Rec 709, Camera RGB, etc. Some Clarity please

[HDPioneers.com]

For myself and others on the forum whose understanding is not crystal clear about the differences between Rec 709 curves, Camera RGB, etc. I'm looking for someone to step up and and explain in laymen's terms.

As I understand it, Rec 709 curves are applied to all video output from RED for the purposes of having a decent looking preview. It is not baked into the R3D files. Also, I know that Rec 709 is designed for HD content. I am also aware that certain post people are advocates of using Rec 709 for all of your color grading etc.

But doesn't technically Camera RGB and others have the ability for more data? Isn't using Rec 709 kind of like funneling the image through a lower bandwidth HD curve?

I recently assisted in shooting a test with RED that was then printed to 35mm film and the colorist did all his work with Camera RGB. The results looked fairly good to me eye. Would it have been better to use Rec 709? If so, why?

 

[Cail Young]

But doesn't technically Camera RGB and others have the ability for more data? Isn't using Rec 709 kind of like funneling the image through a lower bandwidth HD curve?

Correct, however decoding straight to Rec709 will make your HD deliverable grade much faster, as you won't have to spend as much time getting the Camera RGB colours to look decent in Rec709.