FiLMiC Pro v6.13.0 on both iOS and Android introduces the ability to shooting in 10-bit SDR with a new suite of optimised gamma curves which is part of the Cinematographer Kit optional in-app purchase, including Log V3.
With 10-bit in FiLMiC Pro you’ll be capturing greater shadow detail, over 60x the color information for better color fidelity. When 10 bit SDR is used in conjunction with FiLMiC Log V3, you unleash the maximum dynamic range your device is capable of as well as superior color representation and natural gradation in post color graded footage. FiLMiC Pro offers users more 10 bit options, including Dolby Vision, SDR and SDR with FiLMiC Log V3, than any other video app.
What is 10-bit capture? And why is it good for filmmakers?
Up until the release of the iPhone 12 series, all iPhones and most Android devices were limited to a colour depth - more commonly known as `bit-depth` - of 8-bit for video. This means that for each channel of red, green, and blue, 256 tonal values or shades of each colour could be recorded. If you multiply each channel’s total color information, you arrive at the ability to capture just over 16.7 million different colours.
With 10-bit video however, instead of a max of 256 tonal values possible for each channel of red, green, and blue, it increases dramatically to 1024. The end result is that ability to capture over 1 billion different colours when filming in 10-bit.
Two of the main reasons to shoot in 10-bit is because you plan to shoot in Log, in which case the smoother colour gradation is key to getting the best possible dynamic range; and if you intend to heavily grade your video in post (which is usually why filmmakers shoot in log). This is where all that extra colour information allows you to push and pull your footage well beyond what is possible with 8-bit video.
Which devices supports 10-bit capture and Log V3?
Currently 10-bit SDR capture and the new gamma curve suite including Log V3 are limited to 12 series iPhones, 13 series iPhones, and the following Android handsets support HDR 10-bit capture:
Sony Xperia 1 (Mark I and II)
Sony Xperia 5 (Mark I and II)
Xiaomi MI 10
Xiaomi MI 10T
Xiaomi Poco F2
Samsung S10 Series
Samsung S20 Series
Samsung Note 10 Series
Samsung Note 20 Series
LG V40/V50/V60 Series
LG G8 Series
One Plus 8/Pro*
One Plus 8T*
* Only One Plus currently support SDR 10-bit. All other Android handsets support 10-bit HDR capture with Log V3.
How do I grade 10-bit Log V3?
Any NLE features the tools you need to start grading your Log V3 footage. On iOS we recommend LumaFusion. On MacOS or Windows you can't go wrong with Davinci Resolve.
If you're just starting out, you can download our free deLog LUTs
here.
We also highly recommend using an X-Rite Color Checker Passport Video and
this tutorial by Richard Lackey.
