Apple Log 2 vs Apple Log - What's the difference?

With the introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro series phones Apple quietly added Apple Log 2. As a matter of fact they didn't even mention it in their big release extravaganza last fall. I only noticed it by going through the tech specs and actually mentioned it in my reaction video.

So now a few months later I've used Apple Log 2 extensively in the real-world and can say it is better than the original Apple Log, but probably not the way you think.

Check out this video to see the difference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Rk_HiM8qo

One of the better ways to work with Apple Log is using LUTs, especially if you're not an experienced colorist. But even then it can be handy to use LUTs not only in post for color grading - but also in camera.

Most camera apps now such as Blackmagic, Kino, etc. allow us to import LUTs so we can preview the look over log footage without baking it in. Although if you want to bake the LUT in you can, but typically speaking I don't recommend doing that - unless you're posting videos very quickly and/or using them for social media.

I've offered Apple Log LUTs since the iPhone 15 Pro and have actually been using them on my iPhone 17 shot Apple Log 2 footage and the results have been fine.

However, as I go over in the video above, there is a difference in the color space now and so while the original LUTs do work, to get the very best results I've created new LUTs specifically for Apple Log 2.

These are in a LUT Pack called "Apple Log Everyday LUTs Vol. 2" and available here if you're interested.

UPDATE: And now I have the Apple Log 2 "Film Look LUTs Vol. 2" ready as well.

Note though if you already own my original Apple Log LUTs, as I mentioned they do work okay with Apple Log 2, and I've actually been using them in all my YouTube videos since last fall. However, you will need to finesse the colors a bit more than you do with the original Apple Log profile.

So if you have an iPhone 17 Pro and want the very best results you might consider getting the new pack that is specifically designed for Apple Log 2. Btw, I've also included updated LUTs for Apple Log in that pack too, so you now get both.

And for the launch of the new LUTs I've put all my Apple Log LUTs on sale and so for a limited time you can SAVE 20%.

It still amazes me what we can now create with an iPhone and I'm kinda sorta maybe already looking forward to what the iPhone 18 Pro phones will do. :)

Happy mobile filmmaking!

-BC