S-Log3 Exposure and Dynamic Range
Metering and exposure
S-Log3 is a logarithmic encoding curve. It does not give every camera the same dynamic range. Sensor performance, ISO, recording format and the scene determine the usable result.
Sony’s technical summary places an 18% gray reference at about 41% on a video waveform. Use a gray card under your subject’s light when checking exposure; a camera meter offset alone does not establish correct exposure.
Protect important highlights
Adding exposure can improve shadow signal, but it also reduces highlight headroom. There is no universal +1.7 EV rule. Check a waveform or model-specific zebras, make a test clip and review the important highlights before recording.
Color management
Choose a transform that matches both the recorded gamma and gamut. A creative LUT is a styling step; it should not be assumed to replace a documented S-Log3 / S-Gamut3.Cine conversion. Avoid applying the technical conversion twice.
ISO and camera differences
Follow the Help Guide for your body and shooting mode. Cine EI and Flexible ISO differ, and not every Alpha camera offers Cine EI. Increased exposure does not guarantee noise-free shadows.