DEVELOPING COLOR
How to Shoot Apple Log on iPhone 15–18 Pro
Apple Log gives iPhone creators more room to recover highlights, protect shadows and build clean, cinematic color. This guide shows the simplest setup for iPhone 15 Pro through iPhone 18 Pro, including Apple Log 2, exposure and storage.
You’ll learn how to turn Log recording on, choose practical settings and avoid the flat, washed-out result that catches many beginners.
What is Apple Log?
Apple Log is Apple’s log video format for iPhone Pro models. It records a flat color profile that captures more dynamic range than standard iPhone video, and it’s built right into the iPhone Camera app — no separate Apple Log camera app needed.
This means:
- Better highlight retention
- Softer rolloff
- More detail in bright and dark areas
- More room to color grade in post
Apple Log is available on:
- iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max
- iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max
If your phone supports Apple Log, you’ll see it in your camera settings.
How to Turn On Apple Log on iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap Camera
- Select Formats
- Under Video Capture, tap ProRes
- Choose Color Encoding: Log
That’s it. Your iPhone will now shoot in Apple Log whenever you record in ProRes or HEVC Log.
Best Settings for Shooting Apple Log
Here are simple, reliable settings most creators use:
Resolution
- 4K for the highest quality (you might need an external SSD for 60fps)
- 1080p if you need to save storage
Frame Rate
- 24fps for cinematic motion
- 30/60fps for travel, action, or smooth movement
File Format
- ProRes for maximum quality
- HEVC (H.265) for smaller file sizes (recommended for most users)
When to Use the Blackmagic Cam App
The Blackmagic Cam app gives you more manual control, including:
- Manual white balance
- Manual exposure
- Proper monitoring tools
- Apple Log / Apple Log 2 support
It’s free and highly recommended for creators who want consistent footage.
Apple Log vs Apple Log 2
Apple Log 2 records a wider color gamut than Apple Log while keeping the same flat, grade-ready look. It is available through Final Cut Camera on iOS 26, so check which Log option your recording app shows.
Grading stays simple either way: the Ypresets Apple Log LUTs work on both Apple Log and Apple Log 2, so the same LUTs cover either format — there is no separate Apple Log 2 set.
How to Expose Apple Log Correctly
Use the histogram, waveform or zebra tools in your camera app instead of judging the flat preview by eye. Protect bright highlights from clipping, lock white balance before recording and keep exposure consistent between shots.
- Turn on a viewing LUT when your camera app offers one
- Lock white balance so color does not change during a clip
- Check faces and bright skies with monitoring tools
- Record a short test and review it before a longer shoot
Apple Log Storage: ProRes vs HEVC
ProRes keeps more editing information but creates much larger files. HEVC Log is the practical choice for most beginners because it keeps file sizes smaller while preserving room for color grading.
Use an external SSD when your chosen ProRes resolution and frame rate require one. Before a long shoot, confirm the drive is connected, has enough free space and records a short test clip without interruption.
How to Color Grade Apple Log
Apple Log looks flat and washed out straight out of camera — that’s normal.
To get a cinematic image, apply a conversion LUT or creative LUT during editing.
If you want a fast, clean result made specifically for iPhone footage, check out our Apple Log LUTs for iPhone that convert Log to cinematic color with one click.
👉 Explore the full pack here: iPhone Apple Log LUTs
Final Thoughts
Shooting in Apple Log gives you more control, better dynamic range and a more “filmic” foundation to grade. With the right LUTs, it’s one of the easiest ways to make your iPhone videos look like they came from a professional camera.