When NOT to Use V-Log L: GH5 and Ninja Inferno at DVinfo.net

Steven Schuldt · February 22nd, 2018, 12:37 PM

I'm wondering if there is any context when shooting an indie feature where it would be a bad idea to use the V-Log L profile when capturing to a Ninja Inferno. Assume grading in post is not an issue.

I'd heard something about low-contrast scenes/cloudy days being red flags for this kind of profile, but not sure that person knew what he was talking about or if he was referring to issues with in-camera capture of V-Log.

I'd just as soon use V-Log L for everything with a LUT for monitoring purposes, but would like to know if there are contexts where I should be using something like Cine D. Thanks in advance!

Cary Knoop · February 22nd, 2018, 01:55 PM

Nope, recording 10 bit V-Log is the best!

Cliff Totten · February 22nd, 2018, 06:23 PM

Well, you are in true 10bit with that camera so grading is generally a "safe" sport to play.

However, only record at the MINIMUM ISO for VLog. If you are on a scene with VLog and you are wide open and running 1/60 or even possibly 1/30 shutter and STILL cant expose a stop to the right? I know its tempting but never leave that base ISO (0db). Instead, just go back to a brighter rec709 profile.

Remember, VLog and SLog COMPRESSES the brightness of your recording. They take the light comming in and SUPRESSES your brightness at a certain ratio.

This goes completely against your goal in low light situations where you might want all the light you can get. In this case Vlog and SLog are fighting the very thing that you want more of....."light". Also remember that ISO/gain have nothing to do with actual "light" at all. ISO/gain are not true "exposure" concepts and do NOT apply to how your image sensor sees light. Gain/ISO is something that an image processor does to a signal long AFTER "exposure" was completed.

If you can get proper exposure at base ISO without adding any gain and you are at a good shutter speed than VLog should be fine for that shot.

CT

Jack Zhang · February 26th, 2018, 08:18 PM

Rule of thumb: Low Light and V-Log don't mix. Imagine if you had a giant bucket, and the amount of light only filled it 1/4 of the way...

February 22nd, 2018, 12:37 PM	#1
Steven Schuldt Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: USA Posts: 90	When NOT to Use V-Log L: GH5 and Ninja Inferno I'm wondering if there is any context when shooting an indie feature where it would be a bad idea to use the V-Log L profile when capturing to a Ninja Inferno. Assume grading in post is not an issue. I'd heard something about low-contrast scenes/cloudy days being red flags for this kind of profile, but not sure that person knew what he was talking about or if he was referring to issues with in-camera capture of V-Log. I'd just as soon use V-Log L for everything with a LUT for monitoring purposes, but would like to know if there are contexts where I should be using something like Cine D. Thanks in advance!

February 22nd, 2018, 01:55 PM	#2
Cary Knoop Major Player Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Newark, CA Posts: 324	Re: When NOT to Use V-Log L: GH5 and Ninja Inferno Nope, recording 10 bit V-Log is the best!

February 22nd, 2018, 06:23 PM	#3
Cliff Totten Trustee Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 1,197	Re: When NOT to Use V-Log L: GH5 and Ninja Inferno Well, you are in true 10bit with that camera so grading is generally a "safe" sport to play. However, only record at the MINIMUM ISO for VLog. If you are on a scene with VLog and you are wide open and running 1/60 or even possibly 1/30 shutter and STILL cant expose a stop to the right? I know its tempting but never leave that base ISO (0db). Instead, just go back to a brighter rec709 profile. Remember, VLog and SLog COMPRESSES the brightness of your recording. They take the light comming in and SUPRESSES your brightness at a certain ratio. This goes completely against your goal in low light situations where you might want all the light you can get. In this case Vlog and SLog are fighting the very thing that you want more of....."light". Also remember that ISO/gain have nothing to do with actual "light" at all. ISO/gain are not true "exposure" concepts and do NOT apply to how your image sensor sees light. Gain/ISO is something that an image processor does to a signal long AFTER "exposure" was completed. If you can get proper exposure at base ISO without adding any gain and you are at a good shutter speed than VLog should be fine for that shot. CT

February 26th, 2018, 08:18 PM	#4
Jack Zhang Inner Circle Join Date: May 2005 Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada Posts: 3,053	Re: When NOT to Use V-Log L: GH5 and Ninja Inferno Rule of thumb: Low Light and V-Log don't mix. Imagine if you had a giant bucket, and the amount of light only filled it 1/4 of the way...