The BMPCC camera we have offers the option to shoot in “LOG”, or logarithm mode, where the initial digital file of the shoot is very flat, very low contrast, and is often called “ugly mode”. This is to capture the fullest dynamic range possible, and to allow that range to be fully manipulated in post.
Here’s a link to a Lynda.com clip on the subject, from a lengthy weekly series on production issues, tools, approaches, etc. called DSLR Video tips….There’s 92 “chapters” so far. Hopefully you can access it without membership, but if not, we can do it in the lab/studio where two of us can access Lynda courses at the same time.