Color and dynamic range on video cameras
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Log_profile
Log profile - Wikipedia
January 7, 2026 - In early times of digital cinematography, professional video cameras were only capable to capture linear sensor image up to 10-bit color depth even in HDCAM-SR format, but resulted in "video-look" compared with film stock cinematography even in the same 24 frames per second and shutter speeds. The log gamma profile began gaining industrial popularity since 2005, when Arri released Arriflex D-20 which provided original Log-C gamma through HD-SDI video output, and further in 2008, when Sony released CineAlta F35 camera (and its 2005 Panavision Genesis sibling) with S-Log video recording on HDCAM-SR tape.
Digital Photography Review
dpreview.com › articles › if you shoot log on the canon eos r5, you should shoot c-log3. here's why.
If you shoot Log on the Canon EOS R5, you should shoot C-Log3. Here's why.: DPReview | Photography News, Gear Reviews & Community
April 7, 2021 - I’ve seen it said that if you shoot raw video on the R5, you should use C-Log. As a photographer the reason for this is not immediately obvious. If you have raw, don’t you have all the info from the sensor?
5D Mark IV C-Log vs Cinestyle
r/videography Internal LOG capture is more sophisticated than a simple profile from the internet made for a whole slew of cameras. Its built for the sensor and processor in the camera in order to work to the benefit of both. C-Log will perform better than Cinestyle. Cinestyle exists for when the camera cannot do any type of LOG capture. Although the benefit of cinestyle is heavily debated, with some circles claiming its worse than a typical "flat" profile created in camera (this is due to the compression used in the camera). More on reddit.com
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August 15, 2017Difference between picture styles and c-log?
It allows you to vary hues, control the tonal curve, control saturation by hue, et cetera. You can even do something like selective color--which will be effective in out-of-the-camera video. -- RDKirk 'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.' ... I have never used log profile or ... More on dpreview.com
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January 8, 2022C-log 3 vs C-log 2
According to Canon, C-Log 2 gives more dynamic range in shadows, but is slightly noisier as a result. C-Log 3 preserves less shadow detail but has a cleaner noise floor, meaning it's less likely noise reduction is needed in post. The reality is very few Canon cameras carry C-Log 2, and C-Log 3 in theory provides more than enough dynamic range for most canon camera's, apart from those with dual gain output (C70). That being said, C-Log 2 does preserve more information in the shadows, and does permit better shadow recovery! More on reddit.com
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February 4, 2023Best NON Canon C-Log Alternative
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April 27, 2017Videos
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Canon C Log vs Standard Picture Profiles | What's the difference?
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Load C-Log Onto Any Canon DSLR or Mirrorless â Tests and ...
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Should you get Canon C-Log? 5D Mark IV | KaiCreative - YouTube
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How to get C-log on ANY Canon DSLR free and simple - YouTube
EOSHD
eoshd.com › news › eoshd-c-log-and-film-simulation-picture-profiles-for-canon
EOSHD C-LOG and Film Simulation Picture Profiles for Canon - EOSHD.com - Filmmaking Gear and Camera Reviews
May 6, 2024 - EOSHD C-LOG is designed to expand dynamic range and give Canon DSLRs without official “Canon LOG” the same capabilities. With C-LOG you gain a professional LOG colour grading workflow, and more dynamic range in post.
Fstoppers
fstoppers.com › video-editing › explaining-most-things-about-canon-log-c-log-get-started-filmmaking-684752
Explaining Most of the Things About Canon Log (C-Log) to Get You Started in Filmmaking | Fstoppers
November 23, 2024 - Having the ability to film in C-Log on this camera is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you get the benefit of filming in a log profile, which offers a more dynamic range by using a flatter gamma curve.
PetaPixel
petapixel.com › home › equipment › c-log is coming to the canon 5d mark iv
C-Log is Coming to the Canon 5D Mark IV | PetaPixel
March 23, 2017 - C-Log is Canon’s Log Gamma curve that allows you to capture maximal dynamic range from the camera’s sensor in a limited bit-depth video file (as opposed to raw data).
Canon Asia
snapshot.canon-asia.com › article › eng › videography-faq-what-is-canon-log
Videography FAQ: What is Canon Log? - SNAPSHOT
September 15, 2023 - Find out how Canon Log expands your dynamic range. 13 Videography Basics: 7 Fundamental Camera Settings to Check and Set · Settings to check and set before you shoot video. ... Here’s what the specifications and icons on SD memory cards mean and why they matter. Share your photos on My Canon Story & stand a chance to be featured on our social media platforms ... Discover your photographic vision with SNAPSHOT, a growing community in South and Southeast Asia.
B&H eXplora
bhphotovideo.com › explora › video › tips-and-solutions › understanding-log-format-recording
Understanding Log-Format Recording | B&H eXplora
May 7, 2019 - To understand log recording, we have to observe how video information is traditionally encoded on most common camcorders, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and even cell phones. Light is focused by your camera’s lens onto your camera’s image sensor. The sensor then translates the amount of light hitting every individual pixel into an electric voltage.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/photography › 5d mark iv c-log vs cinestyle
r/photography on Reddit: 5D Mark IV C-Log vs Cinestyle
August 15, 2017 -
Hey lads, I've used C-Log (on a C100) and Cinestyle (on a 6D) before. It's kinda outrageous that Canon is charging cash for what's essentially a picture profile (unless I'm wrong).
Is using Cinestyle on my Mark IV any different from the C-Log they're 'installing'? I do video pretty often and having a flat picture really does help.
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r/videography Internal LOG capture is more sophisticated than a simple profile from the internet made for a whole slew of cameras. Its built for the sensor and processor in the camera in order to work to the benefit of both. C-Log will perform better than Cinestyle. Cinestyle exists for when the camera cannot do any type of LOG capture. Although the benefit of cinestyle is heavily debated, with some circles claiming its worse than a typical "flat" profile created in camera (this is due to the compression used in the camera).
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Log really needs 10 bits. If you shoot UHD and downscale to HD you can get away with 8 bits. 8 bit log is a bit sketch. Your gradients will get blocky and H.264 will only make it worse. Picture Profiles are processing techniques with non-standard gamma curves and saturation profiles. CineStyle was unique in that it was known, but it still isn't log. Log is a specific kind of profile that uses the top and bottom of the sensor and maps those values into a known log profile. This give you the entire luminance range and gamut of the sensor at the depth of your recording. Log can be rectified out to Rec. 709 or something else since it's based on a known gamma curve and gamut — specifically C-log in this instance. It's different than a profile in that it you know you're getting the whole range of the sensor.
Pozo Production
pozoproduction.com › blog › demystifying-canon-log-3-capture-stunning-footage-with-your-canon-camera
Demystifying Canon Log 3: Capture Stunning Footage with Your Canon Camera — Pozo Production
December 15, 2025 - C-Log 3 is a powerful log gamma curve, which allows it to capture incredible dynamic range and cinematic quality video. But conquering its intricacies can feel daunting. So I decided to create this guide to help you capture the best possible ...
ShareGrid
sharegrid.com › articles › how-to-shoot-c-log-on-the-canon-5d-mark-iv
How to Shoot C-Log on the Canon 5D Mark IV
October 17, 2025 - Canon has released a (paid) firmware update that finally introduced C-Log to a DSLR that isn’t the overpriced 1D-C. This flat shooting mode is more than a picture profile - it promises to expand the dynamic range of your camera to 12 stops and bring your image much more in line with the Cinema EOS line.
Tamaggo
tamaggo.com › 2023 › 08 › 04 › exploring-canon-cameras-with-c-log-a-comprehensive-guide
Exploring Canon Cameras with C-Log: A Comprehensive Guide – Tamaggo
August 4, 2023 - The EOS R6’s C-Log capabilities allow for capturing stunning footage with improved details in both highlights and shadows. Filmmakers can push their creative boundaries and achieve a cinematic look with ease. However, it’s worth noting that the EOS R6’s 4K video is downscaled from its 6K sensor, which may result in a slight decrease in overall image resolution. For those seeking the pinnacle of professional photography ...
Canon Community
community.usa.canon.com › t5 › EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras › EOS-R-Why-use-C-Log3 › td-p › 474476
EOS R: Why use C Log3? - Canon Community
December 15, 2024 - Using C-Log3 or any Log profile for that matter is most important if you want to get the most out of the cameras sensor to get the most DR (Dynamic Range) which basically means the most highlights and shadows of the image can be retained at the same time in the image.
DIY Photography
diyphotography.net › home › news › c-log officially comes to the canon 5d mark iv, but you’ll have to send it to canon and it’ll cost you $99
C-Log officially comes to the Canon 5D Mark IV, but you'll have to send it to Canon and it'll cost you $99
As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry. ... It’s been long awaited and long demanded, but C-Log is now officially coming to the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Published August 13, 2024
Canon Europe
canon-europe.com › professional photography & video › stories
Enhance your filmmaking with Canon Log - Canon Europe
Canon Log was first introduced in 2011 for the Canon EOS C300 and through the years different versions of Canon Log have been added to an ever-increasing number of Canon cameras including (but not limited to) the EOS C400, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R50 V, PowerShot V1 and EOS R5 C (pictured).
Digital Photography Review
dpreview.com › forums › camera companies › canon talk › canon eos r talk
Difference between picture styles and c-log? | DPReview Forums
January 8, 2022 - It allows you to vary hues, control the tonal curve, control saturation by hue, et cetera. You can even do something like selective color--which will be effective in out-of-the-camera video. -- RDKirk 'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.' ... I have never used log profile or ...
Wondershare
repairit.wondershare.com › camera-error-solution › canon-log.html
A Guide to Canon Log: How to Download for Free - Repairit
Mirrorless models like the EOS-1.Mark II and EOS R also come with C-Log support as standard. Canon C Log comes in three main versions. Each version is designed to provide varying levels of flexibility, dynamic range, and compatibility for different camera types and production needs.
Pixflow Blog
pixflow.net › blog › what-are-log-files-in-filmmaking-photography
What Are Log Files in Filmmaking & Photography? A Complete Guide
February 24, 2026 - Log footage is often compared to RAW formats, but unlike RAW, log files are still compressed, making them more storage-friendly while retaining substantial flexibility in post-production. In log photography, cameras record images using a logarithmic tone curve, which compresses highlights and shadows to fit within the camera’s dynamic range.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/canon › c-log 3 vs c-log 2
r/canon on Reddit: C-log 3 vs C-log 2
February 4, 2023 -
Hi I’m new to the whole high end camera thing. When I first got into shooting videos all the YouTubers were talking about C-log 3 when reviewing canon cameras. I recently for the first time heard about C-log 2. Is the difference that noticeable? What would be the differences?
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According to Canon, C-Log 2 gives more dynamic range in shadows, but is slightly noisier as a result. C-Log 3 preserves less shadow detail but has a cleaner noise floor, meaning it's less likely noise reduction is needed in post. The reality is very few Canon cameras carry C-Log 2, and C-Log 3 in theory provides more than enough dynamic range for most canon camera's, apart from those with dual gain output (C70). That being said, C-Log 2 does preserve more information in the shadows, and does permit better shadow recovery!
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R cameras only have Clog3 or Clog1. Dynamic range goes; Clog1 lowest, Clog 3, Clog2 highest. The r5 does not max out the dynamic range of Clog3. I assume it is similar story for the rest of the R line. So Clog2 would have only negative impact if it was used. R5 is not a great sensor, 10.3 clean stops with 8k raw in the R5. 11.9 in H2s. 12.3 in C70 Even beat by the tiny sensor in the GH6 at 11 https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r5-lab-test-to-film-in-raw-or-not/ https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-x-h2s-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c70-lab-test-with-the-raw-update-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/ https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-gh6-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/
Digital Photography Review
dpreview.com › forums › canon eos-1d / 5d / 6d talk › best non canon c-log alternative
Best NON Canon C-Log Alternative: Canon EOS-1D / 5D / 6D Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
April 27, 2017 - I like the deluts clogv3 vs the eoshd. EosHd has too greyish shadows for my taste. Cinestyle is not log but can be nice too. I made a custom curve that isn't Canon-log but works wel with alexa log-c luts.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/cinematography › what are s-log, c-log, etc?
r/cinematography on Reddit: What are S-log, C-log, etc?
October 16, 2013 -
Probably an amateur question, but reading American Cinematographer, I occasionally come across mention of "gamma function," S-log, C-log, and other logs. I was wondering what exactly these are, and what purpose they serve and so on? Thanks!
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S-log is referring to an uncorrected sensor output that is flat and low in contrast. This image is taken into a color corrector where the colorist has more control over what colors he chooses to accentuate and the detail in the blacks and highlights is preserved. On most video cameras a Gamma Curve called REC709 is applied which brings the image levels close to what we see with our eyes, this is great for the average user, but for those who want more control, it is better to bypass the default in camera processing. C-log just refers to Canon's "log" shooting mode.
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Log is a format that compresses data very efficiently into the storage available. Every stop of dynamic range gets the same perceptual storage space, as opposed to linear gamma which is how the sensor sees the world and is very inefficient. (Someone here linked to my article that explains why.) The reason log looks flat is because you're often cramming 10-14 stops into the Rec 709 HD spec, which was only meant for about six stops initially. That means every two stops is crammed into a space meant for one, which lowers contrast considerably. Log refers to a logarithmically-encoded gamma curve. Gamma controls contrast and is separate from color space, which is something completely different although most log curves are meant to work within a specific color space (such as Sony's S-Log2 and S-Gamut). Log is not meant to be viewed directly: it is a storage medium only. You need to apply a LUT or some sort of gamma correction so that it looks proper on a Rec 709 display. (Rec 709 is the standard for HD broadcast that enables an image shot on a Rec 709-complaint camera to look normal on a monitor.) Viewing it directly results in a flat, colorless image. Log is NOT uncorrected sensor output. You'll never actually see that. Even viewing "raw" in cameras like REDs isn't raw, because raw is just Bayer pattern information that isn't viewable at all by humans on any device without some kind of processing. (If a camera manufacturer says they are showing you "raw" they are not being entirely truthful. They are showing you some representation of raw that has been processed to be viewable on a Rec 709 display but you are not seeing true raw.) Log is a way of processing raw data in such a way that the same information can be encoded in fewer bits. The rule of thumb I've heard is that you can capture the dynamic range of 12-bit raw in 10-bit log. Log is definitely not a replacement for raw as there are things you can do with raw that you can't do with log, such as go back to the same footage years later with a different deBayering algorithm and pull even more information out of it. It's the next best thing, though, and most TV series shoot log because it's a very efficient way to capture a lot of information for grading. (Features tend to capture raw more often than log.) Every manufacturer has their own flavor of log that works slightly differently. In particular, they each put middle gray and 100% white at different points on the gamma curve. It's important to know this as it helps with determining exposure and judging how much dynamic range you are getting above middle gray. Edit: wrote raw instead of log in last paragraph. Ooops.