System information
S-Log and ACES workflow in Vegas Pro12.0
Vegas Pro12.0 supports the expanded dynamic range of cameras using S-Log encoding, such as the Sony
PMW-F3 camera. S-Log is a technique for recording the full dynamic range of the camera, and is not
restricted to the limited number of stops available in display-referenced Rec. 709 encoding. S-Log encoding
is not intended for direct viewing or broadcast, and requires that the shots be graded in post-production to
create pleasing output for video or cinema (digital or film).
To support this higher dynamic range, Vegas Pro supports the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES)
created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences technology committee. The ACES color space
can encode any color that can be seen and supports high dynamic range cameras and output devices
made today and in the future. Various input devices (such as cameras) are transformed into the ACES color
space using device-specific Input Device Transforms (IDTs).
Once transformed into the ACES color space, supported cameras can be intercut with each other and mixed
with Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) in a scene-linear color space ideal for compositing and color
grading. A standard Reference Rendering Transform (RRT) is applied to the final image and then various
device-specific Output Device Transforms (ODTs) are applied for viewing and file output. For more
information about ACES, see http://www.oscars.org/science-technology/council/projects/aces.html.
Vegas Pro uses the OpenColorIO technology developed by Sony Pictures Imageworks. OpenColorIO is a
complete color-management solution geared towards motion picture production with an emphasis on
visual effects and computer animation. OpenColorIO provides a straightforward and consistent user
experience across all supporting applications while allowing for sophisticated back-end configuration
options suitable for high-end production usage.
Using OpenColorIO ensures that the results seen in (and output created by) Vegas Pro are consistent with
other applications supporting OpenColorIO, including Nuke, Mari, Katana, and Silhouette. Furthermore, if a
particular project or editing house wants to work in a different color space, Vegas Pro supports switching
the color space, input transforms, viewing transforms, and rendering transforms simply by changing the
active OpenColorIO configuration. Sample configurations for the Sony Pictures Imageworks VFX and
animation pipelines, for example, can be found on the OpenColorIO Web site. For more information about
OpenColorIO, see http://opencolorio.org/.
Chapter 21
S-LOG AND ACES WORKFLOW IN VEGAS PRO12.0421