scene file comparison: custom cineV vs default spark

A

averan

Well-known member
i've been shooting everything lately with my custom cineV scene and loving the results, but on a whim last night decided to test out the old Spark setting and compare the two with some frame grabs.

my custom cineV is:
detail = +2
coring = +4
ped = -7
a.iris = +2
gamma = cine-like D
matrix = cine-like
all other parameters set to 0

this shot was taken indoors, at night, with a single 42w 3.2k cfl bulb positioned just left out of frame.

the cineV-wb=5.6k is the most accurate representation of what my eyes saw and my favorite for this situation.
what i'm realizing from this little test is that i think i'll switch over to Spark for most of my commercial shoots as i really like the punchy contrast and colors, especially for web use!

1257183802.jpg
 
why does your custom Cive V use Cine D? Shouldnt it be a custom Cine D file instead :)? Also I dont understand using preset daylight WB with a tungsten bulb. You will get much better and different results using a manual white balance IMO and using the color temp adjustments in your scene file to dial in warm or cool looks.
 
good eye!
you're right, must've forgotten that during another phase of experimentation.
i just changed the gamma back to cine-like v.
thanks.

imo, i prefer shooting mostly using the preset 5.6k wb as this gives me a more natural and realistic look and allows me to light a set or scene so that it looks the same to my eye as it does to the camera. its also convenient for fast ENG shoots with NO lighting control whatsoever.

white balancing away all the color in a shot takes away the mood lighting.

i understand applying some chroma temp to a manual wb, but i haven't experimented with that approach yet.

if i did, i'd set a warmer temp to A and a cooler one to B, then i'd have 3 options:
1. preset 5.6k for realistic look
2. manual wb on A for a warm look
3. manual wb on B for a cool look

thanks for the suggestions, i'll play around with this and see if it helps.
 
ok, here's another test shot using my custom scene file comparing Gamma using CineV and CineD:

1257532332.jpg
 
Hey Matt,

i finally got around to testing your suggestion and applied a -2 chroma shift to my A channel WB (set to ATW) and have to say that i am VERY pleased with the results!

i was getting frustrated with the 5.6k WB preset giving me great color overall, but flesh tones were consistently rendered red.

the -2 chroma shift adds some warmth the the ATW's tendency to balance on the blue side of things.

i'm pretty impressed with the camera's auto white balance and have assigned one of my user buttons to lock it so that i can maintain consistency throughout a shoot.

thanks again!
 
me too!
i'm tired of the washed-out 'film' look.
not all movies shot on film have that flat-gamma greyed-out look so that's not reason enough for me.
=)
i'm sure it has its uses, and i might use it on purpose someday.....
but until then, i don't want my HD shots looking like old moldy standard def!
 
The higher dynamic range is a pretty good reason for CineD. I shot some stuff the other day that was outside in the sun right after a good rain, so there was a lot of bright glare coming off the pavement. On a whim I tried both... CineD didn't blow out as easily as CineV. But the reflections were pretty extreme. Outside of something like that, I think the look of CineV or B-Press is more pleasing than CineD.
 
I hear ya. I've gotten comfortable with the judgment call to sacrifice a bit of range for snappier colors and defined shapes.

Here's the latest AT&T-YellowPages business profile video I shot with my CineV setting.
This was outdoors under full midday sun.
http://blip.tv/file/2903892

I'd love to know what you or anyone else thinks.

I'm finding full sun the most difficult to shoot in. Definitely gotta get myself a hoodman!
 
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