C200: How to use Canon Log 2 on the C200

[fhammond]

I'm new to this world so forgive me if I'm asking questions that don't make sense (and please tell me if I am!)

I've been reading about how to get the maximum dynamic range out of Canon's cameras by using Log 2. Part of that is exposing correctly, which I understand involves putting middle grey at 32% IRE on the waveform monitor. I got this info here: http://www.danielhaggett.com/blog/262-how-to-expose-log-footage-correctly

Canon Raw Development supports Log 2 but the C200 itself doesn't provide a Log 2 preset or gamma setting. What's the best way to deal with that, in terms of exposing correctly?

It's likely I'm mostly going to be using Log 3 but I'd at least like to understand how to use Log 2.

Thanks.

 

[mrtreve]

In practical terms, I wouldn't worry about the C-log2 IRE levels while you're shooting as the camera will be set up to capture C-log3. You're better off getting a feel for proper exposure with that and then know you'll gain the extra DR when switching to C-log2 in the Canon Raw software.

 

[fhammond]

In practical terms, I wouldn't worry about the C-log2 IRE levels while you're shooting as the camera will be set up to capture C-log3. You're better off getting a feel for proper exposure with that and then know you'll gain the extra DR when switching to C-log2 in the Canon Raw software.

Thanks. That's what I was hoping would be a reasonable solution - at least for now. Frankly, using a REC709 viewing LUT and judging by eye is probably good for 95% of what I'm going to be doing for a while anyway.

 

[cpreston]

I would assume that you would want to use a standard photo RAW concept and ETTR. I don't know where Canon is throwing out the data to get the 5:1 compression, but I wouldn't trust using my eye on a monitor to expose for C-Log 2. Both the blacks are lifted and the whites are dropped in order to save information that might otherwise be lost in compressing the whites and the blacks. But regarding the C200, I'm just making guesses although I'm interested to know what is going on with this RAW Lite and mapping to the various log gammas and why.

 

[Fahnon]

I would assume that you would want to use a standard photo RAW concept and ETTR. I don't know where Canon is throwing out the data to get the 5:1 compression, but I wouldn't trust using my eye on a monitor to expose for C-Log 2. Both the blacks are lifted and the whites are dropped in order to save information that might otherwise be lost in compressing the whites and the blacks. But regarding the C200, I'm just making guesses although I'm interested to know what is going on with this RAW Lite and mapping to the various log gammas and why.

I'm sure there'll be a whitepaper along shortly.

 

[mrtreve]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping would be a reasonable solution - at least for now. Frankly, using a REC709 viewing LUT and judging by eye is probably good for 95% of what I'm going to be doing for a while anyway.

Yes, that's what I and I assume most other shooters do in real life. Nobody holds up a grey card for every shot, you stick on the viewing LUT, maybe check the waveform and then pray.