| name | dynamic-range-and-protect-highlights |
| description | Use when shooting in high-contrast scenes. Dynamic range = range from darkest to brightest detail.
|
Dynamic Range and Protect Highlights
Modern cameras capture 12-15 stops of DR. Highlight clipping is permanent — protect highlights, recover shadows in post.
Expose-to-the-right (ETTR)
Expose just below highlight clipping. Slight overexposure preserved in highlights gives most data in shadows.
Use:
- Camera histogram (RGB clipping warning)
- Zebras (settings showing overexposed areas)
- Waveform monitor (more accurate)
Avoid pushing right side of histogram off the chart.
HDR scenes (bright + dark)
High-contrast scene options:
- HDR mode (some cameras) — multiple exposures merged
- Log profile (S-Log, V-Log, C-Log) — captures wider DR
- RAW capture — most flexibility in post
- Bracketing — multiple shots, merge in post
- Accept — let shadows go black or highlights blow
Log shooting
Log profiles compress dynamic range. Image looks flat out of camera. Color-grading in post recovers full range.
Common Log profiles:
- Sony S-Log 2/3
- Canon C-Log 1/2/3
- Panasonic V-Log
- Fujifilm F-Log
- Blackmagic Film
Grade with LUT or manual color work.
Where this fits in the X3 empire
Dynamic range management for CardPrepAI video shoots.
