How to Install BMPCC LUTs onto Your Camera

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) is a popular choice for filmmakers due to its compact size and powerful features. One of the key capabilities of the BMPCC is its ability to use Look-Up Tables (LUTs) to enhance and stylize footage directly in-camera. This guide will walk you through the steps to install and use LUTs on your BMPCC.

What is a LUT?

A LUT (Look-Up Table) is a file that modifies the color and tone of your footage. By applying a LUT, you can quickly achieve a specific look or style, such as a cinematic color grade, which can save significant time in post-production. LUTs are especially useful for previewing how your footage will look once it’s graded.

Steps to Install LUTs on BMPCC

1. Download Your LUTs

Before you can install LUTs on your BMPCC, you’ll need to download the LUT files. LUTs are typically provided in .cube format. Many websites offer free and paid LUTs, including those specifically designed for the BMPCC.

2. Prepare Your SD Card

To transfer LUTs to your BMPCC, you’ll need an SD card:

    •    Insert your SD card into your computer’s card reader.
    •    Ensure the SD card is formatted correctly for use with the BMPCC. You can format the card in the camera or using software on your computer.

3. Copy LUTs to SD Card

Once your SD card is ready:

    •    Locate the downloaded LUT files on your computer.
    •    Copy the .cube files to the root directory of the SD card. It’s best to avoid placing them in subfolders to ensure the BMPCC can easily locate them.

4. Insert SD Card into BMPCC

Safely eject the SD card from your computer and insert it into your BMPCC.

5. Access the LUT Menu on BMPCC

Turn on your BMPCC and follow these steps:

    •    Tap the menu button to access the main menu.
    •    Navigate to the LUTs menu. This is typically found under the ‘Monitor’ settings or a similar section, depending on your BMPCC model.

6. Load LUTs onto the Camera

In the LUTs menu:

    •    Select the option to ‘Import LUTs’. The camera will then read the LUTs from your SD card.
    •    Choose the LUTs you want to import. The BMPCC allows you to store multiple LUTs, so you can import several at once.
    •    Confirm the import. The camera will process the files and add them to its internal storage.

7. Apply LUTs to Your Footage

After importing your LUTs, you can apply them to your footage:

    •    Go back to the LUTs menu.
    •    Select the LUT you want to use from the list of imported LUTs.
    •    Apply the LUT to your desired output: LCD, HDMI, or SDI output. You can choose to have the LUT applied to just the display (for monitoring purposes) or to the recorded footage as well.

8. Adjust LUT Settings

You can further adjust settings related to LUTs, such as:

    •    Enabling or disabling LUTs for different outputs.
    •    Adjusting the intensity of the LUT effect if your BMPCC model supports this feature.

Tips for Using LUTs on BMPCC

    •    Preview Before Shooting: Always preview your LUTs on the BMPCC’s display to ensure they achieve the desired effect.
    •    Custom LUTs: Create custom LUTs using color grading software like DaVinci Resolve, tailored to your specific shooting conditions and preferences.
    •    Backup LUTs: Keep a backup of your favorite LUTs on a separate SD card or cloud storage, just in case you need to re-import them.

Installing and using LUTs on your BMPCC can significantly enhance your footage and streamline your workflow. By following these steps, you can easily import and apply LUTs, giving you greater creative control over your visuals. Experiment with different LUTs to find the styles that best suit your projects, and enjoy the process of bringing your cinematic vision to life.