16-bit TIF images not rendering correctly

[litote]

When I render a .tif format image with Arnold in Maya and choose a 16-bit format (Format: int16 in Maya Render Settings-Common), instead of the default 8-bit, the rendered image looks correct in the Render View, but is darker in the output image -- more like a RAW coolur space image. I presume this may be because Maya/Arnold gets confused about applying 2.2 gamma correction to the output and so it looks more like a RAW linear colour space image.

I checked that the Gamma is set to 2.2 in Render Settings-Common tab.

Can someone confirm the same issue, or if there is some step I must take to output an image that looks right? I think this also happens with Mental Ray.

For 8-bit tif image renders the output looks correct as Maya seems to apply the gamma correction.

My only solution has been to apply a gamma correction in After Effects.

[mspeer]

Hi!

It seems you are using an older Version of Maya and Arnold (no Gamma Attribute anymore here with Maya 2017 and up and Arnold 4 and 5).

Arnold sets the default output for 16 bit files to linear (this can be corrected here, but i'm not sure if this can be corrected with your version)

[litote]

Hello,

The version I am using is 2017 update 4. What is the version/update number of Maya 2017 that does not show the Gamma slider for this setting (below), that outputs correctly as non-linear colour space?:

Render Settings-Common tab

Image format: tif

Format: int16

Arnold Renderer (I don't think it works properly in Maya 2016 with Mental Ray either).

With these settings I do see a Gamma slider set to 2.2. I would have assumed this would apply the gamma correction to convert the linear file to RGB, but it does not seem to apply any correction -- the image looks like a RAW/linear image. If I apply a 2.2 gamma correction in After Effects it look almost correct.

Thanks

[mspeer]

Hi!

You should use Color Management to achieve what you want (Arnold / Mental Ray) Color Space / Output Transform: "Use View Transform".

I can't test Arnold 4 anymore but you may read this:

https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Gamma+Correction

You could try a reset of your preferences.
Rename the folder prefs in folder 2017 to something like prefs_backup, or to reset everything, the folder 2017 to 2017_backup (or even the maya folder to maya_backup). Maya creates new folders. Detailed at:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Reset-May...

[litote]

Thanks, but it made no difference resetting my preferences.

I'm not sure where I should set my Output Transform. Should it be in Maya-Preferences-Color Management?

I tried checking Maya-Preferences-Color Management-Apply Output Transform to Renderer and set Output Transform: sRGB Gamma and also to Use View transform, it made no difference.

Enable Color Management is also checked.

Is there another update after update 4 for Maya 2017?

[mspeer]

Hi!

If it doesn't work correct for you in rendering and UI then maybe something is wrong with the installation.

You could try updating Arnold 4 to the latest version, install Arnold 5 or even re-install Maya.