Apple Log or Sony log: which should a beginner shoot?

Log footage looks grey and flat straight out of the camera. That is on purpose: it keeps more detail in the highlights and shadows, so you can shape the look later.

The short answer

If you shoot on a phone, start with Apple Log. If you shoot on a Sony, start with S Log3 but expose a little brighter than the meter says.

Exposure is the whole game

Both profiles fall apart when you underexpose. Bright and clean beats dark and noisy every time.

On Sony, set the zebras to 94+ and keep skin just under them. On iPhone, lock exposure with a long press and pull it up a touch.