Log profile
Also known as: Log, flat profile, log gamma
A flat-looking picture profile that records more dynamic range using a logarithmic curve. It needs color correction or a LUT before it looks normal.
Updated
What it means
A standard picture profile applies contrast and saturation in the camera, so the clip looks finished straight away but clips bright highlights and crushes dark shadows. A Log profile records brightness on a logarithmic curve instead, squeezing more of the scene's range into the file. The result looks grey and washed out - by design.
The extra range only becomes visible after color correction or a LUT that converts the Log image back to a normal look. Most brands have their own flavor: GoPro Log on recent GoPros, D-Log M on DJI drones and Osmo cameras, I-Log on Insta360 and S-Log on Sony.
How it works in practice
Log earns its keep in high-contrast scenes: a sunny ski run with bright snow and dark trees, a sunset flight, a surf session with glare and shade. It pairs best with 10-bit color, which has enough tonal steps to stretch the flat image without banding, and many cameras switch to 10-bit H.265 when Log is enabled.
A typical workflow: shoot Log, expose to protect highlights while keeping shadows clear of the noise floor, then in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro or Final Cut apply the manufacturer's conversion LUT and fine-tune from there. Camera makers publish these conversion LUTs for free on their websites.
What to watch out for
Log is not automatically better. In flat light, at night or for quick social clips it adds work for no visible gain, and an ungraded Log clip looks clearly worse than standard color. Underexposed Log on a small sensor is especially bad, because lifted shadows turn noisy, and Log modes often start at a higher minimum ISO.
Mixing Log and standard clips in one edit is another trap. They need different treatment, and the mismatch jumps out at every cut. If one camera shoots Log, either set all of them to Log or plan to grade each source separately. And never judge exposure by how the flat preview looks - use the histogram or zebras instead.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip does not apply LUTs or color grades you choose, so Log clips would appear flat in the highlight. If you shot Log, convert or grade the clips into a normal look before upload, or use a standard color profile for footage you plan to send straight to RawClip.