Nikon's new LUTs are a little Red

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Image: Nikon

Nikon has announced four look-up tables, or LUTs, that will ‘apply the essence of RED’s color science’ to N-Log footage shot with its mirrorless cameras, such as the Nikon Z8 or Z6.

Nikon says the LUTs will make it possible to ‘achieve a look comparable to video shot on RED cinema cameras when working with N-Log footage.’

The pack includes a ‘low contrast monochrome’ LUT called Achromic and three versions a LUT called Film Bias. Nikon says the regular Film Bias LUT has ‘warm colors and a satisfying level of contrast,’ while the bleach bypass version has ‘shallow tones and high contrast.’ Film Bias Offset is meant to have ‘deeply warm nostalgic colors.’ You can view sample N-Log footage that we shot and applied the LUTs to below.

The LUTs are available as a free download from Nikon’s website.

In theory, the LUTs – which are also available for Red cameras – could make it easier for editors to cut footage together from Red cameras and Nikon ones, provided they want to use the looks the LUTs create. However, Nikon’s press release conspicuously does not say that N-Log footage graded with the LUTs will look the same as Red footage graded with the equivalent LUTs, only that they’ll have a ‘comparable’ look. It is possible there’ll be some differences.

This announcement is still significant, though, as it marks the first time the two companies’ products have crossed over since Nikon purchased Red earlier this year.

Press release:

Nikon releases FOUR new LUTs for N-log created with RED

MELVILLE, NY (September 12, 2024) Nikon is pleased to announce the release of four types of Creative LUTs and one type of Technical LUT created with RED, all available free of charge. These LUTs can be utilized when grading video footage recorded in N-Log with Nikon mirrorless cameras* and for confirming a close-to-finished look while shooting on location by installing them on external monitors.

The Creative LUTs have all been created under the close supervision of RED Digital Cinema, Inc., a subsidiary of Nikon that is renowned for excellence in its manufacturing of professional digital cinema cameras. The line-up consists of ACHROMIC, FILM BIAS, FILM BIAS BLEACH BYPASS, and FILM BIAS OFFSET. These LUTs enable users to apply the essence of RED’s color science to Nikon mirrorless camera video workflows, making it possible to achieve a look comparable to video shot on RED cinema cameras when working with N-Log footage.

Creative LUTs:

ACHROMIC – Low contrast monochrome
- Achromic gives footage a low-contrast monochrome look while still maintaining the detail of the textures. It creates a soft and refined atmosphere and gives a classical feel.
FILM BIAS – Warm colors and a satisfying level of contrast
- Film Bias produces a film-like warmth and texture onto N-Log footage with balanced colors and a subtle contrast, as well as rendering skin tone very naturally. It can give a sophisticated feel to footage.
FILM BIAS BLEACH BYPASS – Shallow tones and high contrast
- Film Bias Bleach Bypass, inspired by the bleach bypass film processing technique, has a very specific high-contrast and desaturated look to it. It reproduces footage with a harsh and faded feel.
FILM BIAS OFFSET – Deeply warm nostalgic colors
- Film Bias Offset offers a film-like warmth and softness by applying a unique combination of color correction and contrast adjustment.