Color Science and mixing Dragon / Epic / Scarlet / RED One

[Samir Patel]

Question for Graeme primarily. I am considering upgrading my Scarlet to an Epic and in the future considering upgrading to the Dragon but who knows what will happen between now and then. So my question is for those of us who own previous generation cameras, Scarlet, Epic, RED one mx. If we work in a multi camera environment in the future would we be able to get similar color settings among all cameras? Example would running a Dragon in Red log or red color 3 be enough to match all cameras together in multi-camera situations or is it better to upgrade from Scarlet -> Scarlet Dragon in the event we see the need for multi-cam with an Epic Dragon in the future?

 

[Wey Wang]

I haven't done the tests myself, but I understand that there are some differences between a R1MX and Epic/Scarlet. Even though they have the same sensor, the ASIC changes the image a bit, even if they are very close. I imagine that the difference between MX and Dragon are going to be marked, not only because of the new dynamic range, but the new color science that is required.

That said, I don't think it'll be that difficult to match the cameras. it would be the same sort of discipline that one should exercise on current projects by shooting color charts to be matched in post. Even without color charts, I feel like RED is smart enough and responsible enough to make Dragon pretty close.

 

[Samir Patel]

Thanks Wey. I remember watching your reel sometime back. Great work there and great music choice.