When video is shot in a logarithmic profile, it can look flat and desaturated. To see it with proper color and contrast, you need to apply a LUT (Lookup Table). Here’s how you can do it with both video players for quick viewing and video editing software for working with the file.
1. Video Players (Simple Method)
VLC Media Player (Windows/MacOS):
VLC is a free media player that supports LUTs via external extensions.
How to set it up:
1. Download and install VLC from the official website.
2. Download the LUT for your camera.
3. Install an extension to enable LUTs. Available extensions can be found here.
4. Apply the LUT in VLC to view your video with proper color correction.
MPV Player (Windows/MacOS/Linux):
MPV is a lightweight media player that supports LUTs via configuration file adjustments.
How to set it up:
1. Download MPV from the official website.
2. Download the LUT for your camera.
3. Open the mpv.conf file and add the line:
glsl-shader="path_to_your_LUT"
4. Save and restart MPV to view the video with the LUT applied.
PotPlayer (Windows):
PotPlayer is another powerful media player that supports LUTs.
How to set it up:
1. Download PotPlayer from the official website.
2. Download the LUT for your camera and set it up through PotPlayer’s video settings menu.
3. Open your video and apply the LUT to view it in color.
2. Video Editing Software (For Processing and Fine-Tuning)
DaVinci Resolve (Windows/MacOS):
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful free tool for color grading and video editing.
How to set it up:
1. Download DaVinci Resolve from the official website.
2. Import your video into a project.
3. In the Color tab, open the LUTs section and select the downloaded LUT for your camera.
4. Apply the LUT to the clip to view your video with proper color grading.
Adobe Premiere Pro (Windows/MacOS):
Adobe Premiere Pro also supports LUTs for viewing and editing log footage.
How to set it up:
1. Open your project in Premiere Pro.
2. In the Lumetri Color panel, select Basic Correction and load your LUT in the Input LUT field.
3. Apply the LUT to preview your video with the correct exposure and color.
Conclusion:
For quick viewing with LUTs, media players like VLC or MPV are a simple solution. For more professional editing and adjustments, tools like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro are your best options.