BMPCC Film vs. Extended Video vs. BRAW: Which Profile Needs a LUT?

BMPCC Film vs. Extended Video vs. BRAW: Which Profile Needs a LUT? (And Why It Matters)

If you own a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or 6K, you’ve probably stood in the menu wondering: “Should I shoot in Film, Extended Video, or BRAW?” And then—“Do I even need a LUT for this?”

You’re not alone. These options can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to get great-looking footage without drowning in post-production.

Let’s cut through the jargon and explain—in plain human language—what each mode actually does, how it affects your image, and whether you really need a LUT (Look-Up Table) to make it look good.

🎞️ 1. Blackmagic Film (a.k.a. “Film Mode”)

What it is:
This is Blackmagic’s version of a “log-like” profile. It captures a wide dynamic range (about 13 stops on the BMPCC 4K/6K) with a flat, low-contrast look—designed to preserve detail in highlights and shadows so you can grade it later.

Does it need a LUT? → YES.
Out of the camera, Film mode looks dull, grayish, and lifeless. That’s intentional—it’s not meant to be your final image. To see accurate colors and contrast, you must apply a LUT (usually a “Film to Rec.709” conversion LUT).

✅ Best for: Narrative films, music videos, commercials—any project where you plan to color grade.
⚠️ Watch out for: Underexposing. Film mode doesn’t handle underexposure well—keep your exposure slightly bright (“expose to the right”).

💡 Pro tip: Blackmagic includes free Film-to-Rec709 LUTs on their website—but many filmmakers prefer third-party LUTs with better skin tones or contrast.

📺 2. Extended Video

What it is:
Think of this as a “happy medium.” It’s not as flat as Film mode, but it still captures more dynamic range than standard video. Colors are more saturated, contrast is higher, and it looks much closer to a finished image straight out of camera.

Does it need a LUT? → NOT REALLY (but you can use one).
Extended Video is designed to look good without a LUT. You can drop it into your timeline and start editing immediately. That said, if you want a specific cinematic look (like a vintage film style), you can apply a creative LUT—but you don’t need a technical conversion LUT.

✅ Best for: Run-and-gun shooting, documentaries, vlogging, weddings, or situations where you don’t have time to grade.
⚠️ Watch out for: Less flexibility in post. If you blow out highlights or crush shadows, you can’t recover them as easily as in Film mode.

💡 Fun fact: Many YouTubers and indie creators use Extended Video because it “just works”—no color grading required.

📦 3. BRAW (Blackmagic RAW)

What it is:
BRAW isn’t a picture profile—it’s a recording format (like ProRes or H.264), but smarter. It stores raw sensor data with metadata that lets you adjust ISO, white balance, and gamma after shooting. You can choose to record BRAW with Film, Extended Video, or even custom gamma settings.

Does it need a LUT? → IT DEPENDS ON YOUR GAMMA SETTING.

• If you shot BRAW in Film gamma → YES, you need a LUT (same as regular Film mode).
• If you shot BRAW in Extended Video gamma → NO, it looks fine without one.
• If you shot BRAW with a custom LUT baked in (via the camera menu) → you might not need another one.

The magic of BRAW is that you can change your mind later. Even if you recorded in Film gamma, you can switch to a Rec.709 preview in DaVinci Resolve using built-in BRAW controls—no external LUT needed (though many still prefer custom LUTs for better results).

✅ Best for: Pros who want maximum flexibility, future-proofing, and smaller file sizes than uncompressed RAW.
⚠️ Watch out for: Requires a decent computer and DaVinci Resolve (or compatible software) to decode properly.

💡 Bonus: BRAW files let you adjust “ISO” after shooting—so if you underexposed, you can often fix it cleanly!

🆚 Quick Comparison

🎯 So… Which Should You Use?

• Want full creative control and plan to grade? → Film mode (or BRAW with Film gamma).
• Need to deliver fast with minimal editing? → Extended Video.
• Want the best of both worlds (flexibility + efficiency)? → BRAW (choose your gamma based on your workflow).

And remember: LUTs are tools, not magic fixes. They won’t save poorly exposed footage—but they willsave you hours of grading and help you achieve a consistent, cinematic look.

Final Thought

Your choice isn’t about “which is best”—it’s about what fits your project, your time, and your skill level. The BMPCC gives you options so you can shoot the way you work. And now, you know exactly when (and why) you need a LUT.

Happy shooting! 🎥