Don’t Be Scared of LOG/RAW Footage
Understanding the photo above
Every movie, TV show, documentary, and commercial you've ever seen is filmed in a format called LOG. Depending on the camera, it can be SLOG or VLOG. SLOG is commonly found on Sony cameras, while VLOG is prevalent in Panasonic cameras. There are also formats specific to certain camera brands, like REDlogFilm and REDgamma for RED cameras, and ARRI Log C for ARRI cameras.
In simple terms, filming in LOG unlocks the camera's full potential. However, this footage may initially appear flat, lacking in color, and seemingly of poor quality. Some clients have been initially unhappy with this footage, believing it has ruined their project. In reality, this is the highest quality footage available for your project.
The photos above are the raw SLOG footage and the colored footage from a Sony FX6. Shot recent for a quantum computer research lab in Tucson, Arizona.
Now, you might wonder, "Why not just film using normal camera settings? Its perfectly fine”. Here are some reasons why filming in LOG is superior:
Greater Dynamic Range: SLOG captures a wider dynamic range, preserving details in both highlights and shadows. This is especially useful in scenes with high contrast.
Enhanced Color Grading Flexibility: Footage shot in SLOG allows for more flexibility in color grading during post-production. Filmmakers have greater control over exposure, contrast, and color balance without compromising image quality.
Reduced Clipping and Loss of Detail: Normal footage without a picture profile may lose detail in highlights or shadows. SLOG minimizes this risk by evenly distributing tonal information across the dynamic range.
Professional Look and Feel: SLOG footage often has a more cinematic and professional appearance due to its ability to capture a wider tonal range.
Consistency Across Different Lighting Conditions: SLOG helps maintain consistency in exposure and color rendition across various lighting conditions, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the film.
However, it's important to note that shooting in SLOG requires careful attention to exposure and post-production workflow. Improper handling can result in flat or noisy footage. Additionally, filming in SLOG may not always be necessary or suitable for every project, as it adds complexity to the production process and requires more extensive post-production work. Ultimately, the decision to use SLOG should align with the specific requirements and artistic vision of the project.
The next steps
Now that you know more about raw/LOG footage, when you work with Ragtown or any other production company, no need to be scared of how terrible the footage looks. Reach out to us via email ragtownmedia@gmail.com or give us a ring at 480-370-4821 to talk about your next project.