V-Log L vs. MY PHOTO STYLE on the Lumix S9

V-Log L in one sentence

V-Log L is Panasonic’s flat log profile: lots of dynamic range, little contrast, grey in the viewfinder. Great for grading later — poor as a finished social JPEG without a LUT or grade.

LookCraft Real-Time LUTs are built for that base: they bring contrast and film color back while you still shoot.

MY PHOTO STYLE with Real-Time LUT

On the S9 you load .cube files as a Real-Time look. The look sits on the live image — Portrait Skin, Analog Europe or München Neon as you shoot. JPEG and HEIF save the color with them.

That saves time on travel, street and client previews. Trade-off: less room later because the look is already in the JPEG.

When to use which setup

MY PHOTO STYLE + LUT: when the look is decided and you need fast delivery. V-Log L without LUT: mixed light, critical skin, grade later, maximum prints.

Many S9 photographers use both: C1 Portrait Skin by day, C2 München Neon at night, and a RAW file beside them if needed.

• LUT on = finished color in the viewfinder
• V-Log L only = maximum post flexibility
• JPEG+RAW = look now, reserve later
• Two slots = day/night without menu stress

Common mistakes

LUT on the wrong profile: LookCraft expects V-Log L. Without log the look often looks wrong. Second mistake: München Neon at golden hour — use Portrait Skin or Analog Europe instead.

Third mistake: aggressive sharpening plus another film filter in an app. The LUT is enough.

Bottom line for S9 shooters

The S9 rewards Real-Time LUTs. Use V-Log L as the base and MY PHOTO STYLE as the look switch. If unsure, start with the Starter Pack and a second slot for night.