Rec.709 vs sRGB vs Gamma 2.4: Choose an Output, Export

Convert S-Log3 footage in the free colorgrade.video studio and switch Output between Rec.709, Gamma 2.4 and sRGB while the waveform shows middle grey move, then export the video, a PNG still and the grade as a .cube LUT.

Color grading tutorial · chapter 11 Delivering a Grade: Rec.709, sRGB and Gamma 2.4 Why the same file looks different on a phone, a monitor and a TV, which output curve to choose, and how to export video, stills and LUTs without losing the grade. Read the chapter →

Key moments

1. 1 Convert the log footage , starts at 0:00
2. 2 Compare output curves , starts at 0:10
3. 3 Export video, still and LUT , starts at 0:22
4. 4 Try it yourself , starts at 0:37

Transcript

Convert the log footage 0:00

1. 0:02 S-Log3 footage looks flat until it is converted for display.
2. 0:05 Set Footage to the camera profile to convert it to Rec.709 colour.

Compare output curves 0:10

1. 0:10 Output on Gamma 2.4 encodes for a display, so the midtones rise on the waveform.
2. 0:14 sRGB, for computer screens, lands between the two.
3. 0:18 Rec.709, the default, matches how cameras and phones encode video.

Export video, still and LUT 0:22

1. 0:22 In Export, choose Format, Size and Quality for the video.
2. 0:28 Still image saves the current frame as a PNG for checking on other screens.
3. 0:33 The LUT (.cube) tab saves the grade itself as a LUT, here at 33 points.