When using Simple LUTS, designed specifically for a locked white balance of 5600K and the lowest ISO, the goal is to create a “set and forget” setup that ensures consistent, high-quality results across various shooting conditions. Here’s how to achieve that with ND filters and, if necessary, auto shutter settings.

Best “Set and Forget” Settings for Cameras Using Simple LUTs

White Balance: Lock it at 5600K. This standard daylight color temperature ensures consistent color reproduction that aligns perfectly with Simple LUTS. Locking the white balance eliminates color shifts, making color grading straightforward and predictable. For GoPro cameras, Native color is required as the camera sensors are being utilised at their best in that color profile.

ISO: Set to the lowest native value. For instance, this is 55 for the iPhone 15/16 Pro and often 100 or 200 or Base ISO on Sony CInema cameras. Lower ISO minimises digital noise and maximises image quality, particularly with Log profiles. It preserves dynamic range, giving you more flexibility in post-production when applying Simple LUTS.

ND Filters: Use ND filters for exposure control. Select an ND filter based on the lighting conditions at the start of your shoot:

  • ND4: Suitable for slightly cloudy or golden hour lighting.
  • ND8: Ideal for overcast days or open shade.
  • ND16: Best for bright but diffused daylight.
  • ND32: Use in direct sunlight or high-contrast environments.
  • ND64: Perfect for extremely bright conditions, like midday sun.

Choose an ND filter based on current lighting and manage exposure without frequent changes, allowing focus on framing and composition.

Shutter Speed: Use manual or auto shutter depending on the scenario.

  • Manual Shutter (Preferred): Apply the 180-Degree Shutter Rule by setting the shutter speed to double your frame rate (e.g., 1/48 or 1/50 for 24fps, 1/60 for 30fps). This ensures natural motion blur and is ideal for cinematic footage, offering consistency across shots, especially with ND filters.
  • Auto Shutter (Alternative): Use when lighting conditions change rapidly. Auto shutter maintains proper exposure but may affect motion blur, potentially creating less cinematic footage.

Aperture: Set according to the desired depth of field.

  • For a shallow depth of field, use a wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4).
  • For deeper focus, use a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8 or f/11).

Set your aperture to achieve the creative look you want. Paired with ND filters, this allows you to control exposure without altering depth of field mid-shoot.

Workflow Summary:

  1. Lock white balance to 5600K, (Native for GoPro Hero cameras)
  2. Set ISO to the lowest native value.
  3. Select the appropriate ND filter based on ambient light.
  4. Choose between manual or auto shutter depending on lighting consistency.
  5. Set the aperture according to your desired depth of field.

Once these settings are configured, focus on capturing scenes without ongoing adjustments. This setup ensures footage is consistently aligned with Simple LUTS, requiring minimal color grading and correction in post.

Key Advantages:

  • Consistency: Uniform color and exposure simplify post-production.
  • Efficiency: A “set and forget” approach lets you concentrate on storytelling and composition.
  • Reliability: Simple LUTS are designed to work seamlessly with these settings, ensuring a polished, professional final product.

On the iPhone 15/16 Pro series, using the Blackmagic Camera App (free from the App Store), keep Tint locked at zero and white balance fixed. For Auto Shutter, we offer LUTS for no ND Auto Shutter equivalents as well.