From Flat to Filmic: Step-by-Step iPhone Color Grading in DaVinci

How to turn Apple Log footage into cinematic gold using a repeatable nodetree and smart grading techniques.

 

Introduction: Your Footage Deserves Better

If you’ve ever looked at your iPhone’s Apple Log footage and thought, “Why does this look so flat?”, you’re not alone. Shooting in Apple Log gives you massive flexibility in post, but only if you know how to grade it.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to turn flat into filmic, using a structured nodetree, the right LUTs, and PowerGrades that speed up your workflow. Whether you're new to DaVinci Resolve or looking to refine your current setup, this guide is built for iPhone filmmakers who want pro-level results.

 

1. Why Apple Log Needs Color Grading

Apple Log is a log gamma profile available on iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and newer. It captures a flatter image by compressing contrast and color, retaining more dynamic range and detail. But that means it looks gray, washed-out, and lifeless until graded.

To restore the natural contrast, colors, and vibe, you need to apply a conversion. And if you want a cinematic look, you’ll want to stylize it further through LUTs, node tweaks, or PowerGrades.

 

2. Setting Up Your DaVinci Resolve Project

To make the most of Apple Log in DaVinci Resolve, use these project settings:

• Color science: DaVinci YRGB
• Timeline color space: DaVinci Wide Gamut / Intermediate
• Output color space: Rec.709 Gamma 2.4
• Disable any color management unless you're working in RCM (advanced)

This gives you full control over your grading and avoids automatic adjustments.

 

3. Method 1: Using CST Nodes for Accurate Log Conversion

This is the technical route for those who want precise control and intend to apply custom grading.

Nodetree Setup:

1. Node 01 – CST Input
   • Input Color Space: REC.2020
   • Input Gamma: Apple Log
   • Output Color Space: DaVinci Wide Gamut
   • Output Gamma: DaVinci Intermediate
2. Node 02 – Exposure
   • Adjust lift/gamma/gain for brightness and shadow control
3. Node 03 – Contrast
   • Add contrast to shape depth
   • Use the custom curves or contrast slider
4. Node 04 – Balance
   • Correct white balance and tint
   • Fine-tune hue offsets if needed
5. Node 05 – Saturation
   • Restore natural saturation
6. Node 06 – CST Output
   • Input: DaVinci Wide Gamut / Intermediate
   • Output: Rec.709 / Gamma 2.4

💡 Save this node structure as a PowerGrade so you can reuse it for every Apple Log clip.

 

4. Method 2: Grading with Creative LUTs

If you prefer speed and style, you can skip the CST method and let our LUTs do the heavy lifting. Each Absoluts LUT is built to convert Apple Log into Rec.709 and apply a cinematic look, all in one step.

LUT Workflow Setup:

• Build a nodetree with the same sequence of nodes:
  • Exposure
  • Contrast
  • Balance
  • Saturation
  • LUT node at the end
• Apply the LUT in the final node. This way, you maintain control over the image before the LUT stylizes it.

Recommended LUTs for Apple Log:

• Kodak Vision3 LUT: warm, nostalgic, filmic
• Fujifilm 3513 LUT: punchy color contrast
• White Lotus LUT: soft and refined, perfect for lifestyle work

5. Enhancing Your Look with PowerGrades

If LUTs handle color and mood, PowerGrades handle polish.

They’re reusable node structures designed to fine-tune your footage with advanced techniques, no extra plugins needed.

Two essentials:

• Filmic Craft PowerGrade – Designed to give your footage a rich, cinematic texture reminiscent of classic film stocks. It helps to get rid of that “digital look” while adding filmic characteristics like: halation, glow, grain, softening.
• Skintone Craft PowerGrade – Built specifically to refine and isolate skin tones without affecting the rest of your grade. It uses keying and targeted hue adjustments to maintain natural, healthy-looking skin, fix tonal inconsistencies, and balance saturation

💡 Apply these as the last node in your chain to finalize the aesthetic. Stackable with LUTs or CST workflows.

 

6. Get the Look

Want to build your own professional-grade workflow? The iCine Master Bundle includes:

• Professional custom-made LUTs for Apple Log
• Customizable PowerGrades to enhance your footage
• Film Grain and Film Burns overlays to stylize your grade
• Mobile + DaVinci support
• Detailed grading instructions

Everything you need to turn flat iPhone footage into premium cinematic visuals, in just few simple steps.

 

7. Related Articles

• Best iPhone LUTs for Apple Log (2025 Update)
• Why Your iPhone Footage Looks Flat (And How to Fix It With LUTs)