5DtoRGB Batch Tutorial: From DSLR Footage to RGB Sequences

5DtoRGB Batch Tutorial: From DSLR Footage to RGB Sequences

This tutorial shows a fast, repeatable workflow to convert DSLR raw or cinema DNG sequences into RGB image sequences using 5DtoRGB in batch. It assumes you have a folder of DNGs (from Canon 5D/other DSLRs or cinema cameras) and want consistent, color-managed RGB outputs for editing, VFX, or archival.

What you’ll need

• 5DtoRGB installed (or equivalent DNG-to-RGB converter).
• A computer with enough disk space (RGB sequences are larger than DNGs).
• Source DNG folder(s) organized by clip.
• Optional: a color transform/look (LUT), exposure/white-balance settings, and a naming convention.

Key decisions (defaults used here)

• Output format: 16-bit TIFF (linear or log as needed).
• Color space: ACEScct or Rec.709 depending on pipeline. Default: Rec.709 16-bit TIFF.
• Resize: none (maintain native resolution).
• Demosaic algorithm: high-quality adaptive demosaic.
• Naming convention: clipname_frame####.tif

Step-by-step batch workflow

1. Prepare source folders

   • Organize DNGs into one folder per clip, e.g., /Footage/Clip01_DNGs, /Footage/Clip02_DNGs.
   • Verify sequence continuity and correct frame ordering.

2. Create a settings profile in 5DtoRGB

   • Open 5DtoRGB and load a representative DNG from a clip.
   • Set white balance and exposure if you want baked correction; otherwise leave neutral for raw handling.
   • Choose demosaic: “Adaptive HQ” (or your preferred quality).
   • Set output bit depth: 16-bit.
   • Choose color space: Rec.709 (or ACEScct for VFX).
   • Select output format: TIFF.
   • Save these settings as a preset named “Batch_Rec709_16bit” (or similar).

3. Set up batch jobs

   • In 5DtoRGB’s batch interface, add each clip folder as a separate job.
   • Assign the saved preset to every job.
   • Define output folder structure: /Output/Clip01_TIFFs, etc. Keep consistent naming: {clipname}frame%04d.tif.

4. Apply LUTs or color transforms (optional)

   • If you need a look baked in, attach a 3D LUT or film convert profile in the preset before batch export.
   • For VFX, avoid baking LUTs—export in ACES or linear space and apply looks later.

5. Run a short test

   • Run the batch on a 20–50 frame subset from one clip.
   • Inspect highlights, skin tones, and motion for artifacts.
   • Adjust demosaic, WB or exposure in the preset if needed.

6. Full batch export

   • Confirm disk space and CPU/GPU settings (use GPU acceleration if available).
   • Start the batch and monitor for errors.
   • If interrupted, resume by re-running the batch—5DtoRGB typically skips already-processed frames if names match.

7. Post-processing checks

   • Verify color space metadata on exported TIFFs.
   • Confirm frame count and filename sequence.
   • Spot-check for banding, color shifts, or demosaic artifacts.

8. Integrate into editorial/VFX

   • For editing: import TIFF sequences into your NLE and set color management to match export color space.
   • For VFX: conform shots in ACES or your project color pipeline, using linear/ACES exports.

Code
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5dToRGB –input /Footage/Clip01_DNGs –preset Batch_Rec709_16bit –output /Output/Clip01_TIFFs –format tiff –bitdepth 16 –threads 8