Applying LUTs to BMPCC Footage in DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro

How to Install and Apply LUTs on BMPCC

Using DaVinci Resolve

Step 1: Import Your Footage

1. Open DaVinci Resolve and start a new project.
2. Go to the Media tab and import your BMPCC footage by dragging and dropping it into the media pool.

Step 2: Create a New Timeline

1. Right-click on your footage in the media pool.
2. Select Create New Timeline Using Selected Clips.
3. Name your timeline and ensure it matches the resolution and frame rate of your footage.

Step 3: Open the Color Tab

1. Switch to the Color tab where you’ll apply your LUTs and make color grading adjustments.

Step 4: Apply the LUT

1. In the lower left corner of the Color tab, find the LUT panel.
2. Click on the drop-down menu and navigate to 3D LUT > Blackmagic Design.
3. Select the LUT that matches your BMPCC model and desired look (e.g., “Blackmagic Pocket 4K Film to Rec709”).

Step 5: Adjust LUT Intensity

1. Right-click on the node where you applied the LUT.
2. Select Add Node > Corrector.
3. Adjust the key output gain to achieve the desired look.

Step 6: Further Color Grading

1. Use DaVinci Resolve’s color grading tools to fine-tune your image.
2. Adjust the primary wheels for lift, gamma, and gain to balance shadows, midtones, and highlights.
3. Experiment with curves and color wheels for further refinement.

Step 7: Apply Power Windows (Optional)

1. Use power windows to isolate and grade specific parts of your image.
2. For example, darken the sky or brighten an actor’s face without affecting the rest of the scene.

Using Final Cut Pro

Step 1: Import Your Footage

1. Open Final Cut Pro and create a new project.
2. Import your BMPCC footage into the project library.

Step 2: Apply the Custom LUT Effect

1. Go to the Effects Browser.
2. Search for Custom LUT and drag it onto your clip in the timeline.

Step 3: Choose Your LUT

1. In the Inspector panel, find the Custom LUT effect.
2. Click on the Choose LUT dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the folder where your LUTs are stored and select the desired LUT.

Step 4: Adjust LUT Intensity

1. Use the Mix slider in the Inspector panel to adjust the intensity of the LUT.
2. Fine-tune the look by adjusting other color correction tools available in Final Cut Pro.

Step 5: Further Color Grading

1. Use Final Cut Pro’s color correction tools to make additional adjustments.
2. Balance the exposure, contrast, and color to achieve the desired look.