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L4. Hypergamma (HG)
These advanced gamma curves are designed to capture a
wider dynamic range than the standard gammas with only
a small reduction in screen contrast (normally the higher the
camera’s capture dynamic range the lower the on screen
contrast will be). This is achieved through the careful addition
of highlight compression. The different curves offer different
dynamic ranges and as a result should be exposed slightly
differently to standard gammas for the very best results. The
capture range and optimum exposure levels are indicated in
the full name of the hypergamma curve, for example:
HG4609G40 = HG – 460 – 9 – G40, which indicates HG
(Hypergamma), with an over exposure range 460% greater
than standard TV gamma. Recording to 109% (the other
option being a “0” which indicates recording to 100%). G40
being the optimum exposure for a 18% middle grey card of
40%.
In practice a Hypergamma with a lower “G” middle grey
number, G33, G30 etc will be better suited to brighter
situations. A higher “G” number, G40 etc will be better suited
to darker scenes. A larger dynamic range 460 or 800 will be
good for high contrast scenes while a smaller dynamic range
(360) will be better suited to controlled lighting.
L. Gamma Settings In Custom Mode