Blackmagic Camera App for iPhone: Settings, Tips, and LUT Workflow

The Blackmagic Camera app has quickly become a favorite among mobile filmmakers, combining pro-level controls with Apple’s cinematic power. But to truly elevate your iPhone footage, you need to know how to fine-tune your settings and how to use custom LUTs directly within the app.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the optimal setup for cinematic shooting, how to apply LUTs natively within the Blackmagic Camera app, and how to unlock the full aesthetic potential of your iPhone footage with minimal post-production.

 

Why Blackmagic Camera for iPhone?

Apple Log gives you amazing dynamic range, but the native Camera app doesn’t let you fully control your settings. That’s where Blackmagic Camera steps in.

You get:

• Full manual controls (ISO, Shutter Angle, White Balance, etc.)
• Apple Log recording in 10-bit ProRes
• On-screen waveforms and focus peaking
• Support for external audio and gear

It’s essentially like having a pocket-sized cinema camera.

 

Essential Settings for Cinematic Footage

Before you hit record, make sure your app is configured correctly for cinematic results.

1. Set Resolution and Codec

→ Settings > Record

We recommend:

• Resolution: 4K
• Codec: ProRes 422 or 422 HQ
• Color Space: Apple Log - HDR
• Frame Rate: 24 or 25 fps

2. Lock Exposure and Focus

Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure. This prevents unwanted shifts mid-shot.

3. Use Manual Controls

Adjust ISO, shutter angle (use 180° rule), and white balance manually. Avoid Auto settings unless absolutely necessary.

4. Monitor Your Image

Activate waveforms and false color in the Monitor tab. This helps you judge exposure like a pro.

How to Import and Use LUTs in the Blackmagic Camera App

One of the most powerful features of this app is the ability to load custom LUTs directly into the camera preview. This means you can monitor your shots with a baked-in look while recording in Apple Log.

How to Import Your LUT:

1. Create a .cube LUT file (Absoluts LUTs are all compatible)
2. Airdrop or save the .cube file to your iPhone Files app
3. In the Blackmagic Camera app:
   • Go to Settings > LUTs > LUT Selection
   • Tap Import LUT, then Browse
   • Locate your .cube file in Files and tap to import
4. Your LUT will appear in the list and can now be previewed live on your footage.

Using LUTs While Shooting

Once imported:

• Enable the LUT in the LUTs section > Display LUT
• Toggle it on for preview during shooting
• Set the Color Space Tag to Rec.709
• Important: This LUT affects only the preview, not the Apple Log recording itself

This setup allows you to shoot Log for maximum flexibility, while still having a creative reference on-screen.

If you want to “bake-in” the LUT to your clips and export them with the LUT already applied Turn on the “Record LUT to Clip” option.

Which LUTs Should You Use?

Not all LUTs are created equal. At Absoluts, we designed cinematic-grade LUTs tailored specifically for Apple Log and iPhone color science.

Here are three of our most popular picks:

🔸 Kodak Vision 3 LUT

Inspired by the iconic Kodak Vision3 film stock, this LUT delivers rich colors, warm skin tones, and natural contrast, perfect for narrative work.

🔸 Fujifilm 3513 LUT

A softer, organic look based on Fuji's famous cinema film. Great for emotional storytelling and natural daylight scenes.

🔸 CineCold Vision LUT

A high-contrast, stylized LUT that adds a bold cinematic cold look, ideal for urban, moody content.

 

Get the Look: iCine Master Bundle

If you're serious about iPhone cinematography, consider upgrading to our full iCine Master Bundle. It includes:

• All our filmic and commercial LUTs for Apple Log
• Matching PowerGrades for DaVinci (when you’re ready to go deeper)
• Film Burns and Film Grain Overlays optimized for mobile as well
  

Final Tips Before You Shoot

• Use ND filters if you're outdoors in bright light. This helps keep shutter angle at 180°.
• Keep ISO low (100–250) for best image quality in daylight.
• Shoot in 10-bit ProRes, not HEVC, for maximum post flexibility—even if you preview with a LUT.
• Name your LUTs clearly so you can switch fast while testing looks on set.

Conclusion

The Blackmagic Camera app gives you incredible control over your iPhone’s cinematic potential and paired with the right LUTs, you can skip most of the post-production hassle and shoot content that looks ready for sharing.

Start simple: load one LUT, test it, and adjust your exposure manually. The more you shoot with control and intention, the less you’ll need to “fix it in post.”