UPDATE 03.09.2022
- New Start: I completed my HDR-Workflow
- I added a downloadable ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube upload
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is my new Version of my ACES and HDR (HDR10+) workflow.
I change my Workflow again, and again, but this is my Newest Version.
Overview:
Introduction
1. Short Tutorial
2. What you need
3. Helpful links
4. About this Workflow?
Part One: MLVapp - cDNG Workflow
1. MLVapp
Part Two: SDR/HDR - grading on Davinci Resolve
1. Comparison between SDR and HDR
2. Mastering in...
3. Davinci Resolve
4. HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve on a SDR Display
5. create your own LUT for HDR to SDR conversion
Part Three: Youtube Metadata Tool
1. HDR to SDR conversion and Youtube Metadata tool
Introduction
1. Short Tutorial
Magic Lantern Raw (.MLV) - MLV App (Export as cDNG) - Davinci Resolve (ACES HDR grading and Export) - Youtube Metadata tool (Attaching my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut) - Finished
2. What you need:
- MLV App -> https://mlv.app/
- Davinci Resolve (Studio) -> https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/de/products/davinciresolve/
- Youtube Metadata tool -> https://github.com/youtubehdr/hdr_metadata
3. Helpful Links:
- What is ACES? https://www.oscars.org/science-technology/sci-tech-projects/aces
- 5D Mark II ML Experimental Builds by Reddeercity https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=19336.0
- 5D Mark III ML Experimental Builds by Danne https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=23041.0
- You can Download my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube
4. About this workflow?
I've been search a long time to find the best (quality) Workflow for Magic Lantern Raw data and i changed all again, again: There are many ways to grade this data, but for grading in HDR there are only one way that i know. With Adobe Applications there are no ways to complete a HDR Movie, unfortunately with MLVapp too. The only Application that can handle it is Davinci Resolve Studio. However, until now it has not been possible to use Rec2020 with CinemaDNG, it was always limited to Rec709.
Until Now... Now, in Version 17 and up, and i can't say why, it works!
And i was lucky enough to be able to test the new Canon eos R6. And i could also campare it with the Canon 5d Mark III: I compare my old Workflow with just inporting cDNG, with the files from the R6. The result was: the cDNG Vesion looks realy realy similar to the R6 Version and yes also better (natural) than my old version. So i can throw away my Camera Raw - After Effects - Premiere pro part completely. It is also suprising how fast the cDNG format works in Davinci Resolve, its playable in fullspeed (GPU Speed) with my old computer (3.5K in 23,976fps).
I also compared the Davinci own Version "Davinci Wide Gammut" with "Aces 1.3". Result: Davinci Wide Gammut looks at first sight realy nice but has some huge ugly problems in highlights (especially with clipping), that i can't fix it.
In short: my new way is just exporting cinemaDNG in MLVapp and grading in Davinci Resolve Studio.
Next huge change is how i grade my footage. Earlier i try to replicate the Youtube HDR to SDR conversion in Davinci Resolve and grad my footage before this self replcicated Node. This works never 100% and from time to time, you have some bad surprise.
But now, i try it from the other side. My way is, i grade my Footage in ACES 1.3 SDR Rec709, but export it after in ACES 1.3 HDR Rec2020 in 1000nits. And before i upload it, i use the HDR Metadata Tool to bring my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut in. Now the Rec709 Youtube Version looks 100% identical to my Davinci Resolve ACES Rec709 Version. Realy easy now!
Part One: MLVapp - cDNG Workflow
Part Two: SDR/HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve
1. Comparison between SDR and HDR
HDR is not just a stretched SDR version, but extends the peak luminance, far beyond the range that can be represented by SDR correctly. SDR (like rec709) is limited to 6 f-stops, HDR is up to 17,6 f-stops! (Wikipedia)
And here is the problem with Adobe Aplications. If you upload your HDR version to Youtube, youtube try to convert (HDR to SDR version) all the dynamic range to a too small area -> so it will looking flat. If you upload your Metadata to Youtube (MaxFALL and MaxCLL) it will look much better. After Effects and Premiere pro has no possibility to analyze or save/ delivering the HDR metadata so we need Davinci Resolve Studio.
2. Mastering in...
We can choose between 1000, 2000 and 4000nits, 1000nits need minimum 10bit, 2000? and 4000nits minimum 12bit (Wikipedia). But there is a problem. In my case, i think the 5D Mark II/III doesn't have enough dynamic range for 2000 or 4000nits (and i can't test it). But i want the correct ACES to HDR Transformation, so i choose Rec.2020 ST2084 and 1000nits for my grade.
1. open a new Project
2. open Project Setting: In Color Management set Color science to ACEScct, ACES Output Device Transform to Rec.709 and the last enable HDR10+ (ACES input Device Transform is not important)
4. HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve on a SDR Display
1. Problem: If you want to Export a HDR Footage you will see the HDR and SDR Youtube Version looks flat and dark, because you need to analyze your Metadata: MaxFALL = Maximum Frame--Average Light Level and MaxCLL = Maximum Content Light Level.
2. After Color Grading, change your ACES Output Transform to Rec.2020 ST2084 (1000nits). And if you are on the Color Tab, click Color / HDR10+ / Analyze all shots and wait. -> so it will analyze MaxCLL and MaxFALL for every frame and for every shot.
But after Analyzing the Metadata and uploading to Youtube, Youtube will transform his own HDR to SDR Version that you can see on your SDR Dysplay. And if you compare your Rec709 Version with the Youtube SDR Version, you will see: Youtube's HDR to SDR Version looks also flat and darker (but better than before), but we can fix this. I create my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube.
Attention:
After Analyze your Image it looks darker, because of the HDR10+ preview "Enable Tone Mapping Preview". If you simply uncheck this feature, you can grade correct.
3. Rendering: Depending on your DSL speed you can choose between like DNxHR and H.265 codec, or what you want. The important thing is to click on "Embed HDR10 Metadata" (Metadata is saved in videofile). In h265 you need to set Encoding Profile to Main10. The rest you can set what you want. Click Add to Render Queue and Start Render
But now, you need a Lut for the Youtube HDR to SDR conversion. You can Download and use my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube or build your own:
5. create your own LUT for HDR to SDR conversion
In Davinci:
1. open a new Project
2. open Project Setting: In Color Management set Color science to DaVinci YRGB Color Managed, Color processing mode to HDR Davinci Wide Gamut Intermediate, Output Color Space to Rec.709 Gamma 2.4 and Enable Dolby Vision.
3. Import the file "trim_lut0.dpx" and in Timeline (it is a Pattern for analyze your grade) in "C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support" or simply find with click on Project Setting to Color Management and in Lookup Tables to Open LUT Folder and go back a folder.
4. Now you can set your own HDR to SDR grade: in My case i just open the Effects "ACES Transform" and set Rec2020 1000nits to Rec709. If you want to create your own conversion, you can import your exportet HDR Movie, right click on the clip, "import Color Space" to "Rec2020 1000nits". Make your create and Copy and paste the grade to the trim_lut0.dpx.
5. Go to Color Tab (below), click on the Clip and on Dolby Vision Tab (left, next to Curves). Click Selected for Analyzed and wait. Now right click on the trim_lut0.dpx Clip, Generate Lut and chose betreen 17, 33 and 65 Point Cube.
You can Download my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube
Part Three: Youtube Metadata Tool
1. HDR to SDR conversion and Youtube Metadata tool
Link: https://github.com/youtubehdr/hdr_metadata
For Windows:
Download the Tool and save it in a folder.
You can simlpy write your command in a Editor.
Here is a default Text that I used:
Replace the red text. (if you have click on Embed HDR Metadata you dont need to set the MaxFALL and MaxCLL)
Copy this text in Command line tool, click Enter and finished;)
Now you can upload your new file with your own HDR to SDR lut -> Youtube will make the rest.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. For technical questions about ACES and HDR, ask Andy600.
- New Start: I completed my HDR-Workflow
- I added a downloadable ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube upload
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is my new Version of my ACES and HDR (HDR10+) workflow.
I change my Workflow again, and again, but this is my Newest Version.
Overview:
Introduction
1. Short Tutorial
2. What you need
3. Helpful links
4. About this Workflow?
Part One: MLVapp - cDNG Workflow
1. MLVapp
Part Two: SDR/HDR - grading on Davinci Resolve
1. Comparison between SDR and HDR
2. Mastering in...
3. Davinci Resolve
4. HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve on a SDR Display
5. create your own LUT for HDR to SDR conversion
Part Three: Youtube Metadata Tool
1. HDR to SDR conversion and Youtube Metadata tool
Introduction
1. Short Tutorial
Magic Lantern Raw (.MLV) - MLV App (Export as cDNG) - Davinci Resolve (ACES HDR grading and Export) - Youtube Metadata tool (Attaching my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut) - Finished
Here are some video examples.
Filmed with my Canon eos 5D Mark II with the Experimental Builds by Reddeercity
and 5D Mark III by Danne's Build
---
Filmed with my Canon eos 5D Mark II with the Experimental Builds by Reddeercity
and 5D Mark III by Danne's Build
---
Botanic Garden II | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.3K HDR
Music Box | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.3K HDR
In my Dreams | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
Breathe | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
Espresso | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 5.7K HDR
My last Tour... | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
Around the Elbe | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
Handheld again | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
Light | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - 3.5K HDR
A little walk in 4K | 5D Mark III Magic Lantern Raw - HDR
5D Mark II
Macro | 5D Mark II Magic Lantern Raw - HDR 60FPS 5.6K
2. What you need:
- MLV App -> https://mlv.app/
- Davinci Resolve (Studio) -> https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/de/products/davinciresolve/
- Youtube Metadata tool -> https://github.com/youtubehdr/hdr_metadata
3. Helpful Links:
- What is ACES? https://www.oscars.org/science-technology/sci-tech-projects/aces
- 5D Mark II ML Experimental Builds by Reddeercity https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=19336.0
- 5D Mark III ML Experimental Builds by Danne https://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=23041.0
- You can Download my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube
4. About this workflow?
I've been search a long time to find the best (quality) Workflow for Magic Lantern Raw data and i changed all again, again: There are many ways to grade this data, but for grading in HDR there are only one way that i know. With Adobe Applications there are no ways to complete a HDR Movie, unfortunately with MLVapp too. The only Application that can handle it is Davinci Resolve Studio. However, until now it has not been possible to use Rec2020 with CinemaDNG, it was always limited to Rec709.
Until Now... Now, in Version 17 and up, and i can't say why, it works!
And i was lucky enough to be able to test the new Canon eos R6. And i could also campare it with the Canon 5d Mark III: I compare my old Workflow with just inporting cDNG, with the files from the R6. The result was: the cDNG Vesion looks realy realy similar to the R6 Version and yes also better (natural) than my old version. So i can throw away my Camera Raw - After Effects - Premiere pro part completely. It is also suprising how fast the cDNG format works in Davinci Resolve, its playable in fullspeed (GPU Speed) with my old computer (3.5K in 23,976fps).
I also compared the Davinci own Version "Davinci Wide Gammut" with "Aces 1.3". Result: Davinci Wide Gammut looks at first sight realy nice but has some huge ugly problems in highlights (especially with clipping), that i can't fix it.
In short: my new way is just exporting cinemaDNG in MLVapp and grading in Davinci Resolve Studio.
Next huge change is how i grade my footage. Earlier i try to replicate the Youtube HDR to SDR conversion in Davinci Resolve and grad my footage before this self replcicated Node. This works never 100% and from time to time, you have some bad surprise.
But now, i try it from the other side. My way is, i grade my Footage in ACES 1.3 SDR Rec709, but export it after in ACES 1.3 HDR Rec2020 in 1000nits. And before i upload it, i use the HDR Metadata Tool to bring my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut in. Now the Rec709 Youtube Version looks 100% identical to my Davinci Resolve ACES Rec709 Version. Realy easy now!
Part One: MLVapp - cDNG Workflow
1. MLVapp
Go to output Settings and chose cinemaDNG (lossless -> no quality loss, but less bigger file size) and ExportPart Two: SDR/HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve
1. Comparison between SDR and HDR
HDR is not just a stretched SDR version, but extends the peak luminance, far beyond the range that can be represented by SDR correctly. SDR (like rec709) is limited to 6 f-stops, HDR is up to 17,6 f-stops! (Wikipedia)
And here is the problem with Adobe Aplications. If you upload your HDR version to Youtube, youtube try to convert (HDR to SDR version) all the dynamic range to a too small area -> so it will looking flat. If you upload your Metadata to Youtube (MaxFALL and MaxCLL) it will look much better. After Effects and Premiere pro has no possibility to analyze or save/ delivering the HDR metadata so we need Davinci Resolve Studio.
2. Mastering in...
We can choose between 1000, 2000 and 4000nits, 1000nits need minimum 10bit, 2000? and 4000nits minimum 12bit (Wikipedia). But there is a problem. In my case, i think the 5D Mark II/III doesn't have enough dynamic range for 2000 or 4000nits (and i can't test it). But i want the correct ACES to HDR Transformation, so i choose Rec.2020 ST2084 and 1000nits for my grade.
3. Davinci Resolve
1. open a new Project
2. open Project Setting: In Color Management set Color science to ACEScct, ACES Output Device Transform to Rec.709 and the last enable HDR10+ (ACES input Device Transform is not important)
4. HDR Color Grading in Davinci Resolve on a SDR Display
Here is my Basic Tree Node for Color Correction
-> I can recommend to use the HDR-Color Wheel only for the Basic grade, because of clipping and better Satuation. Changing Contrast makes no different in Satuation you need to change the Satuation seperatly, but it works much stronger, you need to hold the "Alt" Button on your Keypad for a precise adjustment.
1. Node: My Setting for Noise Reduction (iso 100)
-> I use Noise reduction on the Shadows only. And this is possible with the Qualifier tool
2. Node: my Primaries
-> Just Exposure (HDR Color Wheels - Global), Contrast (HDR Color Wheels - Cont and Pivot), and White Balance (Camera Raw Settings)
3. Node(s): HDR - Tool
-> Fine Tuning HDR-Wheel blacks to Specular
Last Node: Color
-> just use the "Sat" (satuation) on the Global from HDR - Color Wheel
1. Problem: If you want to Export a HDR Footage you will see the HDR and SDR Youtube Version looks flat and dark, because you need to analyze your Metadata: MaxFALL = Maximum Frame--Average Light Level and MaxCLL = Maximum Content Light Level.
2. After Color Grading, change your ACES Output Transform to Rec.2020 ST2084 (1000nits). And if you are on the Color Tab, click Color / HDR10+ / Analyze all shots and wait. -> so it will analyze MaxCLL and MaxFALL for every frame and for every shot.
But after Analyzing the Metadata and uploading to Youtube, Youtube will transform his own HDR to SDR Version that you can see on your SDR Dysplay. And if you compare your Rec709 Version with the Youtube SDR Version, you will see: Youtube's HDR to SDR Version looks also flat and darker (but better than before), but we can fix this. I create my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube.
Attention:
After Analyze your Image it looks darker, because of the HDR10+ preview "Enable Tone Mapping Preview". If you simply uncheck this feature, you can grade correct.
3. Rendering: Depending on your DSL speed you can choose between like DNxHR and H.265 codec, or what you want. The important thing is to click on "Embed HDR10 Metadata" (Metadata is saved in videofile). In h265 you need to set Encoding Profile to Main10. The rest you can set what you want. Click Add to Render Queue and Start Render
But now, you need a Lut for the Youtube HDR to SDR conversion. You can Download and use my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube or build your own:
5. create your own LUT for HDR to SDR conversion
In Davinci:
1. open a new Project
2. open Project Setting: In Color Management set Color science to DaVinci YRGB Color Managed, Color processing mode to HDR Davinci Wide Gamut Intermediate, Output Color Space to Rec.709 Gamma 2.4 and Enable Dolby Vision.
3. Import the file "trim_lut0.dpx" and in Timeline (it is a Pattern for analyze your grade) in "C:\ProgramData\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\Support" or simply find with click on Project Setting to Color Management and in Lookup Tables to Open LUT Folder and go back a folder.
4. Now you can set your own HDR to SDR grade: in My case i just open the Effects "ACES Transform" and set Rec2020 1000nits to Rec709. If you want to create your own conversion, you can import your exportet HDR Movie, right click on the clip, "import Color Space" to "Rec2020 1000nits". Make your create and Copy and paste the grade to the trim_lut0.dpx.
5. Go to Color Tab (below), click on the Clip and on Dolby Vision Tab (left, next to Curves). Click Selected for Analyzed and wait. Now right click on the trim_lut0.dpx Clip, Generate Lut and chose betreen 17, 33 and 65 Point Cube.
You can Download my own ACES-HDR-to-SDR-Lut for Youtube
Part Three: Youtube Metadata Tool
1. HDR to SDR conversion and Youtube Metadata tool
Link: https://github.com/youtubehdr/hdr_metadata
For Windows:
Download the Tool and save it in a folder.
You can simlpy write your command in a Editor.
Here is a default Text that I used:
Quote"Path to the Tool...\mkvmerge.exe" -o "path where you want to save\---.mov" --colour-matrix 0:9 --colour-range 0:1 --colour-transfer-characteristics 0:16 --colour-primaries 0:9 --attachment-mime-type application/x-cube --attach-file "Path of your LUT\---.cube" "path where you video is\---.mov"
Replace the red text. (if you have click on Embed HDR Metadata you dont need to set the MaxFALL and MaxCLL)
Copy this text in Command line tool, click Enter and finished;)
Now you can upload your new file with your own HDR to SDR lut -> Youtube will make the rest.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. For technical questions about ACES and HDR, ask Andy600.