How to install LUTs on the Canon R5 Mark II

Nothing quite transforms your footage like a well-applied LUT (Lookup Table). It’s the secret sauce that can take your Canon R5 Mark II videos from bland to breathtaking. But, if you’ve ever struggled with installing LUTs, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been staring at your screen wondering why your LUT isn’t showing up or why your footage isn’t looking the way you hoped.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of importing and using LUTs on the Canon R5 Mark II. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to install them correctly, avoid common pitfalls, and get that cinematic look you’ve been dreaming of—all in just a few minutes.

Before You Start: Two Must-Know Facts About LUTs

1. Grid Size Matters:
   The Canon R5 Mark II only accepts 33-grid LUTs. If your LUT is in a 65-grid format, you’ll need to convert it to a 33-grid first.

2. LUTs Can Be “Baked In”:
   If you’re not recording in RAW, applying a LUT in-camera will bake it directly into your footage. While this can save time, it also limits flexibility in post-production. My advice? Use LUTs as a preview tool while shooting but turn them off during recording to retain maximum data for color grading later.

What You’ll Need:

• An SD or CFexpress Card:
  This should be formatted in your Canon R5 Mark II beforehand.

• A Computer:
  To transfer LUT files onto your memory card.

Step 1: Load the LUTs Onto Your Card

1. Connect Your Card to Your Computer:
   Use a card reader to access your SD or CFexpress card.

2. Locate Your LUT Files:
   Open the folder where your LUTs are stored on your computer.

3. Transfer LUTs to the Card:
   Drag and drop the LUT files directly onto the root directory of your memory card. Don’t place them in any subfolders like DCIM or XFC.

4. Eject the Card:
   Safely remove the card from your computer and insert it back into your Canon R5 Mark II.

Step 2: Register the LUTs in Your Camera

1. Access the Color Profile Menu:
   On the Canon R5 Mark II, go to the Red Menu and navigate to Page 4 (Color Profile Settings).

2. Unprotect the Color Profile:
   Select Edit CP and make sure the color profile is unprotected. This step allows you to modify the settings.

3. Find the LUTs:
   Scroll down to Look File Registration. The camera will display the LUTs stored on your memory card.

   • Pro Tip: If you’re using a CFexpress card and it’s not showing your LUTs, make sure it’s in the first slot. Remove the SD card if necessary.

4. Register Your LUT:
   Select the LUT you want from the list and hit Register.

Step 3: Enable the LUT

1. Activate the LUT Overlay:
   Go back to the Look File setting and toggle Enable.

2. Preview Your Footage:
   You’ll now see your LUT applied as an overlay on your log footage, giving you a vivid preview of the final look without recording the LUT itself.

Final Thoughts

With your LUT installed and active, you’re ready to shoot with confidence, knowing your footage will look as cinematic as you imagined. Whether you’re crafting a warm, golden sunset vibe or an icy, moody atmosphere, the right LUT can bring your creative vision to life.

If you’re eager to push your skills even further, check out my guide on creating custom LUTs tailored to your unique style. And if you have questions or need help troubleshooting, drop a comment—I’ve got you covered.

Thank you for taking the time to perfect your craft with me. Happy shooting, and I’ll see you in the next guide!