LG C1 OLED Review: Is it Worth the Investment for Color Grading and More?
If you’re looking for a TV that can handle color grading, gaming, and content consumption, the LG C1 OLED TV is a great option. As a cinematographer and colorist, I purchased the C1 specifically for color grading work, but have been pleasantly surprised by its performance in other areas as well. In this review, I’ll break down the pros and cons of the C1, and help you determine if it’s worth the investment for your needs.
LG C1 OLED Brightness:
When it comes to brightness, the C1 is the lowest of the bunch, but it can still display SDR content at brightness levels well above 100 nits (the maximum level SDR content should be mastered at). After calibration, my panel is set to 28 out of 100 OLED brightness, which is more than enough for SDR content like prime-time TV, news, and YouTube. In HDR, the C1 tops out at 750 nits, while the C2 is slightly over 800, and the expected C3 will be about the same. However, the difference in brightness between the C1 and the C2 or C3 will likely only be noticeable if the TVs are side by side. If you’re a creator who wants to use the TV for HDR content, the closer to 1000 nits the better, but the extra 100 nits may not be worth the investment for the average consumer.
LG C1 Input/Output:
The input/output on the LG C1 TV is excellent, with 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, ethernet and optical digital audio out, 3 USB 2.0 ports, and more. The TV also has a 4K 120Hz capability, making it a great option for gaming with a 1ms response time.
Color Grading on The LG C1 OLED | DaVinci Resolve:
The main reason I bought the C1 was for color grading work, and it has not disappointed. Color grading on the C1 has been a delight, as the display is not only beautiful, but also color-accurate. After making the switch, my work has been far more consistent across other displays, meaning that people see what I intended more often. However, it’s important to note that I avoid using the TV as a computer monitor to prevent burn-in, and have not noticed any burn-in after a year of use.
The LG C1 OLED TV is a great option for color grading, especially for those who use DaVinci Resolve. The panel’s infinite contrast ratio, accurate colors, and proper brightness levels make it an excellent choice for those who want to bring their color grading work to the next level. The LG C1 OLED’s display capabilities, combined with DaVinci Resolve’s powerful color grading tools, make it an unbeatable combination for any professional colorist or filmmaker.
Gaming on the C1 :
For gamers, the LG C1 OLED is an excellent choice. With 4K 120Hz capability and a 1ms response time, you’ll have a smooth and responsive gaming experience, whether you’re playing on a console or a PC. The G-Sync and game ready mode features enhance your gaming experience, and the OLED panels offer vivid and lifelike visuals.
As a PC gamer, I was impressed with the gaming performance on the LG C1. I have not experienced any issues with shadows being too dark, and you can use the game optimization feature to adjust the black level and other settings to ensure you have a perfect gaming experience.
One important note is to avoid burn-in. To avoid burn-in, I prefer not to use the TV as a computer monitor, and I am cautious not to leave a static image on the screen for an extended period. While the TV comes with a pixel cleaning feature, it can lower peak brightness over time and ruin your calibration, so I prefer to leave it off.
In conclusion, the LG C1 OLED is a great choice for gamers looking for a high-quality gaming experience. With 4K 120Hz capability, a 1ms response time, and advanced features like G-Sync and game optimization, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in your favorite games like never before.
AI Picture and Sound:
The TV also comes with advanced AI features like AI Picture Pro and AI Sound, which I personally haven’t explored, but they are worth mentioning.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a TV that can handle color grading, gaming, and content consumption, the LG C1 OLED TV is a great option. The main trade-off is brightness, but the difference in brightness between the C1 and the newer models may not be worth the investment for the average consumer. If you’re a creator who wants to use the TV for HDR content, it may be worth waiting for the C2 or C3, but the C1 is still a solid choice for its infinite contrast ratio and color accuracy.
Final Thoughts:
The LG C1 OLED TV is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for a versatile display that can handle gaming, content consumption, and color grading. With its infinite contrast ratio, accurate colors, and 4K 120Hz capability, it is a great investment for anyone looking to elevate their viewing experience. The C1 also offers excellent I/O options, AI features, and minimal burn-in risk, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite content on a beautiful, color-accurate display.
So if you’re looking for an OLED TV to use for color grading and DaVinci Resolve, the LG C1 is a great option. The combination of the TV’s display capabilities and DaVinci Resolve’s color grading tools make it a fantastic choice for any professional colorist or filmmaker. Whether you’re working on a big budget film or an indie project, the LG C1 OLED TV is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to bring their color grading work to the next level.
