Working in a linearized Color Space in After Effects causes hard gradients

Question

I am just playing arround with the new trapcode suite in after effects working ina linearized color space for a better control over color and effects.

Somehow I get really bad rendering on parts of my footage where its supposed to be more smooth.

On the screenshot I am using trapcode mir for the fllo, tao for the spiral thing and shine for the light rays. If you take a closer look at the sprial geometry you can already see the jagged gradient where its supposed to be smoother. I am also working in 32Bit soo I don't get it.

Answer 1

I use the trapcode suite as well, the issue has more to do with the fact that even though you may be working in an sRGB workspace at 32 Bit; your monitor output is 8 bit. 10 Bit monitors are available but unless you forked up a lot of cash - you are viewing 8-bit.

The way to solve gradient problems like this - with this as well as any other gradient in AE/Premiere/PS; is to add an adjustment layer to the top of your project; on top of all layers. Add the standard NOISE filter. Check monochromatic (or un check use color noise) - you don't want color. Gaussian sometimes looks better; it's one of two options on the NOISE pop-up.

Typically; I use a setting of 2 - 4%. But it really depends on your comp settings. If I'm working with RED 5k footage I typically have to do 1-2%.

Lastly; honestly I almost always add NOISE to all the work I do; even if it's just 1% on a nested timeline for output. It solves a lot of aliasing problems and is a standard trick in post many people use.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

If the above render is a RAM preview, the default preview quality may be the culprit: Preferences > PREVIEWS > Color Management Quality > More Accurate.

Answer 3

You'll need to play with the parameters to get the desired look. Some noise is, to me, a nice look- otherwise your output will look too clean. All the filmmakers now shooting digital, whether on Alexa, RED, etc; they all add some noise in post. I own a RED EPIC; The camera has such a low noise floor; that without adding some it looks a little flat, plasticesque.

A better way of looking at it is consider the noise you add "fine grain". Use monochromatic. Not color. Use Uniform, not gaussian. You will need to adjust the % of noise added, based on your frame size. 5k needs a tad more than 1080p. But usually 2-3% will take care of most gradient problems, not be distracting in any way, and lastly; will give your output a bit more "life".

Finally, your output workflow is a whole other issue, but noise shouldn't drastically change the overall quality when added at such a low threshold. If you added 50%; yes your compression would be horrible because of the h264 encoding process and how it uses frames past and prior to build the current frame. But at 2-3%; you are not losing much, and certainly not losing what to the naked eye anyone would notice.