Canon Log Workflow for FCPX and Premiere CS6

M

Matt Turner

Well-known member
Hi, sorry if this has been asked before, searching didn't help me, but I'm trying to figure out a workflow for using Canon Log in both FCPX and Adobe Premiere (CS6). I have a C100 so this is my first step into the world of using Canon Log and LUTs. My Google-fu has failed me in trying to find out how apply the LUT in FCPX. in Premiere I am trying to use Red Giants Lut Buddy but when I apply a LUT that I think is correct, CanonC300Rec709, everything goes multicoloured like a false colour view. Something I thought would take 10 minutes to figure out has turned into a 2 hour disaster! Help please!
 
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Why don't you just grade the footage your self in stead of using a predesigned lut?
 
Yes, I want to grade myself but since I'm just starting out I figured using the predefined LUTs was a good place to start.
 
Nahh, just get your contrast dialled in and that's it:) That's just a simple levels adjustment. From there one do more accurate work.
But just for simple viewing the simple contrast correction should be just fine IMHO.
 
Agreed. If you're looking to apply exactly the same adjustments to all clips, LUTs might be convenient, but I find myself wanting to treat most clips separate and just do manual corrections.
 
Eeesh people, LUTs are not meant to replace grading. You should be applying a LUT over the clip+grade.
 
Just want to do some clarification here. First what's a LUT? RAW or Log footage has a very flat curve - consider it the modern negative and it needs to be processed. Essentially a LUT does / can do two things.

The first component is to allow the footage to be viewed on set as an approximate of the finished image. This is a LUT that is applied to the monitor. In the case of Canon Cinema EOS cameras theres a built in LUT in the form of view assist. It's a one size fits all approach and to be perfectly honest I dont find it terribly useful other than the increased contrast with peaking added makes it easier for a focus puller. RED allows you to create LUTS in the form of RMD files create in redcinex / Arri does it in looks creator and these can be loaded onto the camera for example.

The second is a LUT that is applied in post production. This LUT is usually created in pre production and is applied to rushes to give a pre determined look. (NB This can also be the same LUT created for the monitoring preview).

LUT buddy is a tool that can do this cheaply and inexpensively on the computer side. Essentially its a tool to help, in this case you being the self colorist to apply a look to footage shot (that you decided on before you shot it). Grading suites such as resolve carry pre determined LUTS such as ABDC Log to Arri Rec709 etc.

When grading, a LUT only ever provides a base layer to the grade if you like, the colorist will work from.

General shooting and LUTS. How important are they? Well if I were shooting on Alexa, whilst not essential Id like a LUT on set to get a better understanding of where it will be in post and Im sure the director (if its not me) or agency people would want it as well. If Im shooting on my Canon C300 which I use quite regularly, the LUT on set is only really important to me if the company people want to be seeing what the shots look like. Usually Ive tested and know what the back end will look like.

Never be caught out in thinking if you're doing a TVC etc that LOG / RAW can be bent any way you want so why bother doing any testing up front. LOG / RAW is not an excuse to be lazy.

However... general B Roll, doco footage etc can mean capturing on the fly, getting somewhere and not knowing the location etc so, Log/Raw is very useful here. And you cant really create a predetermined LUT for the unknown so the Canon view assist can be very useful here. I prefer to check the waveform personally to see where Im at.

Canon C100 and LUTS - important when you're doing your own thing running around grabbing shots? Thats upto you. But I wouldnt bother with it. Better to be out shooting and learn what the camera will deliver in different scenarios and apply that knowledge to future shooting. Bring the footage into (insert whatever you grade in here), and knock yourself out.
 
Noel Evans said:
Liam you might want to explain further as Ive briefly covered a lot of things.
Click to expand...
You did. And you covered it well. I'm just splitting hairs really. My point is the files you create for Alexa and RED can only be used in camera where the "Look" can be used for external monitoring and be applied to metadata in the recorded file. So, technically they're not LUTs. I did say I was splitting hairs didn't I!
 
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