What is Log recording?
In digital filmmaking, Log recording is popular because it captures more detail in bright and dark areas, making it easier to edit and create high-quality videos.
Log (Logarithmic) recording is a type of gamma curve used in video recording that preserves details in both the highlights and shadows of an image. While standard recording formats capture highlights and blacks in each pixel, Log recording compresses highlight details and expands shadows, giving you a flat, desaturated image. This flat profile retains more information, which is ideal for color grading during post-production.
Default LUTs for common camera Log profiles
Each camera has their own camera profile default LUT, so colors are maximized to look great with REC .709 color space. Click these links below to take you to some of the most popular Log profiles.
- Canon Log (C-Log): Available in Canon cameras, C-Log provides a wide dynamic range and is highly respected for its color science.
- Sony S-Log: Offers multiple variations (S-Log2, S-Log3) and excels in high dynamic range environments.
- Panasonic V-Log: Found in Panasonic’s GH series and Varicam, known for its natural skin tone reproduction.
- Blackmagic RAW: Handles RAW files efficiently with a Log-like profile for extensive grading capabilities.
Other Log profiles - D-Log (DJI UAV cameras)
- F-Log (Fujifilm cameras)
- N-Log (Nikon cameras)
- REDlogFilm (RED cameras)
- Apple Log profile (iPhone)
Applying Motion Array LUTs to your video
LUTs are color-grading presets that apply a predefined color look to your video. With just a click, you can transform your raw footage into something that looks cinematic, vibrant, or stylized to match a specific mood or genre. If you want to know more about LUTs check out this article. We are going to look at how best to apply Motion Array LUTs to your projects.
Converting Log to REC 709 color space
Creators working with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content or other formats — like sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, Rec.2020, or Log — may need to convert their footage to REC.709 before applying these LUTs.
First you need to import the Log footage to your software (in color management setting) Here’s a breakdown by of how to convert to REC.709 in :
Adobe Software
- On Project Manager right click the footage
- Select Modify > Interpret Footage
3. In Color Management select Input LUT and add the downloaded camera profile LUT
Blackmagic Davinci Resolve
- On Media tab right click the footage
- Select the camera profile LUT previously downloaded from the dropdown menu
Apple Final Cut Pro
- On the footage, add the Effects > Color: Custom LUT
- Select the camera profile LUT previously downloaded, from the dropdown menu
Once you’ve converted your footage to REC .709 color profile, you can apply the Motion Array creative LUTs to your footage.
For a tutorial on how to add LUTs in your editing software of choice click here.
Fine-tune your grade
You may need to make additional adjustments after applying a LUT.
- Contrast and exposure: Use curves or sliders to tweak brightness and contrast
- Color wheels: Adjust shadows, mid-tones, and highlights for nuanced grading
- Saturation: Modify color intensity as needed
Bonus tips for working with Log footage and LUTs
- Monitor calibration: Always work on a calibrated monitor for accurate color grading.
- Use scopes: Rely on waveform and vectorscope tools to monitor your grade.
- Experiment and adjust: Try different LUTs and tweak them to achieve the desired look.
Log and roll: You’re ready to grade
Now you’ve got the tools to turn your flat Log footage into vibrant, cinematic visuals using Rec.709 and Motion Array LUTs. With the right workflow and a bit of color grading know-how, you’ll bring out the best in every shot — highlights, shadows, and everything in between.
Ready to level up your look? Explore the full Motion Array LUTs catalog and find the perfect color grade for your next project.
