![\"V-Log](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Panasonic_V-Log_Graph.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nV-Log is a logarithmic (“log”) gamma curve developed by Panasonic. That’s basically it, but for those who are familiar with log-encoding, that’s more than enough to get excited about.<\/p>\n
We notice smaller changes in brightness in darker areas, so a log curve is optimized to give shadows and midtones the most granularity. The curve is also flattened in the highlights to capture a wider range of highlights, though with less granularity than shadows and midtones.<\/p>\n
Simply put, log encoding allows for a wider dynamic range of luminance information that is more in line with how the human eye sees things<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> Technically, the GH4’s log curve is called “V-Log L”, because it’s a “lite” version of the log curve used by Panasonic’s $55K Varicam 35<\/strong> camera.<\/p>\n The graph above shows V-Log’s full implementation for cameras with 14+ stops like the Varicam 35. The highlighted region is V-Log’s implementation for the GH4’s 12-stops.<\/p>\n For the sake of simplicity though, we’ll just call it V-Log.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n V-Log is the first paid upgrade for the GH4. The price varies depending on your region in the world, but in the USA, activating V-Log costs $100<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Some may bristle at the notion of paying to activate a single feature on their camera, but if it does the job, it’s a relatively small price to pay for those who use their camera for paid work. Keep in mind, V-Log is not for everyone<\/strong>— it’s an advanced feature that requires additional steps in your workflow (from shooting to editing). If you prefer a simpler process, you probably don’t need (or want) V-Log.<\/p>\n Activating V-Log is unfortunately not an instant process– it’s quite slow actually. You have to purchase the activation directly from Panasonic or from authorized vendors.<\/p>\n Where to buy V-Log for the Panasonic GH4:<\/strong><\/p>\n Once purchased, the V-Log activation code is physically mailed<\/em> to you.<\/p>\n On a card. In a box. By snail mail<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This procedure seems strange coming from the same company that delivered a 4K camera that fits in the palm of your hand, but that’s the way it is.<\/p>\n Once you receive your activation card in the mail, you only have a few more hoops to jump through before you can actually start using V-Log on your camera:<\/p>\n Once you’ve completed these steps, you can finally start shooting with V-Log.<\/p>\n Once V-Log has been activated on your camera, it is selectable from the GH4’s Photo Style<\/strong> menu.<\/p>\n Menu:<\/strong> Motion Picture (1) \/ Photo Style<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The biggest difference between V-Log and the GH4’s other photo styles (e.g. Cinelike-D, Natural, etc.) is that V-Log is more neutral and less stylized than the other profiles. With less of a “look” baked into the image, V-Log gives you more flexibility to adjust the image in post<\/strong>.<\/p>\n V-Log also captures a wider dynamic range, providing you with up to 12 stops of luminance vs the 10 stops captured by the GH4’s other photo styles.<\/p>\n Here are some of the key benefits V-Log brings to the table to help you determine whether it is of use to you.<\/p>\n V-Log allows the GH4 to capture a wider dynamic range– up to 12 stops of luminance values versus the 10 stops the default photo styles max out at.<\/p>\n This means more details in the shadows and highlights can be preserved, resulting in a more pleasing and less video-like image.<\/p>\n Here’s a quick comparison between the same scene shot with V-Log and Natural photo styles. Though the same exposure was used for both, details in the bright clouds hold together better in the V-Log shot.<\/p>\n Some shooters learned the hard way when trying to get a faux-flat on the GH4 in pre-V-Log days by abusing a photo style’s parameters. When things like contrast were turned all the way down, colors contorted, destroying skin tone and resulting in orange-tinted faces fit for the Jersey Shore<\/em>.<\/p>\n Raising master pedestal to +15 sure gave that image a log-like washed out look, but it also irreversibly threw away a value chunk of information from the shadows and midtones, never to be seen again.<\/p>\n Faux-flat is no good.<\/p>\n On the other hand, V-Log actually has a different gamma curve and a higher dynamic range that accounts for a flatter looking image. Even better, settings such as contrast and master pedestal are actually locked<\/em> when V-Log is in use, thereby protecting you against changes that degrade the image.<\/p>\nActivating V-Log<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nUsing V-Log<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy Use V-Log?<\/h2>\n
Wider Dynamic Range<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\nNeutral Colors<\/h3>\n