XH-A1 preset for 5D color matching at DVinfo.net

Bill Vincent · January 21st, 2011, 10:37 PM

Hi,

I've looked extensively and have not found any preset for the XH-A1 that was specifically written/designed to match the 5D. I still love my A1s and am not willing to throw it out just because of the DSLR revolution - I like having a real videocam in my kit! So, anyway, I'm hoping to find a preset that closely matches the 5D, specifically one that matches the 5D settings that are somewhat universally recommended for the best latitude (sharpness all the way down, saturation down a couple of notches).

In theory, the best approach would be to find a close match in terms of both cams delivering an image that is similar, and yet retaining the best latitude for color correction in post (in other words, both cams delivering a similar, "flat" image).

I'd love to see someone who has better test charts and scopes than I have come up with something, or for someone to post their recipes here for the best color match preset that is post--cc friendly.

Thanks in advance!

John Kilderry · January 21st, 2011, 10:46 PM

I can't answer your question, Bill, but am looking for something similar for the HV40 cine mode and the XHA1s.

Praying for a rosetta stone for XHA1 color matching to other cameras.

Bill Vincent · January 22nd, 2011, 07:12 AM

Hey John,

Yes, a rosetta stone would be nice! Actually, short of having a preset for the A1, I think the best approach is to shoot the 5D as flat as possible, and do the same with the A1. Doing this will allow the most latitude in post for either camera, and then matching becomes a post issue and not an in-camera one. There are pluses and minuses to this approach. For one thing, sometimes it would be nice to cut between cams without post grading and still maintain some degree of consistency color-wise.

I think it's funny tho that these are two very popular cameras, yet nobody (that I have found yet) has created a picture style or preset for either camera that attempts to match the other. I think the VividRGB profile has a close color signature to the 5D's out of the box settings, so that's a decent starting point without having to tweak. However, the A1 is much more suited to shooting a flatter color profile and then bringing out the colors in post - so again, maybe shooting a flatter profile with both cameras is a workable solution if you are sure you are going to color in post. This is probably your best approach for the HV40 as well - shoot as flat as possible and then bring the color out in post.

Colin McDonald · January 22nd, 2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kilderry

I can't answer your question, Bill, but am looking for something similar for the HV40 cine mode and the XHA1s.

Not exactly what you want for the HV40 (or the XHA1s either!) but it's a start:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xh...h-a1-hv20.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xh...hing-hv30.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-vi...v20-xh-a1.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xh...-together.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-vi...side-test.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-vi...ode-not-2.html

Bill Vincent · January 22nd, 2011, 01:06 PM

I'm headed out to a shoot right now where I'll be using the VividRGB preset on the A1s with the 5D and T2i. I'm custom white-balancing all cameras. After I get my footage back I'll share some stills and see how close we came before cc.

Thanks for those links Colin, those were good threads, even if they weren't 5D or DSLR specific.

Michael Hutson · January 27th, 2011, 03:05 PM

Bill,
Just thinking out loud here so please take it as such. I personally would be reluctant to use vividrgb. Doing in camera adjustments may cut you short in your options during post to colormatch.

With that being said, there is a preset (trucolor) that was designed to provide the largest color spectrum for color correction in post. I am just curious if that may not be a better option for you if there is not a color matching preset.

I use trucolor quite often....I like it because I can throw it into the NLE, nudge the saturation slightly and the colors come to life. Best of luck.

January 21st, 2011, 10:37 PM	#1
Bill Vincent Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 253	XH-A1 preset for 5D color matching Hi, I've looked extensively and have not found any preset for the XH-A1 that was specifically written/designed to match the 5D. I still love my A1s and am not willing to throw it out just because of the DSLR revolution - I like having a real videocam in my kit! So, anyway, I'm hoping to find a preset that closely matches the 5D, specifically one that matches the 5D settings that are somewhat universally recommended for the best latitude (sharpness all the way down, saturation down a couple of notches). In theory, the best approach would be to find a close match in terms of both cams delivering an image that is similar, and yet retaining the best latitude for color correction in post (in other words, both cams delivering a similar, "flat" image). I'd love to see someone who has better test charts and scopes than I have come up with something, or for someone to post their recipes here for the best color match preset that is post--cc friendly. Thanks in advance! __________________ First Dance Pictures - Cinematic Wedding Films and Video for Nashville, TN and beyond http://www.firstdancepictures.com

January 21st, 2011, 10:46 PM	#2
John Kilderry Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Brevard, Florida Posts: 77	I can't answer your question, Bill, but am looking for something similar for the HV40 cine mode and the XHA1s. Praying for a rosetta stone for XHA1 color matching to other cameras. __________________ Beer is cheaper than therapy.

January 22nd, 2011, 07:12 AM	#3
Bill Vincent Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 253	Hey John, Yes, a rosetta stone would be nice! Actually, short of having a preset for the A1, I think the best approach is to shoot the 5D as flat as possible, and do the same with the A1. Doing this will allow the most latitude in post for either camera, and then matching becomes a post issue and not an in-camera one. There are pluses and minuses to this approach. For one thing, sometimes it would be nice to cut between cams without post grading and still maintain some degree of consistency color-wise. I think it's funny tho that these are two very popular cameras, yet nobody (that I have found yet) has created a picture style or preset for either camera that attempts to match the other. I think the VividRGB profile has a close color signature to the 5D's out of the box settings, so that's a decent starting point without having to tweak. However, the A1 is much more suited to shooting a flatter color profile and then bringing out the colors in post - so again, maybe shooting a flatter profile with both cameras is a workable solution if you are sure you are going to color in post. This is probably your best approach for the HV40 as well - shoot as flat as possible and then bring the color out in post. __________________ First Dance Pictures - Cinematic Wedding Films and Video for Nashville, TN and beyond http://www.firstdancepictures.com

January 22nd, 2011, 01:06 PM	#5
Bill Vincent Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 253	I'm headed out to a shoot right now where I'll be using the VividRGB preset on the A1s with the 5D and T2i. I'm custom white-balancing all cameras. After I get my footage back I'll share some stills and see how close we came before cc. Thanks for those links Colin, those were good threads, even if they weren't 5D or DSLR specific. __________________ First Dance Pictures - Cinematic Wedding Films and Video for Nashville, TN and beyond http://www.firstdancepictures.com

January 27th, 2011, 03:05 PM	#6
Michael Hutson Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elgin, IL Posts: 249	Bill, Just thinking out loud here so please take it as such. I personally would be reluctant to use vividrgb. Doing in camera adjustments may cut you short in your options during post to colormatch. With that being said, there is a preset (trucolor) that was designed to provide the largest color spectrum for color correction in post. I am just curious if that may not be a better option for you if there is not a color matching preset. I use trucolor quite often....I like it because I can throw it into the NLE, nudge the saturation slightly and the colors come to life. Best of luck.