Driftwood V-Log L Samples - V709 & Arri Alexa LUT Comparisons

[Zak Forsman]

I downloaded and brought Nick Driftwood's 10 bit V-Log L samples into Davinci and applied the Panasonic VLog_to_V709_forV35_ver100 LUT, and also the Arri Alexa LogC to Rec709 LUT. Created this album on imgur to make comparing them easier.

http://imgur.com/a/FGcTr#0

My intent was to start looking into what LUT I will want to load into my monitor during production. Ultimately it will be a custom LUT but one of these will serve as the basis.

[Cinegain]

I'm quite digging the Varicam LUT though.

[deezid]

I'm quite digging the Varicam LUT though.

really??

Skintones are completely off with their own LUT. Crazy...

[AaronChicago]

I downloaded and brought Nick Driftwood's 10 bit V-Log L samples into Davinci and applied the Panasonic VLog_to_V709_forV35_ver100 LUT, and also the Arri Alexa LogC to Rec709 LUT. Created this album on imgur to make comparing them easier.

http://imgur.com/a/FGcTr#0

My intent was to start looking into what LUT I will want to load into my monitor during production. Ultimately it will be a custom LUT but one of these will serve as the basis.

Where do you get the Vlog to V709 LUT? I think it actually looks more natural that the Alexa LUT.

EDIT: Nevermind I found it on Panasonic's site.

[TheRenaissanceMan]

The VLOG LUT looks way better to me. Pinker, more natural skintones, subtler tones, and nicer color overall.

[Zak Forsman]

Here is the V-Log to V709 LUT if anyone else is wondering where to get it.

http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/varicam/35/dl.html

[Cinegain]

I had hidden it in my earlier comment. I guess a little too well.

[Zak Forsman]

Here's a three-way comparison of Art Adam's AA709A, Alexa LogC to 709, Amira LogC to 709.

http://imgur.com/a/Y8Mvq#0

[TheRenaissanceMan]

The Art Adams version has better reds, but otherwise they look the same...and still not as good as the VLOG LUT.

[raf702]

I'm liking Art Adams as well, it's looks in between vlog and alexa

[bunk]

Why not make your own grade, not based on a exciting LUT.
It has a couple of advantages the first being it’s your own grade, the second being that if you adjust it you adjust the grade and not add an adjustment after the LUT (deteriorating your footage even further) and third you learn a little more about grading or at least your grading software.
I tried to recreate the ArriRec709Lut image I found on Driftwoods twitter page of the woman in the close up. Took a day or so …and later I found more efficient ways to do the same thing and eventually made my own version. Applied that same setting to the other footage as well and it seems to hold up just fine.

 

[Flynn]

Those look really good bunk.

[Cinegain]

The V709 LUT kinda comes on strong with its red bias. The others kinda have some kind of shift towards yellow/orange/green by the looks of it, which seems much less favorable to me. Although I kinda like the exaggerated reds in the nightstand scene, a bit toning down couldn't hurt. I do like Zak's custom grades. Although they kinda lack some 'pop' (I know, I hate when people use that vague description too, lol). Think @bunk did a pretty solid job there getting a nice balance. Nice.

[TheRenaissanceMan]

I just think we're not used to seeing strong, accurate reds in our digital footage. It's a tough color to nail--probably the toughest. But when done right, it results in really wonderful skin tones.

I have no problem starting with a pre-existing LUT if it gives me results I like. All the Alexa LUT stuff I've seen has washed out mids, dull colors, and a yellow-green bias to skin tones. Those people look sick.

The VLUT images, on the other hand, have been uniformly gorgeous. A bit punchy perhaps, but that's easy enough to tone down. The best part by far is the skin. Like the Varicam, it just makes people look amazing. 

[AaronChicago]

TOP: Cineon (LOG to Linear) only. No other adjustments.

BOTTOM: Cineon (LOG to Linear) with contrast added.

 

[jonpais]

Will it be absolutely essential to use a monitor with LUT when shooting V-LOG Lite? I'm asking because I'm seriously considering the soon-to-be-released Aputure 7" 1920X1080 external monitor, but it is very basic.