This technique, developed by the Institute of Radio Engineers in the 1950s, has been a standard practice for evaluating exposure, particularly useful for examining skin tones, middle grey, and areas of under or overexposure. However, the lack of standardization across different cameras and monitors often leads to inconsistent false color representations, making it challenging for Directors of Photography (DOPs) to rely on this tool for accurate exposure assessments.

Pomfort’s Livegrade Pro / Studio: A Solution for Standardization
To address these inconsistencies, Livegrade Pro / Studio by Pomfort has introduced a 1D LUT-based false color mechanism. This new feature allows users to analyze images more precisely by mapping false color directly to various Log curves used by different camera manufacturers. Users can create and import custom false color LUTs, enabling them to have complete control over the false color representation for any specific camera system.

The Process of False Color Analysis in Livegrade
When using the false color mode in Livegrade, the software first converts the colored image into a black-and-white version to translate RGB values into luminance. Then, it applies a 1D LUT to this monochrome image, assigning specific colors to certain luminance ranges based on the chosen false color LUT.

Why Opt for 1D LUTs Over 3D LUTs?
1D LUTs are preferred over 3D LUTs for false color analysis because they offer clear input-to-output relationships, allowing for the precise distinction of 1024 individual luminance values. In contrast, 3D LUTs, while suitable for complex tasks like gamut conversions, can only approximate luminance values, leading to blurred distinctions between different luminance ranges.

Creating Custom False Color LUTs
Pomfort’s False Color LUT Generator simplifies the process of creating custom 1D LUTs. For instance, when working with an ARRI ALEXA 35 at EI800, a DOP might decide to use a specific color to indicate underexposed skin tones. They can create a false color LUT that marks luminance values below a certain threshold (e.g., 15% in LogC4) with a specific color (e.g., cyan). This custom LUT can be easily integrated into Livegrade Pro / Studio, providing a tailored tool for accurate exposure assessment during shooting.

The introduction of a LUT-based false color mechanism in Livegrade Pro / Studio represents a significant advancement in the field of cinematography. It addresses the longstanding issue of false color inconsistency across different camera systems, offering cinematographers a reliable and customizable tool for exposure assessment.

News source: https://pomfort.com/livegradestudio/