ZR Exposure Guide
Interactive Log3G10 exposure reference for the Nikon ZR and other RED-codec cameras. Explore the transfer curve, dynamic range at each base ISO, false color zones, and analyze any .cube LUT.
The ZR is an outstanding camera at its price — RED color science, three internal RAW codecs, and 9.1ms rolling shutter in a $2,200 body. Independent tests measure 11 stops of clean dynamic range in RAW (SNR=2), with 12+ usable stops when oversampling 6K to 4K with light noise reduction. That's more than enough when you expose with intention. This tool helps you do exactly that.
LUT Report Card
Upload any .cube LUT to get instant analysis — transfer curve, zone mapping, color cast, skin tone handling, and R3D NE compatibility scoring.
Drop a .cube LUT here to analyze
3D .cube file — Log3G10 / REDWideGamutRGB input
LUT Report Card
Upload any .cube LUT to get instant analysis — transfer curve, zone mapping, color cast, skin tone handling, and R3D NE compatibility scoring.
Drop a .cube LUT here to analyze
3D .cube file — Log3G10 / REDWideGamutRGB input
Transfer Curve
Click or drag on the chart to explore. Log3G10 maps 18% grey to exactly 1/3 of code range, with 10 stops of highlight headroom above.
Curve Comparison
| Curve | Mid Grey | Stops to Clip | Total DR |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED Log3G10 | 33% | 10 | ~17 stops |
| ARRI LogC4 | 28% | 11.3 | ~17 stops |
| Sony S-Log3 | 41% | 7.7 | ~15 stops |
Dynamic Range
100% — Clip
+10 stops
46% — +2 stops safe max
Above here: watch for highlight artifacts (R3D NE)
38–46% — Light skin
33.3% — 18% Grey
Reference exposure
27–35% — Dark skin
9.2% — Scene zero
-7 to -10 stops
0% — Black
Measured DR vs Usable Latitude
| Codec | DR (SNR=2) | Latitude | Safe Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| R3D NE | 10.9 stops | 8 stops | +2 |
| N-RAW | 9.7 stops | 8 stops | +4 |
| ProRes RAW | 10.2 stops | 8 stops | +4 |
Shadow warning: Pink/cyan cast in deep shadows when pushed 5+ stops under
Nikon ZR
- • 11 stops clean DR in RAW (SNR=2); 12+ usable when oversampling 6K→4K with light NR
- • R3D NE: monitor your waveform carefully — Highlight Extension activates before actual clipping
- • R3D NE Highlight Extension onset → yellowish skin tones are the first warning sign
- • N-RAW / ProRes RAW: no Highlight Extension in pipeline, ~1 stop more highlight headroom
- • ISO between bases is metadata-only in R3D
- • Supports user LUT import up to 65-point .cube (R3D mode only)
Stops to IRE
Each stop above middle grey occupies ~6.7% IRE. Below grey, the curve compresses severely: stops -10 through -6 span just 1.4% IRE total.
| Stops | Linear | Log3G10 IRE |
|---|---|---|
| -10 | 1.76e-4 | 9.3% |
| -9 | 3.52e-4 | 9.4% |
| -8 | 7.03e-4 | 9.6% |
| -7 | 1.41e-3 | 10.0% |
| -6 | 2.81e-3 | 10.7% |
| -5 | 5.62e-3 | 12.0% |
| -4 | 0.0112 | 14.2% |
| -3 | 0.0225 | 17.6% |
| -2 | 0.0450 | 22.0% |
| -1 | 0.0900 | 27.4% |
| +0 | 0.1800 | 33.3% |
| +1 | 0.3600 | 39.7% |
| +2 | 0.7200 | 46.2% |
| +3 | 1.4400 | 52.8% |
| +4 | 2.8800 | 59.5% |
| +5 | 5.7600 | 66.3% |
| +6 | 11.5200 | 73.0% |
| +7 | 23.0400 | 79.8% |
| +8 | 46.0800 | 86.5% |
| +9 | 92.1600 | 93.2% |
| +10 | 184.3200 | 100.0% |
IPP2 Pipeline
RED's Image Processing Pipeline 2 — all grading operates in the RWG/Log3G10 working space between raw development and output transform.
Stage 1: Primary RAW Development
Controls: Kelvin, Tint, ISO, Exposure Adjust
Output: RWG / Log3G10
Stage 2: Grading
Controls: All grade operations
Output: RWG / Log3G10 (preserved)
Stage 3: Output Transform
Controls: Display-specific settings
Output: Display-ready (Rec.709, HDR, etc.)
In R3D files, all IPP2 settings are metadata — never baked. The underlying RAW remains fully adjustable in post.
Quick Reference
Key Log3G10 values (universal across all RED-codec cameras). Zebra setting is for when 3D LUT is OFF.
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