In the world of video production and editing, color plays an integral role in storytelling. Whether setting a mood or triggering emotions, how colors are portrayed and utilized can significantly influence the audience’s experience. One fundamental aspect of color in video editing is “color space.” In this article, we’ll explore color space, how it works, and why it matters in video editing.
What is color space?
Color space refers to a specific organization of colors that helps represent and reproduce color in various media, including video. Think of it as a framework or a map that defines how colors are displayed and perceived. Device-dependent color spaces are designed for specific devices and can represent a range of colors based on the medium (digital screens, print, broadcast, etc.).
Bear with us as we get technical because color grading matters for your filmmaking. Different color spaces provide varying levels of flexibility for artistic and technical purposes. Plus, color spaces help to color match so your footage and graphics look the same when displayed on different devices.
Rec.709
For video production, the standard color space for high-quality video and broadcast output is REC.709 (ITU-R Recommendation BT.709). This is the default for most HDTV and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content, which have been the industry standard for decades.
Rec. 709 defines the color primaries, white point (D65), and transfers characteristics for high-definition content. The majority of consumer-grade displays, such as TVs and monitors, are calibrated to Rec. 709 or sRGB (which shares the same color primaries and white point as Rec. 709).
By using Rec. 709 as the default, content can be reliably displayed on standard devices without significant color mismatches. Its simplicity and efficiency — it provides a good balance between color fidelity and bandwidth efficiency — are crucial for broadcast and streaming.
Log profiles
So, if the color space determines the range of colors (gamut) and brightness, a log profile decides how the light and color data from a camera’s sensors are encoded into a file, compressing the data to save more details in shadows and highlights.
Log profiles (like C-Log, S-Log, F-Log, etc.) work within a color space and are great for keeping details so you can adjust the look in post-production.
Think of it like this:
- Color space = The “box” defining what colors and brightness can fit.
- Log profile = The way data is packed into the box to save the most detail for editing later.
Most modern cameras (like mirrorless, DSLRs, and cinema cameras) let you shoot in Log mode, which makes the image look flat and desaturated on purpose. This happens because the Log gamma curve is designed to capture as much detail as possible from the camera’s sensor, including highlights and shadows.
Why does it look flat? This will give you more flexibility to adjust the colors and brightness later during editing (color grading) to get the best final image. It’s like saving all the ingredients of a recipe so you can cook it exactly the way you want later.
Instantly improve your video look with LUTs
Once your footage is ready, achieving a polished, professional look is top priority in video production. LUTs are pre-designed color grading presets that adjust the colors and tones of your video footage. They allow you to achieve a specific look or mood with just a few clicks, saving you hours of manual adjustments. You can learn more about LUTs here.
Master color grading with Motion Array’s REC.709 LUTs
The LUTs in the Motion Array catalog are designed for the REC.709 color space. This means they are highly versatile for many projects across all major video editing software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and more.
If you’re working with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content or other formats — like sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, Rec.2020, or Log — you may need to convert your footage to REC.709 before applying these LUTs. Check out this tutorial to learn how.
Ready to get started? Explore the LUTs category today and start creating stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression.
