SLog3

S-Log3 is a logarithmic gamma curve developed by Sony for video capture, designed to maximize dynamic range and preserve detail in shadows and highlights for post-production. It is part of Sony’s S-Log family, alongside S-Log2, and is commonly paired with wide color spaces such as S-Gamut3 or S-Gamut3.Cine to provide a broad tonal range for grading.

The curve is engineered to render footage with a flat, desaturated look that requires color grading to produce final images. S-Log3 footage typically provides latitude across a wide range of lighting conditions, but it is not a ready-to-view look; graders apply conversion to deliverable color spaces such as Rec.709 or Rec.2020. In-camera monitoring often relies on LUTs or waveform displays to judge exposure because the image can appear low-contrast and desaturated straight from the camera.

In practice, S-Log3 workflows involve careful exposure and post-processing. Users may expose to preserve highlights, then lift shadows and adjust midtones during grading. A LUT or manual grade is used to convert S-Log3 to Rec.709 for standard viewing, with further color correction and creative grading as needed. S-Log3 is favored in cinema and broadcast workflows where flexible grading and consistent color pipelines are important.

Sony cameras that implement S-Log3 include various models in the CineAlta and Alpha lines, as well as broadcast and cinema-production lines. Availability and recommended base ISO can vary by model and firmware.