FX settings chain and image processing order in Adobe (CS6)

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Ok, sounds like a long question, but really simple.

I'm trying to wrap my brain around how Adobe deals with RED material and what settings are best applied where.

Simply put, should I be making my simple color adjustments within RedcineX or clip settings in AE, or is it fine to take my initial grade from Redcine, as is, and do all other adjustments using filters in AE? I guess what I'm asking is does AE still take advantage of the RAW information after the clips come in or do my RMD settings get "burned in" a little?

In my mind I'm assuming I would want to do as much as I can by means of RMD in Redcine before any other work, then tweak in AE for best results.

[Cory Petkovsek]

I'm trying to wrap my brain around how Adobe deals with RED material and what settings are best applied where.

Best is only best for your workflow, which changes based upon your needs.

should I be making my simple color adjustments within RedcineX or clip settings in AE

Either is fine; there is no difference in quality. Only which is best for your workflow based upon your needs.

or is it fine to take my initial grade from Redcine, as is, and do all other adjustments using filters in AE?

That's fine too. You can also do a final grade in rcx, or nothing in rcx and everything in AE.

I guess what I'm asking is does AE still take advantage of the RAW information after the clips come in

Yes. Make sure you are using the latest red importer so AE can access rc3/rg3.

or do my RMD settings get "burned in" a little?

No they don't.

In my mind I'm assuming I would want to do as much as I can by means of RMD in Redcine before any other work, then tweak in AE for best results.

It is important to have a solid workflow mapped out in your mind. Because the tools are versatile, there are many ways to skin this cat. We just changed our workflow all around because of a business decision. Fortunately the capability to do so was there.

[Wes Howell]

Ok, sounds like a long question, but really simple.

I'm trying to wrap my brain around how Adobe deals with RED material and what settings are best applied where.

Simply put, should I be making my simple color adjustments within RedcineX or clip settings in AE, or is it fine to take my initial grade from Redcine, as is, and do all other adjustments using filters in AE? I guess what I'm asking is does AE still take advantage of the RAW information after the clips come in or do my RMD settings get "burned in" a little?

In my mind I'm assuming I would want to do as much as I can by means of RMD in Redcine before any other work, then tweak in AE for best results.

Hi Jarek,

I'll chime in a bit.

IMO, RedcineX is quicker to make adjustments to multiple clips. It selects the clip when the CTI is parked on it and it also records to the .RMD file by default. It's also easy to create and drag and drop presets. I like it. I think it's a great place to start.

The Adobe tools are convenient and nice for continued changes. It's worthwhile to note that by default, it saves the color changes you make in the RED dialog to the active project. However, you can choose to save to RMD in the RED dialog if you want your changes to be recognized in Redcinex or even PR, for example. (so, yes, you can burn you color changes in using AE or PR, but you need to select save to RMD)

I would agree with your last statement.

Best,
Wes

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Thanks guys. My shots all have some sort of FX or compositing involved, I guess I'm just trying to figure out the best approach as everything will be going through AE and rendered out 1080p PR4444 before going back to FCP. Yes, I know I should probably stay in Premiere, but I work much faster in FCP7 and know it like the back of my hand.

So looks like my initial thoughts are correct. Get my grade as close as I can in RCX and then do all my FX work and tweaks in AE.

How about stuff like sharpening? Is it better to enable that in RCX or afterwords in AE?

[Cory Petkovsek]

If you are talking R3D meta data sharpening, it should be the same in either place. Adobe is utilizing the Red SDK, so anything you can do in rcx, you can do in premiere or AE, barring the rcx post effects (alchemy, skin, film grain, etc). Do it in rcx or premiere or ae. It won't matter as far as the output is concerned; it only matters to your workflow.

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Thanks guys!

And I must say, getting from FCP to RCX to Premiere to After Effects was a breeze. I really couldn't believe how well it all "worked". Though after playing within Premiere a little, I'm starting to think I may not need to offline in FCP anymore. I have a 2006 MP1,1 with upgraded processors and I'm getting realtime 1/8th without a hitch. Can't believe it!