Scene files or use editor for some items?

[cwoodhou]

I'm a comparative novice in the video world but fairly knowledgable in the still world. I have Barry's book and I was curious to see the emphasis on Scene files rather than suggest to make sharpness and colour corrections in the editor. I have seen many threads on best scene files for this and that and all but a few seemed a little artificial.

In general I was always led to believe one should obtain the highest quality original that kept your options open for later interpretation.

Would it be incorrect to do white-balance and correct exposure but leave all the scene settings alone apart from perhaps Gamma, assuming I'm using FCP?

kind regards

Chris Woodhouse ARPS

 

[averan]

chris:
there is no incorrect or correct way, only preferences and personal choice.
i suggest you do some testing for yourself, on your system, and see which approach gives you the kind of results you like.
when i first started out with the hmc i was in the 'shoot-it-flat' camp and tweak in post, but after a lot of not-so-great images i started really testing out the scene files. they can make a HUGE difference in your image quality. i now prefer to 'bake-in' a bit of a look instead of shooting with a super flat cineD low contrast type setting. i've found that i love the image i can produce and i don't have to spend any time in post trying to clean it up or make it look good.
and you should always get a good WB and always have correct exposure! without those 2, you have mud.