There's no official DJI Mini 3 LUT because the Mini 3 doesn't record a log profile. DJI's specs list H.264 video at up to 100 Mbps in a standard (Normal) color profile, with no D-Log, D-Log M or HLG, and the Mini 3 downloads page offers no LUT file. Its footage is already in normal Rec.709-style color, so you grade it directly. Creative LUTs can add a look, but apply them lightly.
Why the Mini 3 doesn't need a conversion LUT
A conversion LUT, like DJI's "D-Log M to Rec.709" files, turns flat log footage into normal contrast and color. Log profiles exist to save extra highlight and shadow detail for grading. The Mini 3 skips that step: it records finished-looking color with HDR applied in camera at 24 to 30 fps. There's nothing to convert.
That also means you shouldn't use another drone's LUT. Putting the Mini 4 Pro's D-Log M LUT on Mini 3 footage would push contrast and saturation far too high, because the footage isn't log to begin with.
How to grade Mini 3 footage
- Get it right in camera. Pro mode, ISO 100, manual white balance, and the histogram on. Small adjustments are easy; big ones on 8-bit H.264 can cause banding.
- Correct first. In Resolve, Premiere or Final Cut, set white balance and exposure, then lift shadows and pull highlights gently.
- Add saturation and contrast carefully. Skies band if you push them too hard.
- Use a creative LUT last, at 30 to 60% strength. Many "Rec.709" film-look LUTs work on Mini 3 clips if you lower their intensity.
Applying a creative LUT
DaVinci Resolve: add the LUT on a node after your corrections, then lower Key Output Gain to reduce its strength.
Premiere Pro: in Lumetri Color, choose the LUT under Creative, Look, and adjust Intensity.
Final Cut Pro: add the Custom LUT effect and lower the Mix slider.
Get the most color from the Mini 3
- Shoot 4K at 24 to 30 fps. DJI says HDR is on by default here and that 4K/30 gives the best mix of dynamic range and detail.
- Expose for the sky. Clipped highlights can't be recovered from H.264.
- Use ND filters so you can keep ISO at 100. See Mini 3 ND filters.
- Shoot RAW photos. Stills in DNG give far more grading room than video.
When to step up
If you want log footage and 10-bit color for serious grading, the Mini 4 Pro records 10-bit D-Log M and HLG and has an official DJI LUT. See Mini 4 Pro LUT and Mini 3 vs Mini 4 Pro.
For everyday shooting, the Mini 3's Normal profile looks good straight out of the drone. Start with best Mini 3 settings, or shop the DJI Mini 3.
Related guides
- DJI Mini 4 Pro LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mini 5 Pro LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mini 3 night mode and low-light video: what to expect
- DJI Mini 3 photo and video quality: what to expect
- How to shoot a hyperlapse with the DJI Mini 3
- Best DJI Mini 3 camera settings for photo and video
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
