Nikon has released four new LUTs for use with N-Log video footage. The LUTS were created in conjunction with RED.
Nikon and RED
Nikon announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire RED back in March this year. Now, just six months later, the two companies have worked together to produce four new LUTs for grading video footage recorded in N-Log with Nikon mirrorless cameras. A log (or logarithmic) color profile delivers video footage with a higher dynamic range than standard video. However, log video looks flat with muted colors straight out of the camera. You need to color grade your clips or use a LUT (look-up table) to restore the true colors in your video.
RED color science
Nikon has released four different creative LUTs as well as one technical LUT. All of the LUTs were created in conjunction with RED. As well as for grading video after it has been shot, Nikon says that the LUTs can be installed on external monitors to give you a close-to-finished look while shooting on location. In addition, Nikon says that the LUTs enable users to apply the essence of RED’s color science to Nikon’s mirrorless camera video workflows. This also means you can achieve a look comparable to video shot on RED cinema cameras when working with N-Log footage.
Creative LUTs
Achromic: low contrast monochrome
The Achromic LUT gives your N-Log footage a low-contrast black and white look while still maintaining the detail of the textures. It also creates a soft and refined atmosphere and gives a classical feel.
Film Bias: warm colors and a satisfying level of contrast
The Film Bias LUT produces a film-like warmth and texture onto N-Log footage with balanced colors and a subtle contrast. It also renders skin tone very naturally. Nikon says it can give a sophisticated feel to footage.
Film Bias Bleach Bypass: shallow tones and high contrast
The Film Bias Bleach Bypass LUT is inspired by the bleach bypass film processing technique. This results in a very specific high-contrast and desaturated look to your video. It also reproduces footage with a harsh and faded feel. Films such as Saving Private Ryan and Minority Report used a bleach bypass process.
Film Bias Offset: deeply warm nostalgic colors
The Film Bias Offset LUT gives your N-Log footage a film-like warmth and softness. It achieves this by applying a unique combination of color correction and contrast adjustment.
What we think
With the release of these new LUTs, Nikon users are already reaping the benefits of the company’s acquisition of RED. The new LUTs won’t make your Nikon mirrorless video look exactly like it was shot on a RED camera. However, the LUTs are a great starting point for working with your N-Log video files. Even better, the LUTs are completely free. If you use a Nikon mirrorless camera that can shoot N-Log, you should download the LUTs now.
Pricing and availability
The new Nikon LUTs created with RED are available now and are free to download. You can download them from the Nikon USA website.
