HC-X2: Focus much softer in V-Log?!?!

[ullanta]

Greetings! I must admit I'm new to V-Log, so I may be missing something, but...

When I shoot in v-log, the image is much softer. If I keep the same lens settings, and change gammas, I can achieve a much sharper focus in any other mode than v-log. Text that is easily readable in others is blurry or even unreadable in v-log, etc. This is true after color correction as well. Is there something about v-log that would affect sharpness this way, is it addressable, and if so... how?

Thanks!

I'll quickly note that in testing this, I've found that the focus assist peaking... often shows things to be in focus when they're not!

 

[NorBro]

LOG options usually have no sharpening or it's off (vs. the others which all usually have it baked in by default unless you turn it off or down).

 

[ullanta]

Hmmm.... so that setting (detail?) is affected by the gamma setting?

 

[NorBro]

Yeah, the camera does as little processing as possible when you're in LOG (naturally it's expected the image will be treated well in post).

I don't know what it says in your menu, but the settings are usually from a negative or zero number to a plus number indicating how much sharpness is applied, and sometimes there are different sharpness modes.

In general, most camcorders have always been way behind in IQ compared to everything else so they always take the worst hits, and over the years there has been speculation if turning down the sharpness in some cameras turns it off or just down.

Play with the settings...do side-by-sides with text and fine detail (like you did) and see what's best...that's how we all figure out our cameras.

 

[ullanta]

Yes, I'll start testing that. Or is the better workflow to do it in post?

 

[Doug Jensen]

If you're shooting with LOG, then I assume you must be grading in Resolve. It is very simple to add just a touch of sharpening in Resolve on the last node.

 

[NorBro]

Yes, I'll start testing that. Or is the better workflow to do it in post?

I used to say post for many years - but very, very little in camera isn't as bad as it sometimes is mentioned (at least IMO, but very little).

 

[ullanta]

Can anyone recommend a better sharpening plugin for FCPX?

 

[NorBro]

I used the FCP one for like 10 years, they are all the same at this point. It really depends on the footage...garbage in, garbage out.

But if you were looking for more advanced AI algorithms to increase detail then that would def require other software.

Nevertheless, Resolve has a free trial; maybe see if there's a difference in such a major option.

 

[Peter C.]

I did test with my X2 and there is only a slight difference in sharpness in vlog. When I added a sharpness filter in FCP with the default setting of 2.5 it looked sharper.

Panasonic Vlog sharpness test

3 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

Your second image looks out of focus. Maybe you accidentally did something. I would do another controlled test at home.

Note, when I imported the log footage I added FCP vlog Lut, raised the highlights and lowered the shadows to achieve a comparable non log image.

I filmed with the same exposure, 4db gain, on a tripod. I'm actually surprised how sharp the camera is.

 

[ullanta]

I guess I should mention, I'm on the long end of the lens... the X2 calls this distance (reported focsl distance at sharpest focus) 89 feet, while my ac160 and 130 call it 68 feet.

I did test with my X2 and there is only a slight difference in sharpness in vlog. When I added a sharpness filter in FCP with the default setting of 2.5 it looked sharper.

Panasonic Vlog sharpness test

3 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

Your second image looks out of focus. Maybe you accidentally did something. I would do another controlled test at home.

Note, when I imported the log footage I added FCP vlog Lut, raised the highlights and lowered the shadows to achieve a comparable non log image.

I filmed with the same exposure, 4db gain, on a tripod. I'm actually surprised how sharp the camera is.

These are stills, of course, but for both modes I actually shot sweeps across the focal range, and i verbally reported the focus readings. These were definitely at the same reported focus distance (89.6 ft).

My main goal here is to capture a wide shpt of an orchestra with maximum lattitude, and maximum ability to reframe. The lighting in the hall has such drastic problems that my AC160 has a lot of trouble providing much information in the dark areas of the orchestra for piecemeal CC. I'm trying to see how much better I can do with the X2.

 

[Peter C.]

My read of it, it's a focus issue has nothing to do with v-log.

I would do a back focus test but beyond that your main concern for an orchestra is maintaining proper exposure on their faces and instruments Shadow detail isn't the priority, you're not filming a movie. When I film these type of performances I'm putting most of my effort into listening to the music so I can react quickly to catch the soloist with my manned camera, providing smooth pans and closeups to add interest.

 

[Doug Jensen]

My read of it, it's a focus issue has nothing to do with v-log.

I agree completely. Christ, even with LOG you should be able to read fine print. You can't read anything in that image. The camera is either broken or a mistake was made.

 

[cyvideo]

Can anyone recommend a better sharpening plugin for FCPX?

Probably the best third party and most configurable 'sharpen' tool I have used over the last couple of years is an OFX plugin from Boris FX. I believe it is available for FCPX. Best check their website. It's called "BCC+Magic Sharp". It's good as it gives you control over many aspects of the image. Not just a crude sharpen. For Resolve users, Resolve already comes with a couple of tools that can deliver a very decent result when used judicially. I often use the BCC plugin on history doco material that needs some TLC before program inclusion. A screenshot of the BCC+Magic Sharp GUI is attached so you can see the control aspects of the plugin.

Chris Young