N -Log: A Primer - Nikon Z 7 Technical Manual

N ‑Log: A Primer
The term "N‑Log" is an amalgam of "N", for "Nikon", and "log",
short for "logarithmic function". The logarithmic function
in question is that used in digitizing light levels based on
the density characteristics of negative film to render expo‑
sure differences much as humans perceive them. This is
known as a "log curve".
The process of filming movies using a log curve is referred
to as "logarithmic" or "log‑format" recording. Log format
recording preserves highlights and shadows in scenes in
which they would otherwise be lost and is intended for
footage that will be processed post‑production, when
color grading can be used to produce high‑quality video
with a wide color gamut that takes advantage of the large
amount of tone information available for an expanded dy‑
namic range and smooth color gradients.
Nikon's unique N‑Log format was developed to take full
advantage of sensor dynamic range. It offers excellent bal‑
ance between highlights and shadows and is optimized
for 10‑bit movie recording.
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