What is Apple Log? A Complete Guide for Filmmakers

Apple Log is a game-changer for mobile videography. Introduced alongside the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple ProRes workflows, this new gamma curve is designed to give filmmakers unprecedented control over color, dynamic range, and post-production flexibility, all from the device in their pocket.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Apple Log actually is, how it works, and why it matters. Whether you're shooting commercials, travel videos, or short films on iPhone, understanding Apple Log will elevate your footage to a whole new level.

 

1. What is Apple Log?

Apple Log is a logarithmic gamma curve developed by Apple to compress a wide range of luminance values into a smaller bit depth, preserving detail in highlights and shadows. Think of it as Apple’s version of Sony’s S-Log or Canon’s C-Log, but tailored for mobile filmmaking.

Apple Log is only available when recording in ProRes with the Blackmagic Camera App or native Camera App on iPhone 15 Pro models (or newer). When enabled, it allows for:

• Greater dynamic range
• Flatter image (more grading flexibility)
• Improved highlight roll-off
• More professional-looking results when color graded
  
  
  

2. Why Apple Log Looks Flat

Apple Log footage out of the camera looks washed out or desaturated, and that’s by design. This flat look preserves image data that can be manipulated during color correction.

Without grading or applying a conversion LUT, the footage will not look finished, but that’s what makes it so powerful. You decide the final look.

 

3. The Benefits of Shooting in Apple Log

Here’s why Apple Log is so valuable for creators and professionals alike:

• More Detail in Shadows & Highlights

  Apple Log retains more information where other gamma curves clip or crush data.

• Professional Color Grading Workflow

  Footage is easier to match, adjust, and stylize during post-production.

• Film-Like Image Control

  The flat base gives flexibility similar to traditional cinema cameras.

• Better Compatibility with LUTs

  Apple Log works perfectly with custom LUTs, especially those designed for mobile workflows like ours.
  
  
  

4. How to Record in Apple Log on iPhone

To use Apple Log, you’ll need:

• An iPhone 15 Pro / Max or newer
• Native Camera App or Blackmagic Camera App (free on the App Store)
• Enable ProRes recording
• In "Format" in your Camera settings, choose Log as the ProRes Encoding

5. Post-Production: How to Use Apple Log Footage

Once you’ve captured your clips in Apple Log, you’ll need to convert and grade the footage to make it look cinematic.

There are two simple options:

Option A: Use a Conversion LUT

A LUT (Look-Up Table) transforms Apple Log into a normalized Rec.709 image with balanced exposure and colors. Some LUTs also include creative grading baked in.

We recommend using our custom-made Apple Log LUTs designed for iPhone footage. Try looks like the Kodak Vision 3 LUT or the CineCold Vision LUT, specifically built to convert and stylize Apple Log content in one step.

 

Option B: Manual Grading

If you're working with a professional colorist or want more control, you can normalize Apple Log manually by adjusting:

• Contrast
• Exposure
• White balance
• Saturation

Then add your creative touches on top.

6. How to Embed a LUT in the Clip Using the Blackmagic App

With the Blackmagic Camera App, you can embed a LUT directly into your clip while still keeping the original flat Apple Log data. Here’s how:

1. Go to the LUTS section in the app
2. Load your custom LUT (e.g., from Absoluts)
3. Enable “Record LUT to Clip”
4. Record as usual

This ensures the clip displays with the look applied in your editor while preserving the Apple Log flexibility for color grading later.

 

7. Get the Look

Looking to enhance your Apple Log workflow?

Explore our iCine Master Bundle, a premium collection of LUTs and PowerGrades designed specifically for Apple Log footage shot on iPhone. With cinematic tones, accurate skin rendering, and versatile grading tools, it’s the perfect toolkit to unlock the full potential of your mobile footage.

 

Conclusion

Apple Log brings true cinematic power to your pocket, but only if you know how to use it. By shooting in Log, applying the right LUTs, and using the Blackmagic Camera App’s full capabilities, your iPhone footage can rival that of much larger camera setups.

So next time you're capturing your next masterpiece, don’t settle for default. Embrace Apple Log and take control of your image.