FCP color correction.

[revlution08]

How do you mess with the color on your footage on final cut. i have final cut pro 5.0.1 . is it the under effects "color correction"?

[neocastillo]

I like to use Nattress,

[skinnyboy]

I usually use the built-in color corrector, but only because I haven't played with Natress yet.

In FCP - Effects - Video Filters - Color Correction - Color Corrector 3-Way

It'll show up in your viewer under filters, but you'll also see a new tab in there called "Color Corrector 3-Way" that gives you a nice visual interface.

At that point, it's play and learn time.

[gdavid]

I've used Natress and Magic Bullet Editors but lately I'm a Colorista convert. Quick and intuitive. Masking ability. Vignetting. Tracking. I think there's a demo download available online from Red Giant. You might check it out and see how you like. Also, available for AE (included in same price) if you like doing color grading in AE.

[revlution08]

is color grading a whole different thing? if so can you do that in final cut?

[gdavid]

I think color correction and color grading are somewhat synonymous. In my head I guess I sort of see color correction as "fixing" or correcting the color and exposure to what appears "correct". Secondary color correction or color grading is altering the image in an artistic way to enhance what you're trying to communicate. A lot of the time it's done through altering the color, contrast and/or saturation of an image. Additionally, things such as the vignetting and masking add more creative tools.

Colorista is a plug-in that you within FCP (or AE, Motion, or Premiere Pro). You would just apply same way as the 3-way correction filter.
Colorista allows you to "stack" it--meaning I apply first for primary color correction ("fix") then apply the filter again and do a secondary correction/adustment (artistic alteration).

I'm just a novice at this so correct me if anyone out there knows better. I also recommend you view the demo quicktime at Red Giant. I learned alot about color correction in general. It also sold me on the product.

[pixelvoodoo]

I usually use the built-in color corrector, but only because I haven't played with Natress yet.

In FCP - Effects - Video Filters - Color Correction - Color Corrector 3-Way

It'll show up in your viewer under filters, but you'll also see a new tab in there called "Color Corrector 3-Way" that gives you a nice visual interface.

At that point, it's play and learn time.

This is my standard workflow. There are some great tutorials on CC in FCP on lynda.com.

My recent acquisition of FCP 6.0 has me smitten with COLOR. It is overkill for 90% of white I do but having the ability to a photoshop style curves adjustment on my footage is amazing. But Color Corrector 3-Way should suffice.