DJI offers a free official LUT for the Air 3S called "DJI Air 3S D-Log M to Rec.709 V1," a .cube file on the Air 3S downloads page. Load it in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro and apply it to your D-Log M clips to convert flat log footage into normal-contrast Rec.709 color.
Where to download the Air 3S LUT
- Go to the DJI Air 3S downloads page.
- Look in the software or LUT section for "DJI Air 3S D-Log M to Rec.709."
- Download the .cube file and save it somewhere you'll find it again.
Use the Air 3S file, not the Air 3 or Mini LUT. Each one is tuned to its own camera.
D-Log M on the Air 3S
D-Log M is a 10-bit log profile that keeps more highlight and shadow detail for grading. On the Air 3S:
- Both the 1-inch wide and 70 mm medium tele cameras record D-Log M.
- ISO range in D-Log M is 100 to 3200.
- 4K is recorded in H.265; all 4K color modes are 10-bit.
- DJI rates the cameras at up to 14 stops of dynamic range.
How to apply it
DaVinci Resolve: Open Project Settings, Color Management, Lookup Tables, then Open LUT Folder. Copy the .cube file in and click Update Lists. On the Color page, fix exposure and white balance on node 1, then add node 2 and apply the LUT from the right-click LUT menu.
Premiere Pro: In Lumetri Color, under Basic Correction, set Input LUT to Browse and choose the file. Then adjust exposure, contrast and white balance.
Final Cut Pro: Add the Custom LUT effect to the clip, open its LUT menu in the Inspector, pick Choose Custom LUT, and select the .cube file.
Tips for clean D-Log M grades
- Expose properly. Use the histogram and overexposure warning in DJI Fly. Underexposed log footage gets noisy when you lift it.
- Stay at ISO 100. Use the ND8/32/128 filters in daylight to keep a natural shutter speed without raising ISO.
- Lock white balance. Set a Kelvin value instead of Auto.
- Correct first, LUT second. Exposure and white balance changes belong before the LUT.
- Match the two cameras. The wide and tele use different sensors. Cut a wide and tele clip side by side and nudge the tele's warmth or saturation so they match.
D-Log M, HLG or Normal?
| Mode | Use when |
|---|---|
| Normal | You want finished-looking footage with no grading |
| HLG | You'll deliver HDR to HDR-capable screens |
| D-Log M | You'll grade, match other cameras, or apply a creative look |
Creative LUTs from other sources should go after DJI's conversion LUT, not replace it.
For the settings that pair with this workflow, see best Air 3S settings. To learn what the camera can do, read Air 3S photo and video quality, or shop the DJI Air 3S.
Related guides
- DJI Air 3 LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Avata 2 LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Flip LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
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