GH4 Dynamic range comparison of GH4 profiles

V

Vesku

Well-known member
I made a quick test. All 4 videos with same exposure and with tripod and the same lightning. Iso 200, NR -5, 4k down sampled to fullhd, no iDynamic or curves or other than profile and contrast settings. 0-255 levels and captures of full levels and uncompressed frames to Photoshop.


I adjusted images heavily in Photoshop to get clear differences (S-curve, darkening HL and brightening shadows).


There is very little difference in dynamic range between CineD and Natural. In fact Natural -5 contrast has more dyn range than CineD 0. Natural is easier to adjust "normal looking". CineD has issues with red colors, they are too yellowish.
Dyn range is generally defined by contrast value with all the profiles. I think that Natural has best HL roll. CineD has quite harsh HL roll.
 

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I think a more precise way to check the dynamic range would be to use something along the lines of a DSC Labs XYLA-15 or XYLA-21 chart.
 
yeah, looks good, and I won't question your methods, but feel the DR is not represented here. You need a back lit chart like David mentions.

still, any tests that improve your shooting or increases knowledge is a winner :)
 
I think that GH4 4k can adjust near RAW photo dynamic range (12.5-13) if using all settings. What is the limit of usable (noise) DR is a matter of taste. Is there a general standard for that? My point was that it is not necessary to use difficult CineD for max dyn range.
 
I agree with Vesku. Almost raw dynamic range is recorded if setup flat. And I also agree that it depends on your noise preferences.
What is also important for geting the most USABLE DR is your post workflow. Carefully removing noise in the shadows and in mids, with neat video for example, before downconverting to HD can give you that extra stop.

So Im not agreing with David Jones rather absolutistic and short replies. It depends on the camera setup and post workflow. Also depends if it was shot avchd or if an external recorder was used. Usable DR can be anywhere between 11 and 12.5 stops.
 
Trolling?

Oh come on now. Because I'm camera agnostic and not a fanboy you are calling me a troll? Might I suggest you ignore my posts if you don't find them helpful, but don't insinuate that I am here as a troll!


KINOKS said:
Stop trolling. Its 12,5 absolute stops, mayb/probably 13. Period. But usable DR depends on the workflow from acquisition to post. I would say usable is Realisticaly arround 12, if you are very diligent in post.
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KINOKS said:
So Im not agreing with David Jones rather absolutistic and short replies. It depends on the camera setup and post workflow. Also depends if it was shot avchd or if an external recorder was used. Usable DR can be anywhere between 11 and 12.5 stops.
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KINOKS said:
Right... In video mode, GH4 has 13 stops absolute DR and 11 stops usable DR. :)
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KINOKS said:
And I don't agree on the dynamic range. No way does this camera have 13 stops. It's around 9 to 10. 11 with unusable noisy blacks maaaybe. Have to make a DR test with a chart. And I also agree it makes no sense making a totally flat picture. It's a weak codec, try and shoot with a picture profile that best suits your scene and you'll get most out of the camera.
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I dont care about cameras. I dont. Really. Not a fan boy. I actually dislike GH4 more or less.

In any case you were just bluntly repeating one and the same thing. And then gave a link that actually contradicted you.

Yeah GH4 has 11 usable stops if you arent to careful and diligent and if you dont use noise reduction, etc.
 
KINOKS said:
Stop trolling. Its 12,5 absolute stops, mayb/probably 13. Period. But usable DR depends on the workflow from acquisition to post. I would say usable is Realisticaly arround 12, if you are very diligent in post. Even the link you posted gives same results. "Sure enough, 13 perceptible stops, though that last one is mighty iffy"
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Come on, he's not trolling at all. He's trying to share his findings, that's it!
 
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