Utility Effects - Adobe AFTER EFFECTS CS3 PROFESSIONAL User Manual

AFTER EFFECTS CS3 539
User Guide
Original (top left), and with effect applied (bottom left and right)

Utility effects

Cineon Converter effect
The Cineon Converter effect provides a high degree of control over color conversions of Cineon frames, but in most
cases you should convert the colors in a Cineon file using color management features. (See "Working with Cineon
footage items" on page 250.)
To use the Cineon Converter effect, import a Cineon file and leave it in its default state; After Effects either condenses
the colors to 8 bpc or expands them to 16 bpc, depending on the mode you work in. You can then apply the Cineon
Converter effect to the file and precisely adjust the colors while interactively viewing the results in the Composition
panel. You can set keyframes or expressions to adjust for changes in tone over time—use keyframe interpolation and
ease handles to precisely match the most irregular lighting changes. Consider using other Color Correction effects
to perform these corrections instead. (See "Color Correction effects" on page 386.)
The 10 bits of data available in each Cineon channel for each pixel make it easier to enhance an important range of
tones while preserving overall tonal balance. By carefully specifying the range, you can create a version of the image
that faithfully resembles the original.
Note: Each computer monitor has unique display characteristics that affect your perception of color on-screen. For best
results when evaluating tonal balance, use the Info panel in After Effects to see the true color values of pixels as you move
the pointer over them.
How the Cineon file is converted. Log To Linear converts an 8-bpc logarithmic non-Cineon layer
Conversion Type
that you plan to render as a Cineon sequence. Linear To Log converts a layer containing an 8-bpc linear proxy of a
Cineon file into an 8-bpc logarithmic file so that its display characteristics are consistent with the original Cineon
file. Log To Log detects an 8-bpc or 10-bpc logarithmic Cineon file when you plan to render it as an 8-bpc
logarithmic proxy.
Note: For compatibility, obsolete versions of each option appear if you open a project that uses an earlier version of the
Cineon Converter effect.
The black point (minimum density) for converting a 10-bpc logarithmic Cineon layer.
10 Bit Black Point
The black point used for the layer in After Effects.
Internal Black Point
The white point (maximum density) for converting a 10-bpc logarithmic Cineon layer.
10 Bit White Point