Best Leica Video Settings, L-Log LUTs, and Editing Workflows

[@xulab]

so good bro! the earth LUT allows matching to other cameras way better than the Leica stock LUTs. it gives it more of an organic look similar to cine cams and their roll off, takes the "edge" off modern mirrorless camera images that are bitingly sharp.

[@joeypandabear]

Thanks for the awesome video!! SL2S has really wonderful color in video, but as you've mentioned, it's useless without good post-processing. I am always blown away by how good it is. I just hope that there will be more support on these editing applications. This video helps a lot!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks! Hoping that most support comes as more people get to see what L-Log can do.

[@jpjacobsenbr]

Thanks for doing this video. So well done. Hope Leica pays you for future tutorials. As a fellow professional I can tell you really know what you talking about. You are great with the camera and made great content on the Leica SL-2S. New filmmaker subscriber from 🇧🇷

[@GajanBalan]

Wow, thank you so much. Truly appreciate the support 🙏🏾

[@kerschberg]

I really enjoy your videos on the Leica SL2-S. I am going to try your methodology on some future videos. Thank you!

[@nick_a_pagan]

This was definitely one of the more helpful videos I've found for grading L-Log, which I've had trouble w/ since getting my SL2-S.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Nick!

[@rudykadruje1142]

Underexposed at -1.0 or -1.5 bu what exposure metereing you have spot, center weighed, highlight weighted or multi field ? I know at different scene maybe changes metering but reasonable average setting to get used to the underexposure method.

[@lvervoortify]

Super thanks for this video. Just got my sl2s (next to my m10r which I know in and out together with capture one), but this video is a different world. Very interesting to learn all of this.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@menoforma]

I use Arri LUT as a starting point with no problems ;) Thanks for video 🔥

[@edhughes8893]

Which Arri lut do you use?

[@menoforma]

@@edhughes8893 That one from DaVinci Resolve ;) btw. DaVinci 18.5 just added L-LOG IDT ;) Which is awesome and finally!

[@tcruzdesign]

Just picked up an SL2-S and looking forward to trying out the video capabilities. Already loving the photography side of this camera. Thanks for the info.

[@GajanBalan]

Nice, enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@visualsciencelabkirktuck3834]

Nicely done and great information. Thanks!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks!

[@AlexKroke]

A good introduction video for L-Log, Davinci 18.5 has a native L-LOG IDT that works very well

[@GajanBalan]

Wow! I’ll have to test that version out and update the description of this video. Thanks Alex ✌🏾

[@scottkukla]

Very helpful video. SL2s💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@timmylima]

Thanks for this video. One thing, LOG footage is supposed to be exposed to the right(exposing ETTR), just like any other LOG footage in other cameras. This info can be found in the Leica-L Log reference Manual. Also, in Davinci, as IDT you can use as Input color space rec 2020(or even V Gamut, since to this date there is not a Leica gamut)and as input Gamma-leica Log. output color space and output gamma just use DaVinci wide gamma and DaVinci Intermediate. This will give you the widest information to work with. As ODT so go from DaVinci wide gamma and DaVinci Intermediate to Rec 709/Gamma 2.4(if that is what you are going for...9This is what I do with my SL3

[@GajanBalan]

You’re absolutely right. Soon after publishing, I realized there’s a lot of inaccuracies here. But it didn’t seem right to hide the video. I’m working on an updated video early next year that addresses these inaccuracies and brings in best practices for the current platform. Thanks for sharing!

[@mudiappahpillai]

I've been looking for / waiting for someone to make this video for ages. Thanks for covering all the details you did! Two things I'm curious about: 1. What size of SD card do you typically use for video on the SL2-S? 2. How many batteries do you usually carry?

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you Chris! I stick to 256gb so I’m not overshooting on one card and I have two batteries, but I recommend four. I was filming a concert with a 7-camera setup and my team was handling the cine cameras, where I would use the SL2S for more docu-style filming and two fully charged batteries couldn’t get me through a four hour show. It was tough. So I feel like four is a safe spot for heavy video shooters.

[@mudiappahpillai]

@@GajanBalan That’s super helpful context! Thank you. 🙏

[@davidjohn2405]

@@GajanBalan that's a $1000 in batteries. I love everything about the SL2S and trying to justify it (to pair with my Q3), but these batteries man.

[@GajanBalan]

@@davidjohn2405 I hear you and agree. Really wish there was an effort to make these batteries more affordable or bundles, or even a dummy battery solution to use V-Mount or power bank.

[@valtorf]

Fantastic video, thanks! Hugely lacking audio recording settings and workflow.

[@jesperthecreator6512]

Hey man! Great video and nice to see more people use and talk about the SL2S. I’ve been shooting on it for about a year and a half and as you, been struggling for a good lut as my starting point for grading. A videographer friend of mine just told me that davinci has color space transform for l-log in their 18.5 beta version. Haven’t tried it our yet but hopefully it will work our great. Keep up the good work! Best, Jesper

[@GajanBalan]

Looking forward to that update!

[@oleberek]

Small remark, with the new DaVinci update you select CST Input => Gamut: Rec2020 and Gamma: L-Log. Out Rec709 or something else which you might prefer to work in. As per Leicas white paper L-Log lives in Rec2020, that is why the normal LUT without a conversation is pushing in too much magenta. Great videos about the camera though :)

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks! Wrote this before 18.5 so this last method a little redundant at this point. And great to point that out with L-Log. I should have clarified this better.

[@JavierGuinea_Studio]

Hi! Does this configuration also apply to the SL2, or would you recommend something different? Thanks.

[@GajanBalan]

I haven’t tested the SL2 for video to this degree, there may be some differences around optimal settings.

[@mementography]

nice video! would love to see a video about your Leica SL2-S Video Setup / Rig / Addons etc. :-)

[@sc1]

Very valuable video. Can you talk about how you choose what focal length lens to use for video on the SL2-S? (35 vs 50 vs 28)

[@GajanBalan]

I’ve been testing some options just to see what I like, but the lens choice ultimately comes down to what I’m shooting. There’s no strict rule for me right now, but I’ve largely enjoyed the M summilux 35 for creative/narrative work and the SL 50 for commercial shoots. We’ll see what happens in a few months though. Thanks for asking ✌🏾

[@_parkphoto]

7:21 just bought the Earth LUTs since I started seeing that magenta you’re talking about with the Leica LUTs. They look really good. Also question - in fcpx, when applying the Custom LUT would you do 2020 for Input and 709 for Output? (Since L-Log is 2020) Kinda a huge difference visually so I wanna make sure I’m treating the footage correctly

[@GajanBalan]

Nice! And as far as I understand your question, yes that’s the way to do it.

[@_parkphoto]

@@GajanBalan sweet. I figured as much, but seems like not everybody does that and I wasn’t quite sure. Oddly enough it’s hard to find an answer. But it does make sense

[@richardchambers5820]

Thanks Gajan! I’m glad I saw your video that popped up on my KZbin feed. It’s nice to see that someone else appreciates the SL2-S as a way to incorporate the unique beauty of Leica M lenses in video productions. The SL2-S may not be the most sophisticated camera electronically but the power of M lenses to paint with light is unmatched in the industry. I also appreciate the helpful tips for using LUTs.

[@rattlersunited]

Thank you for making this video Gajan. #LeicaSL2sOwner

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@Zimh91]

Thank you Gajan for this very helpful video ! Amazing content, as always ! 🙂🙏 I would have one question about the editing tools. I know you currently use Da Vinci but do you have an opinion on whether or not it makes a big difference versus Final Cut or Premiere ? I am specifically asking for Leica (SL2S) footage. Anyway, thanks a lot and I can't wait to see what you'll create this year 😉

[@GajanBalan]

FCPX has definitely had some issues with colour management that I can’t seem to get around. Premiere is great, I just value the colour space management and overall colour tools of Resolve. Will resolve make the footage look better than others? Maybe not, but the process feels better for me. Hope this helps!

[@javierkraftein-in8914]

Trank you

[@jaegerschtulmann]

The skin tones are so reddish on that man rowing a boat and I find those LUT's a bit too nuclear. Yours are too yellow!

[@GajanBalan]

Grade however you like. This is more about workflows to streamline the process.