What is Nikon N-Log and Should I Use it to Record Video?
Think of shooting video using the Picture Controls in the camera as you would of shooting a still image recorded in JPG—the video file “bakes in” the exposure and color. There really isn’t much you can do to adjust the look or feel of the video at this point.
This is fine if you like the effect of the Picture Control on the video, or you aren’t interested in color grading the final video in post-production.
If on the other hand, you’re looking for more control over the exposure and look of your final video footage, you may be interested in recording video in N-Log.
This video features multiple clips captured in 10-bit N-Log which, out of the camera, is relatively flat in exposure with the color graded final footage, using the Nikon LUT.
10-Bit N-Log Format
Shooting in 10-bit N‐Log format preserves details in highlights and shadows and expands the range of effects available through color grading. Nikon makes a 3D LUT that will allow you to recreate the color accuracy that Nikon is known for. Record video, capturing up to 12 stops of dynamic range of the camera’s image sensor, retaining detail in the highlights and shadows.
What is a LUT?
A LUT, or lookup table, is an array of preselected values used in movie color-correction to map colors from the original input footage to the desired colors in the final output. Color correction is performed by looking up input colors and assigning them new RGB values based on the data in the table. To be able to correct saturation or hue requires a 3D LUT, in which each combined RGB value maps to a single combined value in the table.
Regardless of whether you use the Nikon 3D LUT or another LUT you will need to color grade your N-Log video footage.
Nikon’s N-Log 3D LUT is available for the Rec. 709 color space and makes color grading a snap in Adobe Premier Pro CC, Apple Final Cut Pro X or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve 15. This LUT enables adjustment of brightness, saturation and hue.
Nikon Cameras Capable of Recording N-Log Video
The Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 mirrorless cameras and the D780 DSLR allow you to capture video footage in 10 bit N-Log, giving you the ability to more precisely color grade your footage in post-production.
The Z 6/Z 7 and D780 cameras also offer a View Assist function that displays simple gradation compensation in-camera, which is useful for spot checking focus and exposure while shooting, and viewing the footage on the camera’ LCD.
To record N-Log footage, you’ll need to connect the Z 6/Z 7 or D780 to a digital recorder that supports 10-bit video such as an Atomos Ninja V, as the cameras can’t record 10 bit N-Log to the media card in the camera.
