RED image test

[Mark Toia]

Hi Guys and Gals,
Happy new year.

I'm always one to share stuff, help out where I can...
So here goes.

Just finished some more side by side testing to find ways to POST some of our work in house better faster smoother...

In this link http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/ftp/file_grade_tests/
I have put a before and after to have a look at. It's a 2k PRO RES file so you will have to wait a bit to as it down loads. It's only 32meg I think.

Down load "Questions" first and see if you can pick which one is what.
there are 4 different grades, via 4 different methods.
One is via PD LOG, another via DPX, another VIA REC 709 via RED RUSHES, the other is the using the simple old RED generated quicktime proxie.
See if you can pick which is which.

Download "Answers" and you will see what maybe is the best for you.

Have a nice day y'all.

[James Press]

Thanks Mark!

I assume you used the _M QT proxie?

[Mark Toia]

Thanks Mark!

I assume you used the _M QT proxie?

Nope.. the H... or 2k proxy.

I graded the DPX first, because its the best to work with apparently.
Then graded all the other versions to see if it would match and to see if there was any quality loss.
No body thus far could pick which one was the original DPX grade or which one was the quick time proxie grade. they all looked so close that nobody really cared, they could not tell me which one look better either.

By the time our stuff goes to air and gets smashed by TV stations or dub sat compression methods, no-one is going no or care what method or process we grade in.

So my question is this, do you do it the long - expensive way (DPX Grading), or the fast - cheap way (PROXIE grading) to get a result that is so close that nobody can pick.?

If you have the time and the money, I say go the DPX way. what the hell. it's not your money half the time.
If your going to cinema, go the DPX way.
if your going to AIR and the budget and dead line are tight, go the proxy method.

Who's going to know?

food for thought.

[James Press]

Ahhh, the _H, or 2K proxy...that explains a lot!

Mark, we've been using your/Mike's method since we started in September and have never looked back--thank you sooooo much for sharing! The images really do speak for themselves. Love your beautiful work; and I'm sure I keep seeing it on the local stations...

With much appreciation,

James