[Grant Lovering] "Ahhh....I enjoy a lively thread. "
Ramona and I have know each other for awhile now, it is all good..
LOG was designed to allow for a greater level of data to be laid down in the same space.
Think Film. with a Negative, the user has a far greater level of control to reach into the shadows or print down highlights. Correctly processed LOG info has that same capability when it gets to a proper post facility that understands what to do with the data as LOG.
Linear -is just that - the data ( as luminance and color) increases in a straight line from black to white - it is mapped in a linear fashion. Video is a linear space by default.
you need to think about the math here.
Linear -- where the shortest distance between 2 points ( white and black) is a straight line.
linear video is usually not greater than 10bit
LOG- from Logarithmic (exponential) where by modifying that distance between 2 points using a mathematical calculation ( think of a curve or parabola) you increase the available number of points on that line since it is now curved line between the white and black points- there is more space between those points -hence more bits. Stills from a LOG capture can contain 10, 12, 14 even 16 bits or more of information, whereas the recording to a video format as LOG limits the data's bit depth.
Transcoding between LOG and LIN spaces is NOT recommended if you are not fully aware of the needs and usage for the final output.
Traditionally LOG files work with LUT's ( look up tables) to shape or redefine the characteristics for Viewing and playback on LIN devices -like a monitor.
Most LOG files are not deemed viewable on LIN devices without some sort of correction or modification
gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Inside look at the IoHD
