If you’re shooting on a Sony camera and want to get the most cinematic image possible, SLOG is your secret weapon. Whether you’re working with SLOG2 or SLOG3, these picture profiles give you incredible dynamic range and post-production flexibility — but they also come with a learning curve.
In this post, we’ll share 5 essential SLOG tips every Sony shooter should know. These are drawn straight from our latest YouTube video on mastering SLOG — so if you want to see these tips in action, make sure you watch to the end.
1. Expose to Protect Your Shadows
SLOG can be noisy in the dark areas of your image if you underexpose. To combat this, slightly overexpose your image in-camera (often referred to as ETTR – expose to the right). This helps keep noise levels low and gives you cleaner results after color grading.
2. Use the Correct LUT for Monitoring
Grading SLOG footage without a preview can feel like working blind. Many Sony cameras let you load a monitoring LUT so you can see a more natural image on your screen while still recording in flat SLOG. This makes exposure and color decisions much easier on set.
3. Know When to Use SLOG2 vs SLOG3
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SLOG2: Best when you want to minimize noise and work with slightly less flat footage.
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SLOG3: Ideal for maximum dynamic range, especially in high-contrast scenes, but requires careful exposure to avoid noisy shadows.
Knowing which profile to choose can save you hours in post.
4. White Balance is Everything
Unlike RAW video, SLOG is still a baked-in codec — so nailing your white balance in-camera is crucial. Incorrect white balance can make grading much harder, especially with skin tones.
5. Use the Right ISO for Your Camera
Each Sony camera has a native ISO for its SLOG profiles (often 800 or higher). Shooting at the native ISO ensures you get the cleanest possible image and maximum dynamic range. Check your camera’s manual or our video guide for exact values.
Watch the Full Breakdown
These 5 tips are just the start. In our latest video, we:
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Show side-by-side comparisons of SLOG2 vs SLOG3
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Demonstrate real-world exposure techniques
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Share our favourite LUTs for both monitoring and grading
Watch now: 5 SLOG Tips Every Sony Shooter Should Know!
Final takeaway: Mastering SLOG isn’t just about getting a flat image — it’s about understanding how to expose, color, and choose settings that give you stunning results in post. Once you nail these fundamentals, your Sony footage will look like it came straight out of a high-end cinema camera.