Simple way to export R3D to h.264 like it looks in RCX

[Rui Guerra]

What is the simplest way to export from R3D to h.264 (quick time) and keep exactly the same contrast, saturation, appearance that we see in the RCX player window?

Probably is a simple setting that is not correct, but most of the time the exported compressed (h264) clip is not even close to the image I see in the viewer of RCX (using the same monitor to see both).

In other words, I need a fast way to make adjustments to an R3D file until it looks great and just export it in a way that it maintains the same look. Most of the time the exported file is way too dark / contrasty.

Any suggestions?

 

[Gunther Meisse]

I would suggest calibrating your computer monitors and your video display. I use the spyder express to get a true calibration of the computer monitors, then play out colorbars to get your video display in order. My R3D files are exactly the same on export.

 

[Alexander Thomson]

What is the simplest way to export from R3D to h.264 (quick time) and keep exactly the same contrast, saturation, appearance that we see in the RCX player window?

Probably is a simple setting that is not correct, but most of the time the exported compressed (h264) clip is not even close to the image I see in the viewer of RCX (using the same monitor to see both).

In other words, I need a fast way to make adjustments to an R3D file until it looks great and just export it in a way that it maintains the same look. Most of the time the exported file is way too dark / contrasty.

Any suggestions?

It is specific to the h.264 setting right? I have run into this issue as well. I notice it bypasses/screws up the output transform when it goes straight to h.264 and looks way off. Pretty sure it's a bug.

I batch export to ProRes 4444 and then use AME to export h.264 proxies, then delete the ProRes. It's a workaround until the software is fixed.

 

[Rui Guerra]

I would suggest calibrating your computer monitors and your video display. I use the spyder express to get a true calibration of the computer monitors, then play out colorbars to get your video display in order. My R3D files are exactly the same on export.

I always have my displays calibrated (also with Spyder). The problem is not that, since I'm talking about seeing the two clips in the same display.

 

[Rui Guerra]

It is specific to the h.264 setting right? I have run into this issue as well. I notice it bypasses/screws up the output transform when it goes straight to h.264 and looks way off. Pretty sure it's a bug.

I batch export to ProRes 4444 and then use AME to export h.264 proxies, then delete the ProRes. It's a workaround until the software is fixed.

Yes, I've only noticed in the h.264 because I need to use it when I need to make some fast clips to show other people around or include in some Keynote/powerpoint presentation.

So your suggestion is first use RCX and export ProRes 4444. Then reexport to h.264 using "AME"? What's the meaning of this initials?

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Adobe Media Encoder.

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Lately, I have been using the new DaVinci Resolve 14.1 to leverage IPP2 and be able to make fast h.264 exports. When I work in Red Cine X, I have to use the export > ProRes > transcode > h.264 workaround.