When diving into the world of Sony cameras, two terms that often come up are S-Log2 and S-Log3. These are logarithmic gamma curves developed by Sony to maximize dynamic range for post-production color grading. But which one should you use? Let's break it down.

Dynamic Range:

Both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are designed to capture a wide dynamic range. However, S-Log3 boasts a slightly higher range, capturing up to 14+ stops compared to the 13 stops of S-Log2. This means that S-Log3 can potentially capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights of an image.

Noise:

One of the advantages of S-Log2 is that it tends to produce less noise in the shadows, especially at lower ISOs. This can result in a cleaner image, especially in low-light situations.

Color Grading:

S-Log3 matches the Cineon film curve, which was developed in the 1980s for digitizing film using 10-bit data. This makes S-Log3 easier to grade and match with other cameras, especially if you're aiming for a cinematic look.

Middle Grey Point:

The middle grey point is set at 32% IRE in S-Log2 and 41% IRE in S-Log3. This difference can affect how you expose your shot, so it's essential to be aware of it when shooting.

Recommendations:

• Use S-Log3 if: You want to maximize dynamic range and plan on doing extensive color grading.
• Use S-Log2 if: You're aiming for less noise and a cleaner image, especially in low-light situations.

In conclusion, the choice between S-Log2 and S-Log3 largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both offer unique advantages, and the best one for you will depend on your shooting conditions and post-production plans.