8.2 HDR capture and workflow

HDR capture and workflow revolutionize cinematography by offering wider brightness ranges and color gamuts. This technology allows filmmakers to create more realistic, immersive visuals with enhanced contrast, vibrant colors, and preserved details in extreme lighting conditions.

Implementing HDR requires careful planning across production stages. Cinematographers must consider camera settings, on-set monitoring, and exposure techniques to fully utilize HDR's potential. Post-production and mastering processes also need adaptation to ensure optimal HDR content delivery.

HDR vs SDR

• High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) are two different standards for capturing, processing, and displaying video content in cinematography
• HDR offers a wider range of brightness levels and color gamut compared to SDR, resulting in more realistic and immersive visuals
• SDR has been the dominant standard for decades, but the advent of HDR has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of image quality and viewer experience

benefits of HDR

Top images from around the web for benefits of HDR

• 

  Luminance HDR 2.0.2 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Mant… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone Mapping - RawPedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PIXLS.US - HDR Photography with Free Software (LuminanceHDR) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Luminance HDR 2.0.2 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Mant… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone Mapping - RawPedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for benefits of HDR

• 

  Luminance HDR 2.0.2 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Mant… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone Mapping - RawPedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PIXLS.US - HDR Photography with Free Software (LuminanceHDR) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Luminance HDR 2.0.2 tonemapping parameters: Operator: Mant… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone Mapping - RawPedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Increased contrast ratio allows for deeper blacks and brighter highlights, creating a more lifelike and dynamic image (e.g., sun glinting off water or shadows in a dark room)
• Expanded color gamut enables the display of a wider range of colors, resulting in more vibrant and accurate color reproduction (e.g., vivid red in a sunset or lush green in a forest)
• Enhanced detail in both dark and bright areas of the image, preserving information that would otherwise be lost in SDR (e.g., details in a character's dark clothing or clouds in a bright sky)
• Improved overall viewer experience, with images that are closer to what the human eye can perceive in the real world

limitations of SDR

• Limited contrast ratio, resulting in a narrower range between the darkest and brightest parts of the image
• Smaller color gamut, which restricts the range of colors that can be displayed (e.g., muted or less saturated colors)
• Loss of detail in extreme dark or bright areas due to the limited dynamic range (e.g., crushed blacks or clipped highlights)
• Less immersive and realistic viewing experience compared to HDR

capturing for HDR

• When shooting for HDR content, cinematographers must consider various aspects of the production process to ensure the best possible results
• Proper camera settings, on-set monitoring, and exposure techniques are essential for capturing the full potential of HDR

camera settings

• Use cameras with high bit depth (10-bit or higher) to record more color information and smoother gradations
• Choose a color space with a wide color gamut (e.g., Rec. 2020) to capture a broader range of colors
• Set the camera's dynamic range to the highest possible setting (e.g., Log or RAW) to preserve the maximum amount of information in the image
• Adjust the camera's ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure while maintaining a wide dynamic range

monitoring on set

• Use HDR-capable monitors on set to accurately assess the captured image's dynamic range and color
• Ensure the monitor is properly calibrated to the target HDR standard (e.g., HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG)
• Use waveform monitors and vectorscopes to monitor exposure and color information in real-time
• Collaborate with the DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) to ensure the captured footage meets the desired HDR specifications

exposure techniques

• Expose for the highlights to avoid clipping and preserve detail in bright areas (e.g., expose for the sky in an exterior shot)
• Use the camera's extended dynamic range (EDR) or highlight tone mapping feature to retain highlight detail while maintaining shadow information
• Employ graduated neutral density (ND) filters to balance the exposure between bright and dark areas of the scene (e.g., using a grad ND filter to darken a bright sky while maintaining exposure in the foreground)
• Utilize HDR-specific exposure tools, such as false color and zebra patterns, to ensure optimal exposure across the entire dynamic range

HDR formats

• Several HDR formats have been developed to standardize the capture, distribution, and display of HDR content
• Each format has its own specifications, metadata requirements, and compatibility with various devices and platforms

HDR10

• Open standard HDR format supported by a wide range of devices, including TVs, monitors, and streaming platforms
• Uses static metadata to define the maximum brightness (1,000 nits) and color gamut (Rec. 2020) of the content
• Requires a 10-bit color depth and supports a peak brightness of up to 4,000 nits
• Widely adopted due to its simplicity and compatibility with existing SDR infrastructure

Dolby Vision

• Proprietary HDR format developed by Dolby Laboratories, offering advanced features and superior image quality
• Uses dynamic metadata to optimize the HDR performance on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis
• Supports up to 12-bit color depth and a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, allowing for even greater contrast and color accuracy
• Requires specific Dolby Vision-enabled devices for playback and a more complex mastering process

HLG

• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is an HDR format developed by the BBC and NHK for broadcast and streaming applications
• Designed to be backward compatible with SDR displays, allowing for a single stream to serve both HDR and SDR devices
• Uses a combination of logarithmic and gamma curves to encode HDR information, resulting in a more efficient and compatible signal
• Supports a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits and a color gamut similar to Rec. 2020

HDR workflows

• Implementing HDR in a production requires careful planning and coordination across all stages of the workflow
• On-set considerations, post-production pipeline, and deliverables must be tailored to the specific requirements of HDR content

on-set considerations

• Ensure all key personnel (e.g., cinematographer, DIT, colorist) are familiar with HDR principles and best practices
• Use HDR-capable cameras and monitoring equipment to capture and evaluate the full dynamic range and color gamut of the scene
• Establish a consistent exposure and color management strategy to maintain the integrity of the HDR image throughout the production
• Communicate the HDR requirements and specifications to all departments (e.g., lighting, art, VFX) to ensure a cohesive and compatible workflow

post-production pipeline

• Use HDR-compatible software and hardware for editing, color grading, and visual effects work (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Nuke, or Baselight)
• Ensure the color grading environment is properly calibrated for HDR work, with reference monitors capable of displaying the target HDR format
• Develop HDR-specific LUTs (Look Up Tables) and color transforms to maintain consistency and accuracy throughout the post-production process
• Collaborate closely with the colorist and VFX team to ensure the final image meets the desired HDR specifications and creative intent

deliverables and mastering

• Create separate HDR and SDR masters to accommodate different display capabilities and distribution platforms
• Follow the specific mastering guidelines for each HDR format (e.g., HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG) to ensure compatibility and optimal performance
• Generate the required metadata for each HDR format, including maximum and minimum luminance levels, color primaries, and white point
• Perform comprehensive quality control checks to verify the accuracy and consistency of the HDR deliverables across various devices and platforms

creative use of HDR

• HDR technology offers cinematographers new creative possibilities to enhance the visual storytelling and emotional impact of their work
• By leveraging the expanded dynamic range, enhanced color gamut, and improved viewer experience, filmmakers can create more immersive and engaging images

expanded dynamic range

• Use the increased contrast ratio to create more dramatic and realistic lighting scenarios (e.g., high-contrast scenes with deep shadows and bright highlights)
• Emphasize the emotional or narrative significance of a scene through the selective use of extreme brightness or darkness (e.g., a character emerging from the shadows or a blinding sun flare)
• Capture and preserve detail in challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a dimly lit interior or a bright exterior) to maintain visual continuity and realism

enhanced color gamut

• Utilize the wider color gamut to create more vibrant and saturated images that evoke specific moods or atmospheres (e.g., rich, warm tones for a romantic scene or cool, desaturated colors for a dystopian setting)
• Emphasize key elements in the frame through the strategic use of color (e.g., a red dress standing out in a crowd or a blue neon sign in a dark alley)
• Create more accurate and lifelike color representations, particularly in scenes with complex or nuanced color palettes (e.g., a sunset, a flower field, or a colorful market)

viewer experience impact

• Use HDR to create a more immersive and engaging viewing experience, drawing the audience deeper into the story and characters
• Enhance the emotional resonance of a scene by leveraging the increased dynamic range and color gamut to evoke specific feelings or reactions (e.g., awe, fear, or joy)
• Create a more realistic and believable world on screen, allowing viewers to suspend disbelief and become fully invested in the narrative
• Utilize HDR to guide the viewer's attention and focus, emphasizing key elements or moments in the story through the strategic use of brightness, contrast, and color

challenges with HDR

• While HDR offers numerous benefits and creative opportunities, it also presents several challenges that cinematographers and filmmakers must navigate
• Display capabilities, content compatibility, and the need for best practices and standards are among the key issues facing HDR adoption and implementation

display capabilities

• Not all displays are capable of reproducing the full range of brightness and color offered by HDR content, leading to inconsistent viewer experiences
• HDR-capable displays can vary significantly in terms of peak brightness, color gamut, and contrast ratio, making it difficult to ensure consistent image quality across different devices
• Consumer adoption of HDR displays is still limited, with many households still relying on SDR displays that cannot fully showcase the benefits of HDR content

content compatibility

• Legacy content shot in SDR must be carefully upscaled or remastered for HDR displays to avoid visual artifacts or inconsistencies
• Not all HDR formats are compatible with all devices or platforms, requiring content creators to produce multiple versions of their work to ensure wide accessibility
• The lack of a universal HDR standard can lead to confusion and fragmentation in the market, with different formats competing for dominance and consumer attention

best practices and standards

• Establishing and adhering to best practices for HDR production and mastering is essential to ensure consistent and high-quality results
• The industry must develop and promote clear guidelines for HDR workflows, including camera settings, monitoring, color grading, and deliverables
• Collaboration and communication among all stakeholders (e.g., content creators, display manufacturers, and distributors) are crucial to address the challenges and opportunities presented by HDR technology
• Ongoing education and training initiatives are necessary to ensure that cinematographers and other industry professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively work with HDR