Optimal FCP X with Canon RAW Light workflow
A few questions about using Canon RAW Light from a C200 in FCP X and exporting it for further colour work (likely in Resolve)... I have tried my best researching but there are some gaps in my knowledge and some things I still can't figure out. I'll describe my specific scenario but the questions can hopefully help others:
I have cut a project using Cinema RAW Light files in FCP X, without creating optimized media or proxies (with help of Canon RAW plugin). I want to:
a) apply noise reduction with Neat Video before exporting a master file in Apple ProRes 4444XQ
b) bring down any highlights that exceed the range on overexposed clips
Question 1
For a) I'd like to compare the noise reduction applied to the raw files with no log processing by FCP vs noise reduction applied after log processing. I know how to turn on and off the automatic Camera LUT that FCP X applies automatically, going to the Camera LUT pop-up menu in the Inspector as described here:
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH12685?locale=en_US
However, I can't figure out what the LUT called 'Canon Log2/Cinema Gamut' actually is or where it is stored.
When I click 'reveal in finder', there's no corresponding file.
Equally, when I download the C300 LUTs and apply what I assume the previous link is referring to (CinemaGamut_CanonLog2-to-BT709_WideDR_33_FF_Ver.1.1.cube) using the Custom LUT effect, it doesn't make clips appear the same as the automatic 'Canon Log2/Cinema Gamut' FCP X applies.
So can anyone advise how I can apply that Canon Log2/Cinema Gamut LUT using the Custom LUT effect so I can test noise reduction before and after it? Or can someone just tell me that it won't make a difference to Neat Video either way? (I think it might because when I autoprofile with Neat Video on the same clip with the Canon Log2/Cinema Gamut off, it seems to produce a lower quality profile)
Question 2
For b) I've seen it's possible to recover highlights straight from the RAW files as outlined around 5 mins in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P1Sf9bhG_o
Took me a while to figure out you need to set your Library to Wide-Gamut HDR and make sure you click 'modify' not 'modify storage'!
Instructions about doing so laid out here https://images.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Working_with_Wide_Color_Gamut_and_High_Dynamic_Range_in_Final_Cut_Pro_X.pdf
Having done that, what would be the best procedure, using this example clip?
First is the clip without log processing in the Camera LUT pop-up menu:
Should I, apply the Canon Log2/Cinema Gamut....
... then recover highlights with colour wheels....?
Or am I creating some weird adjustments by doing this which might have unintended consequences after the transfer?
Realise there is a lot here and any input or pointers about how you think best to do this, or advice about things I'm not aware of, much appreciated!
Thanks