PROPERLY Expose Skin Tones in Sony SLOG3 Footage
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Shooting in S-Log3 can deliver incredible dynamic range, but nailing exposure—especially for skin tones—can be tricky. If you’ve ever ended up with footage that looks too flat, too dark, or blown out, this simple hack will help you get clean, accurate exposure where it matters most: the face.
This method works great on the Sony A7 IV, A7S III, and possibly other Sony cameras like the A7R IV, A6600, or A1 (try it and let me know in the comments!).
Why Metering Can Be Misleading in S-Log3
By default, Sony cameras calculate exposure based on the entire frame—which works fine until you’re dealing with high-contrast scenes, backlight, or uneven lighting. In those cases, skin tones can easily end up under or overexposed, even when the rest of the frame looks “correct.”
Since S-Log3 footage should generally be overexposed by about +1.3 to +1.7 stops, relying on multi-pattern metering can throw off your exposure—especially when your subject isn’t front-lit.
The Fix: Use Spot Metering Linked to Focus Point
Here’s how to get accurate exposure for skin tones every time:
Enable Touch Focus
Menu → Setup → Touch Operation → Touch Func. in Shooting → Touch FocusSet Metering Mode to Spot
Menu → Exposure → Metering Mode → SpotLink Spot Metering to Focus Point
Menu → Exposure → Spot Metering Point → Focus Point Link
Once this is set up, you’ll see a small circle on your screen. Wherever you tap to focus, the metering will only measure that exact spot. Tap on your subject’s face, and the camera will show exposure values for their skin tones—no more guessing!
Real-World Example
In backlit conditions or harsh outdoor scenes, multi-metering might say you're at +2.0 EV (severely overexposed), when your subject’s face is actually underexposed. With spot metering, you can tap directly on the face and see a more accurate reading—say –0.3 EV—and adjust accordingly.
🎯 Tip: For S-Log3, aim to keep skin tone exposure between +1.3 to +1.7 EV for best results.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're filming interviews, documentaries, or cinematic b-roll, exposing for skin tones is key to great-looking S-Log3 footage. This small change in camera settings gives you precise control and helps avoid underexposing your subject in tricky lighting!
