You don't understand Exposure - Adjusting Exposure in Final Cut Pro

[@MakeSomething]

What order of operations happens when you choose a LUT in the inspector tab? I like using this method because it changes how the footage looks in the timeline. When choosing a LUT with the effect plugin the footage still looks LOG making it harder to see what's what. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@iamericlenz]

Great question! This is a topic for another video. In short: The “Camera LUT” in the inspector is applied before any effect. Yes, it is convenient because it affects the footage library-wide but if you really want to colour grade after editing, I would highly suggest you turn off the camera LUT at this stage and set up your signal chain as described. If you want to know the details right away, please download the free pdf from the link in the video description. In there I explain why the LUT should be placed late in the signal chain. The reason is that applying a LUT is a destructive adjustment. But again, that’s in the guide and a separate video in the future. :) To reiterate, use the camera LUT for editing and turn it off before grading so you can set up your signal chain properly. But I have some great plans for videos on real-world workflows in the future.

[@Nath.Heimberg]

@@iamericlenz Just had the exact same question and am looking forward to that video!

[@misartech_de]

An other valuable lesson! Thank you so mach! I also try your convert LUTs. They are very good 👍🏻 keep going

[@iamericlenz]

Thank you a lot! :)

[@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny]

Another gr8 tutorial! Thank you for sharing. Is there a video talking about the correct exposure in camera when using log? Most people say ETTR exposing to the right. But since you break many myths, wondering if this is a myth too...

[@mark-OTU]

I've been applying the transform lut in the info tab because I was told it would work the same way as when you placed the lut at the end of the chain. But I just confirmed it doesn't. It's applied before any changes in the video tab which is disappointing and eye opening. I've been doing it wrong for years. and I didn't even think of checking with the luma curve! Thank you for sharing this! What I found interesting is that even if I used this method, which would allow me to clip my exposure beyond 0 or 100, since I use dehancer at the end of the chain and I realised it also limits the exposure between 0 and 100 even if you're not using the plugin's transform lut.

[@iamericlenz]

Great that you adapted your workflow. It‘s really unfortunate that so many people do this wrong and leave so much dynamic range on the table. Dehancer has a built-in colour space transformation. You could skip the LUT and use Dehancer‘s CST. As for the limitation, I don‘t exactly know why Dehancer clamps the output. I assume it has to do with internal processes of emulating film. Clamping the output might be necessary. Just mentally treat Dehancer as a destructive adjustment (like a LUT) and you‘ll be fine. :)

[@ProduktFilm]

Many thanks for that Eric! So informative as always. Love how you dig deep to show that in order to understand certain concepts one has to. Bravo!

[@iamericlenz]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much! :)

[@WatchingtheWorldBurning]

You are really adding value with your channel and website content. And your explanations are clear and concise, and in a second language. I really am an underachiever! 🤣

[@iamericlenz]

Ahahaha :D Thank you so much! ❤️

[@dwoodog]

so one part I get confused on is....If I want to upload HDR content to youtube for instance, do I keep it in rec 2020 when I export it out of FCP?

[@iamericlenz]

If your project has been set up correctly for HDR delivery, then yes. But if you want to conform your log footage to HDR you should use a LUT designed for HDR Rec2020.

[@ProduktFilm]

Can the same be achieved using the color board, Eric?

[@iamericlenz]

Great question! Yes, with the global slider. :)

[@Okiyah]

Do the curves adjustments behave like an exposure adjustment? I also can't figure out if my hue/saturation adjustement should be before or after my exposure. If I make a hue V sat point and push the red, it seems to apply to a broader range of luma if I put it before exposure, and a lesser range if I put it after.

[@iamericlenz]

Great question! No, the curves adjustment does not behave like this. I will make a video on that topic in the future. To adjust exposure, you need to offset the entire signal linearly. Colour curves is not the right tool for this. Hue/Saturation adjustments should be performed after exposure adjustments but still before the LUT. Differences in the affected hue range are expected, you’re doing nothing wrong. If you want to know the details right away, please download the free pdf from the link in the video description. In there I explain why the LUT should be placed late in the signal chain.

[@DominicPettifer]

Great video! I record on an iPhone with Apple Log. In Final Cut Pro a REC709 conversion is applied by checking a check box in the inspector/properties sidebar rather than as an effect. Does this get applied before or after any color grading effects? Should I uncheck this and apply a Rec709 Lut manually?

[@iamericlenz]

Fantastic question. I don’t do HDR so I haven’t investigated this. I will test it on Monday and get back to you!

[@productfeedback]

@@iamericlenzLooking forward to this response, same issue with A7III and HLG, need to adjust the settings in fcp rather than using a lut.

[@iamericlenz]

@DominicPettifer @productfeedback The "Colour Conform" option is processed, just as the "Camera LUT" before any other effects in the inspector. However, the colour conformation is non-destructive which means there is nothing lost. :)

[@productfeedback]

@@iamericlenz Thanks for confirming. This means for us HLG users, we should use the LUT as colour grade rather than correction.

[@iamericlenz]

@productfeedback Yes, same workflow as described in the video. You can use the camera LUT for editing to make your footage better viewable but when it comes to grading, remove the camera LUT and add it as a Custom LUT effect during grading to be able to manipulate the signal before the LUT.

[@kmt488]

What kind of software do you use to screen record? How do you do those "drawing annotations"?

[@iamericlenz]

I just use quicktime since it’s built-in and the most reliable. For the on-screen annotations I use “Screen Brush”. It’s an inexpensive app from the app store. I just bought it and I’m trying to get used to it. :D

[@kmt488]

@@iamericlenz Thanks!

[@josephasghar]

I assumed you’d use a conversion lut in the inspector. Then a colour grade. Then a grading lut. I realise exposure affects colour, so I should do it this way?…

[@iamericlenz]

Yes, the way I showed is better. I will make a video on that topic next week. If you want to know the details right away, please download the free pdf from the link in the video description. In there I explain why the LUT should be placed late in the signal chain. :)

[@gillesvanleeuwen]

Familiar subject matter :)

[@iamericlenz]

You’re ahead of the curve my friend! :D

[@cinestillsamurai]

Appreciate the video but holy halation dude turn it down a notch or sumn

[@iamericlenz]

Haha, thanks! Yeah, I was rocking a 35mm emulation, it might be a bit rough. I’m still experimenting with how I like my film emulation to look. :) Thanks for the feedback!