Let's dive into the process of editing footage in DaVinci Resolve, specifically focusing on applying SanflowVision within a shot that was originally filmed in S-log 3. This workflow is becoming increasingly popular among videographers and filmmakers aiming to achieve a cinematic look with enhanced dynamic range and color grading flexibility. This article will guide you through each step, providing insights and tips to maximize the potential of your footage.
Understanding S-Log 3
Before we jump into the editing process, it's crucial to understand what S-Log 3 is and why it's used. S-Log 3 is a gamma curve developed by Sony to maximize the dynamic range captured by their cameras. Dynamic range refers to the range of light intensities a camera can record, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. By shooting in S-Log 3, you essentially capture more information in your footage, which gives you more flexibility during post-production. This is because the footage appears flatter and less saturated, allowing you to make more drastic adjustments without introducing artifacts or losing detail.
One of the primary benefits of using S-Log 3 is the ability to preserve detail in both the highlights and shadows. Traditional video profiles often clip highlights or crush shadows, resulting in a loss of detail. S-Log 3, on the other hand, distributes the tonal range more evenly, allowing you to recover details that would otherwise be lost. This is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes where there is a wide range of light intensities. Furthermore, S-Log 3 provides a more consistent starting point for color grading, as the footage is less baked-in than with other profiles. This allows colorists to achieve a more natural and film-like look, with smoother gradients and more accurate color reproduction. When shooting in S-Log 3, it's important to expose properly to avoid excessive noise in the shadows. Many cameras offer tools like zebras or histograms to help you monitor your exposure and ensure that you're capturing the optimal amount of information. Overexposing slightly can sometimes be beneficial, as it helps to reduce noise in the shadows, but it's important to avoid clipping the highlights. Additionally, using a LUT (Lookup Table) on set can help you visualize how the footage will look after grading, making it easier to make informed decisions about your exposure and composition.
Setting Up Your Project in DaVinci Resolve
First things first, let's get your project set up correctly in DaVinci Resolve. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project. Give it a descriptive name that will help you easily identify it later. Once your project is open, go to the Project Settings. This is where you'll configure the parameters to match your footage. Ensure your timeline resolution matches the resolution of your source footage (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD or 3840x2160 for 4K). Set the frame rate to match your recording frame rate (e.g., 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps). This is crucial for maintaining the correct playback speed and avoiding any potential syncing issues.
Next, navigate to the Color Management section in the Project Settings. Here, you'll configure the color science settings to properly interpret your S-Log 3 footage. Set the Color Science to DaVinci YRGB. Choose the Input Color Space based on your camera's S-Log version. In this case, select S-Log 3. Set the Input Gamma to S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3. For the Timeline Color Space, it's generally recommended to use DaVinci Intermediate. This color space is designed for grading and provides a wide gamut and dynamic range, allowing you to make extensive color adjustments without introducing banding or other artifacts. Set the Output Color Space to Rec. 709 if your final output is intended for standard displays, or P3 if you're targeting cinema screens or HDR displays. These settings ensure that DaVinci Resolve correctly interprets your S-Log 3 footage and provides a consistent color workflow throughout the editing process. Applying these settings correctly from the start will save you a lot of time and frustration later on, as it ensures that your colors are accurate and your footage looks its best. By properly configuring your project settings, you're setting the stage for a successful and efficient editing workflow. Also, don't forget to regularly save your project to avoid losing any progress. DaVinci Resolve offers an auto-save feature that can be configured in the User Preferences, which is highly recommended to prevent data loss in case of unexpected crashes or interruptions.
Applying SanflowVision
Now, let's talk about SanflowVision. SanflowVision, is a plugin or technique that enhances the visual quality of your footage, and it might involve various effects like sharpening, noise reduction, or color enhancement. While the specifics can vary, the general process involves applying the effect to your footage within DaVinci Resolve.
To apply SanflowVision, first, ensure that the plugin is installed and accessible within DaVinci Resolve. Navigate to the Color page in DaVinci Resolve, where you'll be performing the majority of your color grading work. Create a new node in the node tree. This can be done by right-clicking in the node editor and selecting "Add Node" > "Add Serial Node." With the new node selected, open the OpenFX panel on the right-hand side of the screen. This panel lists all the available plugins and effects that can be applied to your footage. Locate SanflowVision in the list and drag it onto the selected node. This will apply the plugin to your footage, and you should see the effect in the viewer. Once SanflowVision is applied, you'll typically have a range of parameters that you can adjust to fine-tune the effect. These parameters might include controls for sharpening, noise reduction, color enhancement, and other visual adjustments. Experiment with these settings to achieve the desired look for your footage. It's important to make subtle adjustments and avoid over-processing, as this can introduce artifacts and degrade the overall quality of your image. Pay close attention to the details in your footage, such as skin tones, textures, and edges, to ensure that the SanflowVision effect is enhancing rather than detracting from the image. If SanflowVision includes any color enhancement features, be sure to use them in conjunction with your overall color grading strategy. Consider how the effect interacts with your other color adjustments and make sure that everything works together harmoniously. Also, keep in mind that the specific steps for applying SanflowVision may vary depending on the exact plugin or technique you're using. Consult the documentation or tutorials provided by the developer for detailed instructions and best practices.
Color Grading S-Log 3 Footage
Color grading S-Log 3 footage can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding process that elevates your video to a professional level. The goal is to transform the flat, desaturated S-Log 3 footage into a vibrant and visually appealing final product. Start by adding a Color Space Transform (CST) node at the beginning of your node tree. This node will convert the S-Log 3 footage into a more standard color space for grading. Configure the CST node as follows: Input Color Space: S-Log 3, Input Gamma: S-Gamut3.Cine, Output Color Space: Rec. 709 (or your desired output color space), Output Gamma: Rec. 709 (or your desired output gamma). This will give you a more natural-looking image to work with.
Next, adjust the exposure and contrast to establish a solid foundation for your grade. Use the Lift, Gamma, and Gain controls to fine-tune the overall brightness and contrast of your image. Be careful not to clip the highlights or crush the shadows, as this can result in a loss of detail. Pay attention to the histogram to ensure that your image has a balanced tonal range. Once you're happy with the overall exposure and contrast, you can start working on the colors. Use the Color Wheels or Curves to adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance of specific colors in your image. Experiment with different color combinations to create a visually appealing and stylistically consistent look. Consider using color grading techniques like color isolation or color harmony to enhance the emotional impact of your video. When grading skin tones, be sure to pay close attention to the hue and saturation. Aim for natural-looking skin tones that are neither too orange nor too pale. Use the Vectorscope to monitor the color values of your skin tones and ensure that they fall within the acceptable range. Finally, add any creative looks or stylistic touches to your grade. This might include adding film grain, vignettes, or other visual effects to enhance the overall aesthetic of your video. Be careful not to overdo it with the creative effects, as this can distract from the story and make your video look amateurish. Remember to maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your video to create a cohesive and professional final product. Regularly review your grade and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it meets your creative vision.
Exporting Your Final Video
Once you've completed your editing and color grading, it's time to export your final video. DaVinci Resolve offers a wide range of export options, allowing you to tailor your output to specific platforms and devices. Navigate to the Deliver page in DaVinci Resolve. Here, you'll configure the export settings for your video. Choose a preset that matches your desired output format and resolution. For example, if you're exporting for YouTube, you might choose the "YouTube 1080p" preset. Customize the export settings to match your specific needs. This includes setting the file name, location, codec, resolution, frame rate, and bit rate. Be sure to choose a codec that is compatible with your target platform or device. H.264 is a widely supported codec that is suitable for most online platforms. For higher quality output, you might consider using H.265 or ProRes. Adjust the resolution and frame rate to match the original footage or your desired output specifications. A higher bit rate will result in a higher quality video, but it will also increase the file size. Experiment with different bit rates to find the optimal balance between quality and file size.
In the Audio section, configure the audio settings for your export. Choose the desired audio codec, sample rate, and bit rate. AAC is a commonly used audio codec that provides good quality at a relatively small file size. Set the sample rate to 48kHz, which is the standard for video production. Adjust the bit rate to match your desired audio quality. Once you've configured all the export settings, click the "Add to Render Queue" button to add your video to the render queue. Review the render queue to ensure that all the settings are correct. Then, click the "Start Render" button to begin the export process. DaVinci Resolve will now render your video according to the specified settings. The rendering time will depend on the length and complexity of your video, as well as the processing power of your computer. Once the rendering is complete, your final video will be saved to the specified location. Review the exported video to ensure that the quality is satisfactory and that there are no errors or artifacts. If you notice any issues, you may need to adjust the export settings or re-render the video. By carefully configuring your export settings and reviewing the final output, you can ensure that your video looks its best on any platform or device. Proper export settings are crucial for maintaining the quality of your work and delivering a professional final product.
Conclusion
Editing S-Log 3 footage in DaVinci Resolve and applying SanflowVision can significantly enhance the visual quality of your videos. By understanding the nuances of S-Log 3, setting up your project correctly, and using SanflowVision effectively, you can achieve a cinematic and professional look. Remember to take your time with color grading and experiment with different looks to find what works best for your footage. With practice and patience, you'll be able to create stunning videos that captivate your audience.
