How To Create CINEMATIC LUTS for ANY CAMERA // Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji
One of the best advancements in modern cameras is the ability to import custom LUTs. No more guessing how your footage will look—no more staring at that flat, gray log footage. But finding the perfect LUT for your style can be a challenge. Some LUTs are too intense, others don’t quite fit your creative vision.
That’s why creating your own LUTs is a game-changer. You’re in control of your look, tailored to your exact needs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create a custom LUT that works with any camera. Whether you want subtle color tweaks or dramatic stylistic changes, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect LUT from scratch.
Why Create Custom LUTs?
Custom LUTs solve two common problems:
Overpowering Looks: Many LUTs are too strong for everyday use.
Lack of Flexibility: Pre-made LUTs don’t always match your creative vision.
By creating your own, you can design a LUT that perfectly balances your style and technical needs.
Step 1: Set Up Your Editing Software
For this guide, I’m using Adobe Premiere Pro, but the principles apply to any software with color grading tools.
Create an Adjustment Layer:
In Premiere Pro, go to File > New > Adjustment Layer.
Place the adjustment layer over your footage in the timeline.
Open Lumetri Color:
Go to Window > Lumetri Color to enable the color grading panel.
Apply a Base LUT (Rec.709 Conversion):
In the Basic Correction tab, select an input LUT that converts your log footage to Rec.709.
For example, if you’re using Canon’s C-log2, you might use a LUT like C-log2 to Rec.709 Wide Dynamic Range.
Step 2: Add Your Creative Look
Go to the Creative Tab:
In Lumetri Color, navigate to the Creative tab.
Upload Your Creative LUT:
If you’re using a pre-made LUT pack (e.g., Adagio by Gamut.io), select the LUT file.
Adjust the intensity slider to fine-tune the effect. For example, reducing the intensity to 60% often provides a balanced look.
Fine-Tune Further (Optional):
Use Lumetri’s sliders for color temperature, contrast, or saturation to perfect your look.
Step 3: Save Your Custom LUT
Export the LUT:
In the Lumetri Color panel, click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
Select Export .CUBE and name your LUT (e.g., "Rec709_Adagio_60Percent").
Save it in a location you’ll remember.
Convert the LUT for Camera Use:
Most cameras require a 33-grid LUT. Use this free online tool to convert:Visit color.io/free-online-lut-converter.
Upload your saved .CUBE file.
Set the output type to Blackmagic Camera and file size to 33-grid.
Export the converted LUT.
Step 4: Import Your Custom LUT to Your Camera
Load the LUT Onto Your Memory Card:
Drag and drop the LUT file onto the root directory of your SD or CFexpress card.
Insert the Card into Your Camera:
Place the card back into your camera.
Register the LUT in Your Camera:
Navigate to the Color Profiles menu (typically Page 4 in most Canon cameras).
Select Edit CP, unprotect the color profile, and scroll down to LUT Registration.
Choose your LUT from the list and hit Register.
Enable the LUT:
Return to the LUT menu and toggle Enable. Your custom LUT is now applied!
Step 5: Enjoy Your Custom Look
With your LUT active, you can preview your footage in real-time with the exact look you designed. Whether you’re shooting a cinematic masterpiece or just testing your camera, you’ll have complete confidence in your visual style.
Key Takeaways
Custom LUTs Save Time: No more tweaking footage endlessly in post.
Full Creative Control: Your LUT reflects your unique vision.
Universal Use: The workflow works for any camera that supports LUTs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Mastering custom LUTs is just the beginning. If you’re curious about importing LUTs for specific cameras or diving deeper into color grading, check out my other guides. Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m here to help!
Thank you for reading, and happy shooting!
