icon account icon cash icon cart icon cart icon search main arrow arrow check icon camera icon light icon audio icon computer icon storage icon discount icon facebook icon twitter icon linkedin icon vimeo icon youtube icon instagram icon google plus icon share icon email icon print icon time icon phone icon email-m icon marker-m icon pdf icon remove icon comment icon out icon-status icon-star icon-switch pie-chart line-chart icon-user icon-user-1 icon-warning expand-arrow-1 expand-arrow-2 icon-upload icon-download icon-none icon-date-scheduled icon-date-available icon-is-hazardous
Header image for article Zacuto Gratical: A Closer Look at Exposure Tools & LUTs

Zacuto Gratical: A Closer Look at Exposure Tools & LUTs

After using Zacuto's Gratical EVF on a few shoots recently, I wanted to take a more in-depth look at the exposure tools and LUT functions that can be extremely valuable on set. I already knew I liked the versatility of the viewfinder and the user-friendly interface, but I wanted to see how these advanced tools could benefit my image and my set.

In my first video, I use the Zacuto Gratical HD with a Sony FS7, connected via HD-SDI, and then to a TVLogic 5.6" monitor. I show how to calibrate the viewfinder and how to best use the waveform and vectorscope tools. I also demonstrate to use the false color and zebra overlays to ensure a properly exposed image whether sending a Log or Rec. 709 signal. In addition, I explain how to set up user buttons to maximize the use of these exposure tools in order to judge exposure based on a post-LUT and Log image.

My second video takes a closer look at the LUT functions of the Zacuto Gratical. I walk through selecting one of the many preset LUTs already installed in the viewfinder, as well as creating a custom 1D LUT with LUTCalc software and then importing it into the Gratical. This is especially handy when working with a camera that shoots in Log, but as an operator or DP, you want to view a color-corrected image. Also, you can then send this signal to video village. For this video, I am using a Sony a7S connected to the Gratical via HDMI. There are many other software programs you can use to create LUTs, but I wanted to show an example of one that was fairly easy to use.

Additionally, Zacuto recently released a firmware update featuring a record light when using the C300/C500, FS7, F5/F55, and RED Epic/Scarlet cameras via HD-SDI, as well as the ability to use Mac formatted USB drives.

Watch my videos above to see how the Gratical functions as more than just a viewfinder, but as a beneficial image-evaluation tool on set as well.

Megan Donnelly
Director of Production Services, AbelCine

Related Products

Related Trainings & Events

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Intro image for article At the Bench: Sony FS7 Rigging Options
Tutorials & Guides
The Sony PMW-FS7, with its easily convertible lens mount and multiple recording formats, is now being used in all levels of production. There are also a lot of accessories for the camera - but which ones make the most sense for you? In this blog, I show how I like to build the camera for handheld operation and on sticks.
Intro image for article At the Bench: Importing LUTs into Sony FS7
Tutorials & Guides
In a previous blog, Andy showed us how to create LUTs using Sony's RAW Viewer software and then import them into the Sony F5 & F55. You can use the same workflow in Sony RAW Viewer to create and import LUTs to the FS7 -- but what about when you want to use a LUT that was not created by Sony software?
Intro image for article NAB 2016: AbelCine Training Presentations
Tech News
In addition to manufacturer Tech Talks at our NAB booth this year, we also presented short AbelCine training sessions every day.