The Misconceptions About LUTs That Are Killing Your Color Grade
August 26, 2026
LUTs are one of those tools that can make color grading much easier, but they’re also surrounded by a lot of misconceptions.
Are LUTs only for LOG footage? Can they fix poorly exposed footage? Should you use them in your camera? And are all LUTs created equal?
In the video below, I break down the most common misconceptions about LUTs and explain how to use them properly.
The 5 Things You Need to Know About LUTs
1. LUTs aren't only for LOG footage
There are two main types: conversion LUTs, which transform footage from one color space/gamma to another (such as LOG to Rec.709), and creative LUTs, which give your footage a specific look or style.
2. Don't use just any LUT in your camera or monitor
When shooting LOG, a conversion LUT can help you accurately monitor what your footage will look like after conversion. Creative LUTs are generally better left for the editing stage.
3. A LUT can't fix bad footage
Incorrect exposure, bad white balance, clipped highlights, and crushed shadows need to be addressed through color correction. A LUT can transform your footage, but it can't save it.
4. Not all LUTs are created equal
Two LUTs designed for the exact same camera profile can produce very different results. Contrast, saturation, highlight handling, shadows, and color reproduction can all vary.
5. LUTs aren't imported like video files
A LUT is essentially a set of color-transformation instructions. Once installed in your editing software, it's available whenever you need it. You simply apply it to your footage and adjust the intensity.
Looking for Sports LUTs?
If you're a sports videographer looking for creative LUTs specifically designed for sports footage, check out my Ultimate Sports LUT Pack. It includes 12 custom-built LUTs designed to give your footage instant impact, cinematic depth, and a polished professional look.
Use the promo code LUT10 for a 10% discount.
Turn Your Sports Footage Into Cinematic Sports Videos
12 custom-built creative LUTs designed specifically for basketball, football, soccer, baseball, hockey, combat sports, and more.
No LOG footage or complicated color grading needed. Just better-looking sports footage in seconds. These creative LUTs work with footage from any camera and are fully compatible with Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, CapCut, and all the other editing systems that accept custom LUTs.
✅ Shoot in a standard look with Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, DJI, iPhone, etc.
✅ Apply the LUT and adjust its intensity.
✅ Get a polished sports look.
Fast. Easy. Professional. Say goodbye to flat muddy footage!
Why Sports LUTs? Because sports footage has unique challenges like bright jerseys, harsh stadium lighting, dark gyms, night games, fast-moving action, and mixed lighting. Generic cinematic LUTs weren't designed with these situations in mind, but these LUTs were.
12 professional sports LUTs for $38.99. That's less than $3.25 per LUT. One purchase. Unlimited projects. Use them on every game you film.
Who is This For?
🎥 A Sports Videographer
Get consistent, polished color across your game footage.
⚽ A Sports Parent
Make those game-day memories look dramatically better without learning color grading.
📱 A Social Media Creator
Give your sports clips a professional look without spending hours in post.
🏆 A Team or Organization
Create a more consistent visual identity across your content.
LUT Pack Breakdown
30 FOR 30 | Cinematic look perfect for sports documentaries.
MVP | Slick, clean and tidy look that works with everything.
TEAM PRIDE | Colorful look that makes team uniforms pop out.
ROLE PLAYER | Simple but effective natural look, not too stylized.
X GAMES | Grunge look for extreme sports and documentaries.
YMCA | Bright look that improves footage shot in a poorly lit gym.
ALL DAY | Clean look for outdoor sports captured on a bright sunny day.
WINTER OLYMPICS | Cool tint for a winter sports feel.
SUMMER OLYMPICS | Warm tint for that summer sports vibe.
HALL OF FAMER | Diffused vintage look for historical cinematic moments.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS | Dynamic look for the harsh conditions of a night game.
MSG | Big time look made for big time indoor arenas.
The pack also includes step-by-step instructions and tutorials to get you started right away.