A few years ago, I published a video titled “Cine1, 2, 3, 4… What’s The Difference?!” and surprisingly, it’s still one of the most popular and frequently searched topics on my channel. If you’re a Sony Alpha shooter, chances are you’ve scrolled through the picture profile menu and paused at Cine1, Cine2, Cine3, and Cine4, wondering what each one actually does and how to choose the best settings for your video work.
Unlike Sony’s more advanced log profiles like S-Log2 and S-Log3, the Cine profiles offer a more user-friendly option for filmmakers and content creators who want a cinematic look without needing to do heavy color grading. But even though they fall under the same “Cine” label, each of these Sony camera color profiles behaves differently in terms of contrast, highlight handling, and dynamic range.
Back when I was trying to figure it all out myself, I quickly realized how little clear information was available on Cine1 vs Cine2, or whether Cine4 really is the best profile for low light or skin tones. That’s what inspired me to make the video. I wanted to break things down in a way that was practical, visual, and easy to understand—especially for creators who want to improve their footage straight out of camera.
In the video, I go step-by-step through each profile and show you how they compare. Whether you're shooting interviews, YouTube videos, short films, or client content, understanding these Sony picture profiles can help you dial in the right look before you even hit record. No LUTs or deep post-processing required—just smart choices up front.
Even though the video has been out for a while, the information is still 100% relevant. Sony hasn’t made major changes to these profiles across newer Alpha models, so if you're using a camera like the Sony A7III, A7IV, A6400, FX30, or any other Alpha series camera with Cine profiles, this breakdown still applies.
If you’ve ever Googled something like “Cine1 vs Cine4” or “best Sony picture profile for YouTube,” this is for you. And if you're just getting started with Sony's video settings, this might save you hours of testing and guessing.
Stick around, because in the next section, I’ll give you a detailed breakdown of each Cine profile—how they differ, what they’re good for, and how to get the most out of them.