Should I shoot in log or a standard colour profile?
Short Answer:
Shoot in log when you plan to colour grade and want maximum flexibility over highlights, shadows, and colour; shoot in a standard profile when you need a quick turnaround and minimal grading. Log captures more dynamic range but looks flat until graded, while standard profiles look good immediately with less latitude. It comes down to your post workflow and deadline.
Our Experience
We shoot log when we need maximum grading flexibility and standard profiles when turnaround is tight. On a recent project we ran three different cameras to match the right tool — and colour pipeline — to each type of shot.
Director Quotes
On one project, the director described running multiple cameras — a reminder that the profile and camera are chosen per shot, not fixed for the whole job:
"We ran three different cameras on this job — a cinema camera plus two smaller bodies — so we could match the right tool to each shot."
— Joey, Director, Kelham Productions
Overview
The log-versus-standard decision is really about how much control you want in post versus how fast you need to deliver. Log rewards planning and a proper grade; standard is efficient when there is no time for heavy colour work.
Detailed Explanation
Log vs standard colour profile
Log: records wide dynamic range for maximum grading flexibility; requires grading to look right.
Standard: applies a pleasing look in-camera; ready to use quickly but less flexible.
Grade range vs speed: log for premium, graded work; standard for fast-turnaround content.
Consistency: keep the profile consistent across a shoot, and document it for the colourist.
Mixed camera shoots: matching profiles and colour science across cameras keeps footage consistent.
On premium jobs, crews often run multiple cameras and shoot log to protect detail and allow a full grade; on quick corporate work, a standard profile keeps the pipeline fast.
Example
A commercial destined for a full grade would be shot in log so the colourist has room to craft the look, whereas a same-week internal update might use a standard profile so it can be edited and shipped without grading every shot.