Ultimate Powergrade V4: is this $59 stack worth it for Films?
If you are stuck in the “flat gray” trap, staring at a desaturated LOG file in DaVinci Resolve and wondering why your footage looks like security camera footage rather than a film, you are not alone. The gap between “technically correct color” and “cinematic character” is often where solo editors and small production teams lose hours. You can spend days tweaking curves, hunting for LUTs that only work on one specific camera, or trying to reverse-engineer the look of a $200,000 feature on a $59 budget. Ultimate Powergrade V4 is built to bridge that specific gap. It is a hybrid color-grading stack designed to take you from raw capture to a finished, cinema-like render without forcing you to build a node tree from scratch.
This isn’t just a LUT pack; it is a structured workflow. Loris Marie has packaged a complete grading process that handles the heavy lifting of converting LOG, RAW, and Rec709 sequences into something with actual mood and texture. If you are tired of your videos looking generic or “default,” this $59 tool promises to give your shots the kind of depth and “glow” that usually requires a colorist’s eye.
Quick answer
| Best for | Filmmakers and editors using DaVinci Resolve 19+ who want a consistent, cinematic look across multiple camera bodies (Sony, Canon, ARRI, etc.) without building complex node trees manually. |
| Skip if | You are using Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or an older version of DaVinci Resolve (pre-19), or if you prefer a completely blank slate for grading from zero. |
| Price | $59 |
| Format | 1 Powergrade (.drx file), 48-page PDF guide, 9-min video tutorial, and 4 bonus LUTs. |
| One-line take | A complete, camera-agnostic grading workflow that turns flat LOG footage into cinematic images in minutes. |
What you’re actually buying
At $59, you are not just buying a file; you are buying a complete grading pipeline. The core of the product is a single, robust Powergrade file (.drx) that contains a pre-built node structure. This is the key differentiator: instead of applying a simple 1D LUT that might crush your blacks or blow out your highlights, you are loading a multi-node system designed to handle the full dynamic range of modern sensors.
The listing highlights that this stack is tested and approved on a massive range of hardware, including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Blackmagic, Panasonic, ARRI, RED, and DJI. This is crucial for hybrid shooters or those who rent gear. It means the “conversion” nodes inside the powergrade are calibrated to normalize different color spaces into a consistent starting point. You can shoot on a Sony FX3 and a Blackmagic Pocket 4K, and the powergrade helps blend them into a single cohesive look.
The educational component is surprisingly dense for the price. You get a 48-page PDF explanation that breaks down every single node in the stack. If you are learning color grading, this is arguably more valuable than the file itself. It teaches you why a node is there, how it affects the image, and how to adjust it. There is also a 9-minute video tutorial that walks you through the installation and the first pass, ensuring you aren’t guessing at the order of operations.
Finally, the pack includes four bonus LUTs that can be layered on top of the powergrade for specific “looks,” such as the mentioned “gloowy” or “vintage” renders. This gives you flexibility: use the powergrade for the technical correction and base structure, then use the LUTs to push the creative direction. It’s a rare bundle that covers both the technical foundation and the creative styling at a mid-tier price point.
Why it’s on our radar
Most color-grading tools sold on Gumroad are either simple LUT packs (one-click, low control) or massive, confusing node trees that require a degree in color science to understand. Ultimate Powergrade V4 sits in the sweet spot: it is a “hybrid” system that is powerful enough for professional LOG/RAW workflows but explained clearly enough for an intermediate editor to master.
The specificity of the camera compatibility list is a strong signal of quality. Many sellers claim “universal” compatibility but fail to test on specific sensors like ARRI or RED. By explicitly listing these high-end cinema cameras alongside consumer-friendly options like DJI and Sony, Loris Marie signals that this tool is built for serious production, not just YouTube vlogs. The inclusion of the 48-page PDF is also a standout feature; it transforms a “download and use” product into a “learn and apply” resource, which adds significant long-term value.
A Gumroad review captures the sentiment well: “This is a must have for any filmmaker working in Davinci Resolve. It gives your shots an amazing feel.” This aligns with the product’s core promise: moving beyond technical accuracy into emotional resonance. Another buyer noted, “Really awesome powergrade! love the style and look :))”, reinforcing that the aesthetic output is the primary draw.
What actually matters
Before you buy, check your software version. The listing is explicit: this is compatible only with DaVinci Resolve 19 update or later. If you are on Resolve 18 or earlier, the node structure may not function correctly, or the files may not open. Make sure you have updated your software before checkout.
Secondly, consider your workflow. This powergrade is designed to be the first step in your grading process. It handles the conversion from LOG/RAW to a base image. If you are already using a complex, custom node tree for every project, you might find this redundant. However, if you are starting from scratch or using a simple “Auto” grade, this will provide a massive jump in image quality.
The file size is approximately 998 MB, which is standard for a powergrade with embedded LUTs and high-resolution documentation. Ensure you have enough disk space and a stable internet connection for the download.
Finally, pay attention to the “order of the schema.” The seller emphasizes that the node order is designed to optimize rendering. If you move nodes around or delete the conversion nodes without understanding the PDF guide, you may break the look. The 48-page guide is your safety net here—read it before you start dragging nodes around.
Mid-check
If you are ready to upgrade your grading workflow from “flat” to “cinematic,” this is a low-risk, high-reward addition to your toolkit.
FAQ
Does Ultimate Powergrade V4 work with Premiere Pro?
No. This product is specifically designed for DaVinci Resolve. The .drx file format is proprietary to Resolve and will not open in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or other NLEs.
Can I use this if I shoot in Rec709? Yes. The listing states that you can use it on Rec709 videos by simply deactivating the conversion nodes. This allows you to use the grading structure and looks without the LOG-to-Rec709 conversion step.
Is there a refund policy if it doesn’t work on my camera? The listing highlights that it is “tested and approved” on a wide range of cameras including Sony, Canon, ARRI, and RED. However, always check the specific Gumroad refund policy for this seller, as digital goods are often non-refundable unless the file is corrupted.
Bottom line
Ultimate Powergrade V4 is a serious tool for anyone who wants to stop fighting with flat footage and start creating images with character. For $59, you get a complete, camera-agnostic grading system, a detailed educational guide, and bonus LUTs. It is not a magic button, but it is a powerful foundation that will save you hours of trial-and-error and elevate the professional look of your projects. If you are using DaVinci Resolve 19+ and shooting on any of the major cinema or mirrorless cameras, this is a worthwhile investment.