Color Matrix and adjustable gamma: DV300U

Would someone please explain the effect the gamma setting and color matrix setting produce. If they are useful?

Several posts recommend not using the color matrix. I assume this is actually a color enhancement where colors are exaggerated. Are the colors off or does it degrade image quality?

The gamma setting is advertised to make the recording more 'film like'. Is this similar to applying a color correction using curves? I used it and the blacks lost detail. Changing Blacks to Stretch mode helped.

It also seems to me that if you do not use the gamma setting or color matrix setting the colors are softer and a bit on the flat side. Would it be better to just shoot in this mode and later in a video editor apply color correction or a filter?

Thanks,

Chris Pierce

I own a DV300U and I personally do not believe the Color Matrix degrades the picture. The Color Matrix does make the color a bit more saturated, but not excessively so. The saturation varies more from one
TV to another. I do not use the film-like mode. I do stretch the black level and set the master black to +5 when using my camera with my telecine to do film to DVD transfers. These settings help to bring out shadow detail in dark areas of the picture.

Kent McVety

The color matrix is good if staying "digital" for your duplication. Once you go to analog/vhs, the reds tend to oversaturate.

I own a DV300U and I personally do not believe the Color Matrix degrades the picture. The Color Matrix does make the color a bit more saturated, but not excessively so. The saturation varies more from one
TV to another. I do not use the film-like mode. I do stretch the black level and set the master black to +5 when using my camera with my telecine to do film to DVD transfers. These settings help to bring out shadow detail in dark areas of the picture.

Kent McVety