RCM UPDATE - BMPCC 4K to Alexa PowerGrade and LUT
P4K2ALEXA POWERGRADE AND LUTS
Following the release of the P6K2Alexa PowerGrade, I received many requests to create a BMPCC4K to Alexa PowerGrade. This is that PowerGrade.
Created using the same process as the P6K version, P4K2Alexa features a new 3x3 matrix that accurately matches the P4K to the Alexa. This is the same method used by high-end post houses to match digital cameras. And it offerrs many advantages over using a LUT. For more info on these advantages, and for a look into the creation process, visit the P6K2Alexa product page.
NOW FULLY GEN5 COMPATIBLE - UPDATED 14.05.2021
The PowerGrade, post-production LUTs and in-camera LUTs have now been updated to be fully Gen5 compatible. To use the Gen5 PowerGrades you will require Resolve 17.2. The in-camera LUTs require Blackmagic Camera Update 7.3.
The update also includes two new ARRI LogC to Rec709 LUTs. These new LUTs have been modified for more filmic saturation and were born from my research into film emulation. They allow for deeper, richer colours whilst avoiding over-saturation.
An update email has gone out, get in touch with if you haven’t received it. Please include your Invoice number or Paypal address so I can track you down in the system.
P4K2Alexa PowerGrade and LUT Bundle
USD$39.99
P4K2Alexa LUTs
USD$19.99
P4K2Alexa PowerGrade
USD$29.99
INSTALLATION AND USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
For installation and usage instructions see this page.
P4K2Alexa vs a Real ARRI Alexa
Below are some full resolution images from the video above. Both the P4K and the Alexa are a using Sigma 18-35mm. The P4K was fitted with an EF Speedbooster XL. Both cameras rated at ISO800. Exposure via false colour.
I shot pre-dawn, dawn, midday sun, midday sun/shade, full shade, and 20 min after sunset on an overcast day. The same transform was used for all images with no adjustments to the conversion.
The Alexa images are untouched. Most P4K images feature exposure adjustments only, some feature extremely minor temp adjustments via the offset wheel.
Second mouse button click and open each image in it’s own tab, for a full resolution comparison.
P4K2Alexa Vs Standard Pocket 4K Extended Video LUT
Graded Shots
The below frames are P4K2Alexa LogC with an existing Alexa grade. No modifications beyond the standard contrast/pivot, offset etc. Raw files provided by Santos Soto/La Familia London.
NO SNAKE OIL
Unlike every “to Alexa” conversion LUT or “Alexa look” inspired LUT out there, I don’t deliberately obfuscate the transform behind a LUT. It’s possible to see exactly what I do in every node which makes it impossible to hide snake oil.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE NEW GEN5 VERSION
GEN5 LUT VERSION
Two versions of P4K2Alexa Gen5 LUT transform:
The P4K2Alexa_Gen5_LogC LUT outputs a LogC image and is fully compatible with any LUT or PowerGrade that expects ARRI LogC as the input. Use this if you need to match Alexa footage on the same timeline or if you need to share looks between the two cameras without modifying looks.
The P4K2Alexa_Gen5_BMD_Film LUT outputs Alexa colours but in Gen5 BMD Film log. The output won’t match LogC Alexa footage, but it gives you the benefit of the extra highlight range of Gen5. Which means you don’t need to manually grade highlights back down into range. Use this if you want the Alexa colours but don’t need to intercut with Alexa footage.
ARRI_LogC2Video_709 Output LUTs: The latest ARRI LogC to Rec709 LUT in two new versions. ARRI_LogC2Video_709_V2.cube and a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) version known as ARRI_LogC2Video_709_WDR_V2.cube. These LUTs have been modified for more filmic style saturation, allowing for deeper richer colours whilst avoiding over-saturation. These LUTs are designed to be paired with the P4K2Alexa_Gen5_LogC LUT above. Also included are the previous versions of these LUTs: Standard, WDR, WDR Highlights and WDR Roll-Off.
BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709 Output LUTs: the two new V2 LUTs from above but designed to be paired with the P4K2Alexa_Gen5_BMD_Film LUT above. They are known as BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709_V2.cube and BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709_WDR_V2.cube.
All-in-one Post-Production Rec709 LUTs: The P4K BMDFilm Gen5 transform combined with the two new V2 Rec709 output LUTs. Created at x65 precision.
In-Camera/On-Set Rec709 LUTs: Same as above but created at x33 precision for compatibility. Used to preview the transform on the P4K or external monitors.
P4K2Alexa Gen4 LUTs: All the Gen4 LUTs are included as well.
No Snake Oil
GEN5 POWERGRADE VERSION
Two versions of P4K2Alexa Gen5 PowerGrade transform:
The P4K2Alexa Gen5 LogC PowerGrade outputs a LogC image and is fully compatible with any LUT or PowerGrade that expects ARRI LogC as the input. Use this if you need to match Alexa footage on the same timeline or if you need to share looks between the two cameras without modifying looks.
The P4K2Alexa Gen5 BMD Film PowerGrade outputs Alexa colours but in Gen5 BMD Film log. The output won’t match LogC Alexa footage, but it gives you the benefit of the extra highlight range of Gen5. Which means you don’t need to manually grade highlights back down into range. Use this if you want the Alexa colours but don’t need to intercut with Alexa footage.
The P4K2Alexa PowerGrades allow you to adjust all aspects of the P4K to Alexa transform. You can make adjustments to the core 3x3 matrix, you can also adjust the shadow/highlight tint curve and tweak the highlight roll-off curve to taste.
P4K2Alexa RCM PowerGrade: The P4K2Alexa transform for use in Resolve Color Managed (RCM) workflows.
P4K2Alexa ACES PowerGrade: The P4K2Alexa transform for use in ACES workflows.
ARRI_LogC2Video_709 Output LUTs: The latest ARRI LogC to Rec709 LUT in two new versions. ARRI_LogC2Video_709_V2.cube and a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) version known as ARRI_LogC2Video_709_WDR_V2.cube. These LUTs have been modified for more filmic style saturation, allowing for deeper richer colours whilst avoiding over-saturation. These LUTs are designed to be paired with the P4K2Alexa_Gen5_LogC LUT above. Also included are the previous versions of these LUTs: Standard, WDR, WDR Highlights and WDR Roll-Off.
BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709 Output LUTs: the two new V2 LUTs from above but designed to be paired with the P4K2Alexa_Gen5_BMD_Film LUT above. They are known as BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709_V2.cube and BMD_Gen5_Film2Video_709_WDR_V2.cube.
In-Camera/On-Set Rec709 LUTs: The P4K BMDFilm Gen5 transform combined with the two new V2 Rec709 output LUTs. Created at x33 precision for compatibility. Used to preview the transform on the P4K or external monitors.
P4K2Alexa Gen4 PowerGrades: The Gen4 PowerGrades are included as well.
No Snake Oil
LUT OR POWERGRADE?
If you mainly grade in Resolve, the PowerGrade is the way to go. The PowerGrade gives you maximum flexibility and quality, while also allowing you to make adjustments to the transform.
If you grade in Premiere or any other NLE, or you just want to apply LUTs to quickly get footage out, then LUTs are the way to go.
CURVE COMPARISON
Along with the latest ARRI Rec709 LUT, there are three extra variations included.
Alexa Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) modifies the incoming image information with a pre-curve. The curve reveals extra detail in the highlights and shadows without modifying image saturation. It lowers the intensity and harshness of highlights without losing image definition and without making them appear dull and lifeless, which is common in curves that manipulate highlights/roll-off. It doesn’t shift middle gray, so it’s also suitable for in camera monitoring.
Alexa Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) Highlights is the same as the standard WDR version, but it only affects the highlights. The image from middle gray down is unaffected. Comparison image coming shortly.
WDR Roll-Off Introduces a film like roll-off into to the highlights. It will dull the highs, but the effect is reduced as it is under the WDR pre-curve. The roll-off can be fully adjusted in the PowerGrade version.
UPDATE History
03.11.2022
The PowerGrade version has has been updated with a new Resolve Color Managed (RCM) PowerGrade. This allows you to match the Alexa in RCM workflows when using Davinci Wide Gamut / Davinci Intermediate.
This is a free update. Get in touch if you have not received an update email. Please include your Invoice number or Paypal address so I can track you down in the system.
14.05.2021 V2
Fixed an error in the PowerGrade version. Applying the PowerGrade would cause the temp/tint to change in the raw tab. Try the update email download link again if your version has this issue. Or get in touch if your link has expired.
14.05.2021
The PowerGrade, post-productions LUTs and in-camera LUTs have now been updated to be fully Gen5 compatible.
This is a free update. Get in touch if you have not received an update email. Please include your Invoice number or Paypal address so I can track you down in the system.
26.04.2021
Updated the In-Camera LUTs to Gen5 (P4K2Alexa_Rec709_Gen5_BETA_OnSet and P4K2Alexa_Rec709_Gen5_BETA_OnSet_WDR). However the post production LUTs and PowerGrade are still Gen4 until BMD adds the Gen5 curve to Resolve’s CST OFX.
Added two new ARRI LogC to Rec709 LUTs (ARRI_LogC2Video_709_V2 and ARRI_LogC2Video_709_WDR_V2). These new LUTs have been modified for more filmic saturation. They allow for deeper, richer colours whilst avoiding over-saturation.
24.03.2020
Added an ACES version of the PowerGrade.
Added a new version of the ARRI Rec709 LUT – WDR Highlights which applies the WDR effect but only to the highlights. This should produce better results with lower contrast footage.
Changed the default behaviour of the PowerGrade so that it won’t change any settings in the RAW tab when applied.
03.03.2020 Initial release
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, SUPPORT
For questions, comments or if you need LUT/PowerGrade support feel free to contact me at support@juanmelara.com.au
I want to hear your feedback. Let me know how it performs and any ideas for improvements.
