Tonemapped for zdepth yet need to render Linear? Tweet

[mikeadamwood]

I've always used the multi pass system to boost layers OVER my existing beauty render, obviously not the usual method but I always had issues with multi-pass so decided to throw a scene together and practice with it.

It's relatively simple, and I usually work in linear colour space anyway, however since playing around with compositing by building layers properly, I've noticed there seems to be some trade offs? When I use linear in color profile and tonemapped I seem to loose my zdepth when bringing it in to PS...I've always rendered out linear/tonemapped as the zdepth never works in the linear image color profile...but seeing as I'm attempting to rebuild this properly with layers , tonemapped seems out the question if I want to use a linear add blending mode?

I've attached an image as it seems easier to compare the 2 16bit PSD files I rendered out and the resulting composite using LINEAR DODGE(ADD).

Am I missing something here? I know they are 2 different options but surely zdepth is a multi-pass composite layer it should work with the linear color profile?

[mikeadamwood]

Anyone?

[niestudio]

*redacted - misleading info*

[mikeadamwood]

I render all but like your left screenshot, and then render a z-depth like the right.
It's a quick 2nd render as you can set the main samples to 1, and then adjust your info samples in the render pass area.

Not sure if that's the only workflow, but it works for me

Hi thanks for reply!

I've just been rendering out a depth multipass with C4D standard when doing animation, I know you said it's quick but huge time eater for future changes made.

If this is a common thing there should at least be an option to tone map only the the zdepth pass, I don't see any benefit of using the zdepth given to us in linear... :/

[aoktar]

You can adjust result of zdepth in compositing software if you render in linear.
Please don't forget to read help for details.

[niestudio]

On the resources tab at the top, there is a feature request button. Sounds like a good one.

[mikeadamwood]

You can adjust result of zdepth in compositing software if you render in linear.
Please don't forget to read help for details.

The resulting zdepth is fully white and reacts like so even with gamma and exposure adjustments, even when isolating pass in its own file the pass is completely unusable.

The above image I posted to the right is the resulting zdepth pass, nothing can be done to it to salvage...In live viewer it looks correct...

Please check my files below, contains C4D file and PSD render in linear color and tonemap linear, zdepth is top most layer and is completely white.

https://we.tl/1lJgU7vDsz

[niestudio]

Try re-rendering in 32bit. Your z-pass works as Ahmet said

[mikeadamwood]

Awesome will try when I get back to my machine!

Will be interesting to see how AE deals with this too, always avoided 32bit in AE.

Thanks for looking into it man!

[aoktar]

Sometimes it's better to understand logic of tools rather than requesting features which could give confusion to others.
Please read new help!