Which LUT for the Sony FX3 (and A7S III)?

The Sony FX3 and A7S III shoot S-Log3. The "best LUT" depends on what you want from it: converting your image, or giving it a style.

Two kinds of LUT

• The conversion (technical) LUT: it takes your S-Log3 to Rec.709. Sony provides an official one (s709).
• The creative LUT: it gives a style to an image that has already been converted and properly exposed.

The order that avoids bad surprises

1. Expose well on set: in S-Log3, many videographers overexpose slightly to keep clean shadows.
2. Convert (Color Space Transform or conversion LUT).
3. Fix exposure and balance.
4. Add the creative LUT last, and lower its strength if needed.

Why a creative LUT sometimes "doesn't work"

If the LUT goes straight onto the log, or onto a badly exposed image, the result looks wrong. It was built for a specific starting image: follow the order above, or use a PowerGrade that adapts to your shot.

Your S-Log3 looks all grey? Read Why does my S-Log3 look grey. To apply your LUT: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve.

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