Newer iPhones can shoot in Apple ProRes Log, capturing far more dynamic range than the standard camera. The catch: straight out of the phone, log footage looks flat, gray and washed-out. To make it usable, and to unlock that cinema-camera potential, you need to convert Apple Log to Rec.709. Here's how to do it in seconds.
Why iPhone log footage looks flat
A log profile deliberately records a low-contrast, desaturated image so it can preserve detail in both highlights and shadows. Think of it as a digital negative: all the information is there, it just hasn't been "developed" into a normal viewing space yet. That development step is the conversion to Rec.709.
The fastest fix: a conversion LUT
The simplest, most reliable way to convert is a dedicated conversion LUT. Apple ProRes Log Conversion LUTs turn footage shot in Apple ProRes Log into a balanced Rec.709 image instantly, giving you a clean, color-accurate starting point ready for grading. The pack includes 5 base LUTs plus an installation manual and works across all professional editors, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Sony Vegas.
How to convert Apple Log to Rec.709, step by step
- Import your Apple ProRes Log clip into your editor and drop it on the timeline.
- Apply the conversion LUT from the Apple ProRes Log Conversion pack as your first color step. Your flat footage instantly snaps to a balanced Rec.709 image.
- Balance exposure and white balance on the now-normalized image so everything sits where it should.
- Add your creative grade, a cinematic look LUT, contrast, and color, on top of the conversion.
- Finish with film character like grain or halation for an authentic cinema feel.
Pro tips for clean conversions
Always convert before you apply a creative LUT. Stacking a stylized look on raw log gives unpredictable results. Expose your shots well in-camera to get the most from log's dynamic range, and keep highlights from clipping. Once converted, you have full latitude to push the grade without the image falling apart.
Turn your iPhone into a cinema camera
A proper log-to-Rec.709 conversion is the difference between flat phone clips and footage that looks like it came off a cinema camera. Grab the Apple ProRes Log Conversion LUTs and get a perfect base in one click, then pair them with MoonBear's CINEFILM looks to finish the grade.