The Simple LUTs Shooting Standard is a set-and-forget system for clean, consistent footage. When using Simple LUTs designed specifically around a locked 5600K white balance and lowest native ISO, the goal is simple: remove variables, control your baseline, and create footage that grades consistently every time. If your grade still looks off, our guide on why your LUT looks bad explains the usual culprits.
This system is not about constantly adjusting settings. Instead, it is about configuring correctly once and then focusing on shooting.
1. White Balance: Lock 5600K
Lock white balance to 5600K for daylight conditions. Auto white balance introduces variation, and variation complicates grading. For GoPro cameras, use the Native color profile to fully utilise the sensor’s dynamic range.
2. ISO: Lowest Native Value
Set ISO to the lowest native value available for your camera system. As a result, lower ISO minimizes digital noise, preserves dynamic range, and maintains cleaner midtones. After all, Simple LUTs assume a clean base.
3. ND Filters: Control Exposure Without Changing Look
- ND4 – Golden hour, or rainy, cloudy and overcast conditions
- ND8 – Overcast or open shade
- ND16 – Bright daylight
- ND32 – Direct sun
- ND64 – Harsh midday sun
Therefore, ND selection is the exposure decision — not ISO, and not white balance.
4. Shutter Speed: 180° Rule (Preferred)
Set shutter speed to double your frame rate (24fps → 1/48 or 1/50, 30fps → 1/60). This follows the 180° shutter rule and creates natural motion blur. Auto shutter may be used in rapidly changing light, though motion consistency may vary.
5. Aperture: Creative Control
Finally, choose aperture based on your desired depth of field. ND filters let you control exposure without altering your creative depth decision mid-shot.
Workflow Summary
- Lock white balance to 5600K
- Set ISO to the lowest native value
- Select an ND filter based on lighting
- Set shutter speed correctly
- Set aperture for creative intent
Once configured, stop adjusting and focus on capturing the scene.
Why This Works
Consistency. Efficiency. Predictability. When the foundation is stable, grading becomes refinement, not correction. For the theory behind this, see our insider’s guide to LUTs.
iPhone Note
On iPhone 15/16 Pro and 17 Pro (coming soon), use the Blackmagic Camera App, lock white balance, keep tint at zero, set ISO to the lowest value, and choose an ND if needed. Simple LUTs also include No-ND Auto Shutter equivalents when flexibility is required.