Follow this step-by-step guide to build a robust color grading workflow, transitioning flat log footage into a polished Rec.709 display-ready image.
01 · Input Color Space Transform
In your first node, apply a Color Space Transform (CST) converting V-Log/V-Gamut → DaVinci Wide Gamut / DaVinci Intermediate. This linearizes the flat log encoding into a spacious working space where lift, gamma, and gain controls behave predictably. Always place this transform at the start of your chain; otherwise, any contrast or saturation adjustments will fight the raw log curve instead of working with it.
Panasonic V-Log/V-Gamut → DaVinci Wide Gamut
02 · Output Color Space Transform
In your last node, set up an output Color Space Transform to convert from DaVinci Wide Gamut back to Rec.709 / Gamma 2.4 (or Rec.709-A for macOS/iOS compatibility). Enable tone mapping to roll off highlights smoothly and soft-clip super-whites. This protects your highlights from harsh clipping on consumer displays. All creative grading decisions will sit between these two technical conversion nodes.
DaVinci Wide Gamut → Rec.709
All the nodes from here sits between the first two nodes in serial order.
03 · Exposure & White Balance
Balance your overall exposure using the Offset wheel in the primary wheels panel. Correct any white balance shifts using the Temperature and Tint controls. Keep a close eye on your scopes; ensure your waveform sits cleanly between 10 and 90 IRE to maintain a solid foundation without clipping detail.
04 · Primary Contrast Curve
Apply a gentle S-curve on the custom curves panel, keeping your midtones linear while controlling the highlight shoulder. This approach expands the perceived dynamic range and adds depth to the image without crushing shadow details or blowing out delicate skin highlights.
Waveform display showing balanced exposure and contrast curve
05 · Film Look Creator
Open the Effects Panel, search for Film Look Creator, and apply it to a new node. Use a subtle film print emulation like Kodak 2383 (the Rochester preset). This adds a pleasing filmic response curve, subtle halation, and organic color shifts that bring character and depth to the image.
Film Look Creator
06 · Kodak 2383 LUT
Navigate to your LUTs folder and select a Kodak 2383 film print emulation LUT. Instead of applying it at full opacity, use it as a subtle contrast layer. Lower the key output gain of the node to around 20% strength (0.200) to blend the LUT to taste. This injects classic film density without overriding the primary adjustments you made in previous steps.
Kodak 2383 LUT library selections at 20% blend strength
07 · DCTL
Apply a custom DCTL shader (like Filmverse) to introduce film-like density and texture. Unlike standard noise overlays, a DCTL models the underlying silver halide structure. Keep the blend strength around 15% to make the digital footage feel more tactile, organic, and less clinically perfect.
Filmverse DCTL plugin
Get free Filmverse by coloristfoundry coloristfoundry.com/free-filmverse-dctl/
08 · Export
When exporting for social platforms like Instagram, render in 4K H.264 at 30fps. Set your encoding profile to High and limit the target bitrate to 20-30 Mbps to balance quality and file size. Most importantly, tag your output color space as Rec.709 so modern browsers and platforms render your colors accurately without washing them out.