color correction at DVinfo.net

Josef Crow · March 7th, 2004, 01:25 AM

can somebody please explain exactly what is done during color correction? Sounds like a silly question, but i really don't get it. And do you need to color correct with something like de Vinci or do the NLE's like Premiere work well enough (+/- After Effects). and if they ARE good enough, what exactly do you do... or how do i learn?

thanks.

Mark Williams · March 7th, 2004, 07:47 AM

Josef,

I use Vixen with Premiere 6.5 for color correction. Mainly to adjust white balance. I know most most say get it right when you film it. However, sometimes it is just not possible and you need to tweak things a little in post. I to, wished some way to learn how to do it right but couldn't find any good resources although the user guide with Vixen was somewhat helpful explaning what each adjustment does and how not to screw things up.

What I found worked best for me is experiment with the correction controls till you see what you like and what looks natural. Be sure to view it on an NTSC monitor if that is the format the finished product is to be displayed on. I think color correction is something you have to do a lot of to get good at it. Maybe some of the other forum members can give more insight into this.

You might want to try the Vixen demo at http://www.xentrik.co.uk/

Good Luck....

Mark W.

Richard Alvarez · March 7th, 2004, 12:26 PM

Quick answers to deep questions.

You "need" to color correct to make sure color and IRE levels are "Broadcast safe" if going to broadcast.

You need to color correct to make shots match from scene to scene or camera to camera

In short - you need to color correct to make color corrections... however you perceive them to be needed.

To learn your systems tools, read the manual, buy instructional videos, take a course and practice practice practice.

Adam Burtle · March 7th, 2004, 12:57 PM

Like Richard said, color correction is used to fix broadcast levels, and to develop neutrality between scenes (or diff. cam angles) that otherwise might not be seamless.

Color correction is often used to either emulate film look, or to just tweak color levels to add to the user experiences (for example, maybe adding a slight blue cast to make a dramatic scene have a "cold" feeling).

Julian Luttrell · March 8th, 2004, 02:58 AM

And another very good reason to colour correct is to fix the colour changes that happen when you key out a green or blue background.

You ask if this can be done in Premiere? You might also try finding a second hand copy of Pinnacle Edition (I see a couple on ebay) - I know I usually spit knives about Pinnacle, but Edition Liquid has a colour corrector that's the dogz bollix.

Regards,

Julian

March 7th, 2004, 01:25 AM	#1
Josef Crow Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: new york, ny Posts: 66	color correction can somebody please explain exactly what is done during color correction? Sounds like a silly question, but i really don't get it. And do you need to color correct with something like de Vinci or do the NLE's like Premiere work well enough (+/- After Effects). and if they ARE good enough, what exactly do you do... or how do i learn? thanks.

March 7th, 2004, 07:47 AM	#2
Mark Williams Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Deep South, U.S. Posts: 1,526	Josef, I use Vixen with Premiere 6.5 for color correction. Mainly to adjust white balance. I know most most say get it right when you film it. However, sometimes it is just not possible and you need to tweak things a little in post. I to, wished some way to learn how to do it right but couldn't find any good resources although the user guide with Vixen was somewhat helpful explaning what each adjustment does and how not to screw things up. What I found worked best for me is experiment with the correction controls till you see what you like and what looks natural. Be sure to view it on an NTSC monitor if that is the format the finished product is to be displayed on. I think color correction is something you have to do a lot of to get good at it. Maybe some of the other forum members can give more insight into this. You might want to try the Vixen demo at http://www.xentrik.co.uk/ Good Luck.... Mark W.

March 7th, 2004, 12:26 PM	#3
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Quick answers to deep questions. You "need" to color correct to make sure color and IRE levels are "Broadcast safe" if going to broadcast. You need to color correct to make shots match from scene to scene or camera to camera In short - you need to color correct to make color corrections... however you perceive them to be needed. To learn your systems tools, read the manual, buy instructional videos, take a course and practice practice practice.

March 7th, 2004, 12:57 PM	#4
Adam Burtle Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 173	Like Richard said, color correction is used to fix broadcast levels, and to develop neutrality between scenes (or diff. cam angles) that otherwise might not be seamless. Color correction is often used to either emulate film look, or to just tweak color levels to add to the user experiences (for example, maybe adding a slight blue cast to make a dramatic scene have a "cold" feeling).

March 8th, 2004, 02:58 AM	#5
Julian Luttrell Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 164	And another very good reason to colour correct is to fix the colour changes that happen when you key out a green or blue background. You ask if this can be done in Premiere? You might also try finding a second hand copy of Pinnacle Edition (I see a couple on ebay) - I know I usually spit knives about Pinnacle, but Edition Liquid has a colour corrector that's the dogz bollix. Regards, Julian