Is anyone aware of a color correction plug-in for Vegas Pro 8 that has low, mid, and high level controls (not just color controls) like the one found in FCP? The color corrector that comes with Vegas let's you adjust colors for shadows, mids, and highlights, but there isn't an individual 'level' control for each. FCP has the color wheel as well as a level control for all three. For example, if I wanted to crush my blacks, bump up the mids, or completely blow out my highlights, what could I use? A third party plug-in would be fine as well, if Vegas doesn't come with something like that.

When I want to crush my blacks, bump my mids, and blow out highlights I use a color curve or levels. Levels is a little easier to use but offers less "preciseness". Color curves are more difficult to use, but offers more "preciseness". Is this what you are looking for?

See if the (free) Six Vector Color Corrector (http://www.moosehill.se/index.php?page=vegas/6cc.php) will do what you want.

I think that is what I'm looking for, Andrew. I've not used color curves too much. So using a color curve, a simple vertical adjustment at the top end of the curve would raise highlight levels?

Thanks for the color corrector link. It doesn't seem to be quite what I'm looking for.

The controls offset, gain, and gamma do the same thing as the sliders as in FCP. The interface is different... in Vegas, I believe you'd have to 'juggle' the controls.

I highly prefer the look of curves or levels instead of that method though.

David,

If I'm understanding your "vertical adjustment" comment, then my really simplistic answer would be "yes". Below a link to a tutorial that discusses using color curves to fix washed-out images, or images that are too dark.

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~wvg/tutorial-1.htm

For increasing brightness on the highlights, grab the grab-handle for the upper portion of the curve and raise it up and pull it to the left. To decrease the darks (squash blacks) grab the grab-handle for the lower portion of the curve and pull it down and to the right. For the mids, double-click the line/curve to add a new control point, then move it around or adjust the grab handles. You really just need to do it a bunch of times on a bunch of pictures or videos... after a while it'll start to make sense. Normally I watch the histogram and luminance displays while I do it to make sure I don't blow-out the highlights or squash the lows too much... it's a good visual guide (for me).

I used to go back-and-forth with using versus not using color curves. It took a while before I felt comfortable using them. For me, they offer that extra bit of flexibility that "Sony Levels" alone does not.

There's a 3-way cc in the forthcoming Looks for Vegas (MB3) which appears to give you the control you are looking for. For an idea of what will be in it, check out the After Effects version at http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/magicbulletlooks.html#details

Just noticed there is even a screenshot showing the cc in use.

Thank you, everyone, you have been most helpful! I'm really looking forward to magic bullet for Vegas, looks like its coming soon.

I'll start playing with color curves as you suggest, and thanks!

Glenn Chan posted a color curves presets veg on his site (http://glennchan.info/Proofs/forums/sony%20back/curves-and-secondary-presets2.veg) that you might want to experiment with.

What are the advantages of the MB3 3wheel corrector versus the one provided by Sony?

Thanks for the presets, Mike! And Roger, as far as the advantages of Magic Bullet, I've only see demos of it's interface and capabilities, but I'm impressed, and it seems clear that it's way more powerful that the included color corrector in Vegas. If you get a free moment, check out some of the video tuturials:
http://www.studiodaily.com/main/news/feed.rss/8216.html
http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/_assets/uploads/file/community-tutorial/magicbulletlooks_gettingstarted.mov

What are the advantages of the MB3 3wheel corrector versus the one provided by Sony?

Nice candid answer direct from MB:

"The real answer is that it is up to the user to decide which is best for them. Ours is in there in the context of creating a look, where it might be more useful having it right there. However, if you just want to color correct, and are more comfortable with Vegas' 3-way, then you should use that. To me it is an individual choice, and users should use what makes them the happiest and produces the best results for their work."

Refreshingly straightforward I think!

Sounds like you guys need to examine the pictures more. Different cameras need different post adjustments. One single preset isn't going to help.

Curves is a good filter, but please, please, use it in conjunction with the scopes! Quite often you need far more than simple curves. Vegas is damn good at this (far better than FCP in this regard).

Simon,

Any advice on a good way to learn the Vegas color correction, scopes, and curves? Free or low cost is great.

Not free bit, IMO, money very well spent is the Color Correction in Sony Vegas (http://vasst.com/product.aspx?id=2212ad20-81a5-4415-a37a-fa0c83fa1dcd) from VASST.
It's $59 but VASST is a sponsor here so I believe there's a discount for DV Info members.

Hi Simon,

It's early and I haven't woken up fully but I can't see any post where anyone suggests using a single preset, let alone using the same preset for footage from multiple cameras. Have I misunderstood your point?

Ian . . .

I really like the Magic Bullet site where they show you how to use their programs. I wish Sony would pick up that habit and help their users out a bit. Vegas is a powerful program and a great value. The tutorials and manuals aren't sufficient to learn the advanced features of the software.

I really like the Magic Bullet site where they show you how to use their programs. I wish Sony would pick up that habit and help their users out a bit. Vegas is a powerful program and a great value. The tutorials and manuals aren't sufficient to learn the advanced features of the software.

I agree. Teach your user base and they will stay with you. What I find strange about Sony is the lack of documentation on something like their new ProTitler. You have to buy third party products if you want to learn it's features.

Maybe Sony will smarten up and pay VASST to develop online training for them and make it free to their customers! Hint, hint Sony.

It looks to me that Sony is in a position to take some serious market share if they would improve their support, both troubleshooting and instruction on how to use their product. Great product, not so great support.