The Complete Apple Log 2 Exposure Handbook
A practical guide for iPhone 17 Pro filmmakers
Apple Log 2 marks a turning point in mobile cinematography. With its expanded dynamic range, smoother highlight rolloff, and more film-like tonal response, it brings the iPhone much closer to the behavior of digital cinema cameras. But this increased flexibility comes with an important consequence: exposure matters more than ever.
Unlike standard video profiles, Apple Log 2 does not protect you from mistakes. Underexpose and you introduce noise. Overexpose and you crush highlight detail. Expose correctly, however, and your footage becomes clean, flexible, and ready for high-end color grading.
This guide breaks down how to expose Apple Log 2 footage properly using the tools available on the iPhone and in professional apps like Blackmagic Camera and Final Cut Camera.
1. What Apple Log 2 Is and Why Exposure Matters
Apple Log 2 is Apple’s most advanced logarithmic gamma curve, introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro series. It is designed to maximize dynamic range while preserving details in both shadows and highlights.
Key characteristics:
- A flatter, lower-contrast curve than standard Apple Log
- More highlight detail and smoother rolloff
- Greater flexibility for color grading
- A gamma response closer to digital cinema cameras
However, because Apple Log 2 is so flat, the camera displays a desaturated, low-contrast preview. This means you cannot rely on visual judgment alone. Exposure tools become essential.
2. The Essential Exposure Tools for Apple Log 2
To expose correctly, you must use professional monitoring tools rather than the built-in camera preview.
Waveform
The most accurate exposure tool.
A waveform shows luminance values from 0 to 100 IRE (sometimes up to 120 on HDR-capable apps).
False Color
Perfect for quickly evaluating exposure on a subject’s face or bright areas.
Zebras
Useful for identifying areas approaching overexposure.
Histogram
Less precise than waveform but still helpful.
These tools are available inside:
- Blackmagic Camera
- Final Cut Camera
- Third-party monitor apps
3. ETTR for iPhone: How to Expose Apple Log 2 the Right Way
ETTR (Expose To The Right) is the recommended method for exposing log footage, including Apple Log 2. This technique reduces noise by capturing the cleanest possible signal without clipping highlights.
How to apply ETTR with Apple Log 2
- Increase exposure until the waveform shows highlights approaching 85 to 90 IRE.
- Ensure nothing essential is clipping (100 IRE).
- If using false color, skin tones should not fall into the overexposure zone.
- Reduce exposure slightly if practical lights or the sky begin to lose detail.
Apple Log 2 retains detail well near the highlight boundary, but once clipped, information cannot be recovered.
Typical ETTR target values
- Bright sky: 80 to 90 IRE
- Caucasian skin: 55 to 65 IRE
- Darker skin tones: 40 to 55 IRE
- Neutral gray object: around 45 to 50 IRE
4. Exposing Skin Tones in Apple Log 2
Skin tones are the first indicator of good exposure, and Apple Log 2 behaves differently from standard Rec.709.
For accurate exposure:
- Check skin tone values on a waveform rather than relying on preview brightness.
- Caucasian skin should sit around 55 to 65 IRE in Log 2.
- Darker skin tones naturally sit lower but should retain texture and separation.
- Avoid lighting that creates harsh specular highlights which clip easily.
If the face looks too dark in log preview, do not lower exposure unnecessarily. Trust the scopes.
5. Scene-Based Exposure Techniques
Different environments require different exposure strategies.
Daylight
Use ETTR aggressively to protect detail in the sky.
ND filters are often necessary to maintain correct shutter speed.
Tungsten Light
Warm light sources may appear softer in Apple Log 2.
Expose based on skin tones rather than the environment.
Mixed Lighting
Check white balance and skin exposure more frequently.
Apple Log 2 is sensitive to WB shifts.
High Contrast Scenes
Expose for the highlights and lift shadows in post.
Log 2 retains shadow detail well as long as it is not underexposed.
Low Light
Do not underexpose.
Expose slightly brighter than you think, as noise becomes visible when lifting shadows during grading.
6. Common Exposure Mistakes in Apple Log 2
These issues are extremely common among beginners and even intermediate shooters:
Underexposure
Leads to noise, color shift, and poor LUT performance.
Overexposure
Leads to clipped highlights with unnatural rolloff.
Judging exposure by eye
The flat preview is misleading. Always rely on scopes.
Using auto exposure
Auto mode makes inconsistent adjustments that ruin grading.
Forgetting ND filters
Without ND filters, shutter speed must increase, resulting in a video-like look.
7. How Proper Exposure Improves Color Grading
A well-exposed Apple Log 2 clip:
- Handles LUTs more predictably
- Retains skin tone detail
- Produces smoother highlight rolloff
- Preserves color separation
- Reduces noise and banding
- Gives more flexibility to creative grading
This is also where the Absoluts tools enhance the process.
Recommended for Apple Log 2 grading:
- iRED Mode LUT Pack (high-contrast, bold, contemporary cinematic look inspired by RED color science)
- Kodak Vision 3 Inspired LUT (cinematic warmth and depth)
-
Fujifilm 3513 inspired LUT (archival film palette)
- Filmic Craft PowerGrade (contrast shaping, halation, glow)
- Skintone Craft PowerGrade (precise skin tone refinement)
These tools were tested extensively with Apple Log and Apple Log 2 to ensure clean conversion and consistent results.
Final Thoughts
Apple Log 2 brings the iPhone into a new category of filmmaking capability, but only if exposed correctly. Learning how to read waveform, apply ETTR, and control skin tones will give you dramatically cleaner footage and a more cinematic foundation for color grading.
Once exposure is dialed in, your LUTs, PowerGrades, and creative looks will perform far better, giving you a professional image straight from an iPhone.
If you want to take full advantage of Apple Log 2, start by mastering the exposure. The rest becomes easier.