lot of footage.

Though, for quick point and shoot, deadlines, just futching around on fun stuff, then VIVIDRGB is definitely a tool to have on the camera.

I have a question, though. Is that about where you'd try to bring the image, the 'comparable to VIVIDRGB' that you have? Or would you have gone another direction, assuming you weren't going for a radical grunge look or anything. Because, as a thought, having the VIVIDRGB preset on camera just to click on for a second to see how you might end up color correcting it in post might be a nifty tool.
 
Also, your version was slightly enlarged, so I imagine you lost some detail.
 
mayodaze said:
I have a question, though. Is that about where you'd try to bring the image, the 'comparable to VIVIDRGB' that you have? Or would you have gone another direction, assuming you weren't going for a radical grunge look or anything.
Click to expand...


On almost everything I have shot with the A1 I just drop the blacks and the colors come to life. With your shot, I added a little saturation. I don't usually do that because it tends to screw with my flesh tones. Plus I like a less 'warm' look than most.

I should say that this is all guess work on my part.

I did used to work in visual FX for film. The 'raw' footage (film color space) was super washed out. It had tons of latitude in it though.

When I shot my first footage on the A1, I just assumed that the washed out look was a result of the latitude they were trying to build in to the default image. (I could be wrong). So far, I have been very happy with my color corrected results.

I am sure someone like Adam Wilt would actually know what he is talking about when it comes to the colorspace on this camera. I am just improvising.
 
So, Oynk, do you shoot just standard settings on your A1, or do you have any less-tweaked setting that you use and like?
 
Generally Im shooting fairly standard settings with CGN at 25. Obviously i change to suit location. mayodaze, you want that to "pop" more? See how your sky is a little washed out in exposure - use a polariser - your colors will instantly pop more and your skies will be that much bluer.
 
mayodaze said:
So, Oynk, do you shoot just standard settings on your A1, or do you have any less-tweaked setting that you use and like?
Click to expand...

So far, I am just shooting with the 'out of the box' settings.

It is mostly because I am not delving into the camera that deeply. I am gearing up with lights, steadicam, etc, so I am mostly interested in the camera being 'in the zone' so I can focus on integrating my other gear. I feel like all of my test shooting w/ color correction has reassured me that the standard settings suit my needs. If I was a cameraman only, I would want to tweak more. I am doing the 'one-man-band' thing so I need a lot of things to 'just work'.

I believe in the power of color correction. I work on a lot of shows where the footage looks bland and flat. Once the show is cut and they put it into a DiVinci or even a standard color correct, the shows become beautiful. For me, having the latitude of color and detail in the footage is more important than having it perfect on tape for every shot. I am doing documentary, run-n-gun stuff so I err on the side of being 'safe'. I dont crush blacks, I try to not blow out whites, other than that, I am happy to 'fix it in post'.


This is hardly advice for everyone, it is just my workflow.
 
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