I've just discovered that the new Sony PDW-F800 XDcam is the first of the XDcam range to allow for CineAlta User Gamma Curves - which enables the Light Illusion pre-set Gamma Curves to be used.

I've been asked for curves for XDcam cameras a lot, so this is rather good news, although it would be nice if the full XDcam range could use curves. Got to start somewhere I guess...

The LI Gamma Curves have become something of a standard in f800/f23/f35/HDC-1000/1500 cameras, so hopefully they will be of use for the PDW-F800.

For information on the Light Illusion curves please see:
Light Illusion - CVP Gamma Curves (http://www.lightillusion.com/sonycurves.htm)

I obviously have a vested interest in these curves, but 'can I load your curves into my XDcam' is probably the most common question I get asked, so hopefully this info will be of interest to some of you..

If anyone has questions I'm always happy to answer as best as I can.

Steve


Steve Shaw
Light Illusion
steve@lightillusion.com
+44 7765 400 908
Light Illusion - Digital Film, Digital Intermediate, Digital Cinematography (http://www.lightillusion.com)
Skype: shaw.clan
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The Art & Science of Digital Imaging
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This is true about user gamma curves. However, it should be noted that you can't create them in the camera. They have to be created using software on a PC, transferred to a Memory Stick, then loaded to camera by inserting said Memory Stick.

-gb-

Hi Greg,

Yep, that's true - but the benefits of a good gamma curve are well worth the installation process, and the results really do move the camera into a different league with respect to the image captured.

Some curves are ideal for direct image use, while others require post-production to get the most from them.

NFL Films have recently moved over to digital capture from film (hybrid at the moment), and the results they are getting with the gamma curves have been very impressive.

Steve

NFL Films have recently moved over to digital capture from film (hybrid at the moment), and the results they are getting with the gamma curves have been very impressive.

Thought I would never live long enough to see that! They have always kind of stuck out on the sidelines, being the only film cameras in a sea of video cameras.

And like you said, the process of moving the curves to the camera is fairly painless for the benefit you get out of it.

-gb-

P.S. This is one of about 5 unique features that the 800 has that the 700 doesn't (and it can't be added via option).

This is one of about 5 unique features that the 800 has that the 700 doesn't (and it can't be added via option).

Hi Greg, can you tell me what the other four or so unique features the 800 will have that the 700 never can have?

Thanks !!

Cheers, Tim

The F800's unique features are focus assist, image invert (for 35mm adapters), Viewfinder markers on the HDSDi output, over crank and user gamma curves.

It also has SD and 24P as standard which are available as options on the 700.

The F800 also has an optical CC filter wheel in addition to the ND filter wheel.
On the 700, CC is electronic.

Doh! New there was another but couldn't remember what it was. Thanks Doug.

Marc Windon - DoP, Australia (www.marcwindon.com) has been one of the first PWD-f800 users to work with the LI Gamma Curves. You might be interested in his initial response:

"Have only been running tests at this stage, but have a 3 day shoot this week. The dynamic range is incredible!"

Steve

Another thing about the 800 vs. the 700 is that the detail level is set by factory default to be a bit softer on the 800. The 700 can be set up to match or vice versa, but they are not set up to produce identical detail levels out of the box.

-gb-

Interesting, I was not aware of this but I definitely noticed this on the F800 when comparing to the 700. I used to tune the 700 detail down to -15 or -20 but I am keeping the F800 at 0. On the 700, Sony recommended to tune the detail down to -20 to match a stock F900.

Thierry.