A very common question when footage changes hands: "It looked fine on my phone, so why is it washed out on the computer?" The file isn't damaged and nothing went wrong in the transfer. Recent iPhones record in HDR by default, and the screen or software now showing the video isn't displaying it as HDR.
What HDR video is
HDR (high dynamic range) video records brighter highlights and more colour than standard video. The iPhone's own screen supports it, so the sun, lamps and reflections look especially bright and detailed on the phone. The trouble starts once the file leaves the iPhone:
- Ordinary monitors and projectors are SDR (standard dynamic range) and can't show that range.
- A player or editing program that doesn't convert properly shows the picture grey, blown out or off-colour.
- After uploading, different devices may show different brightness.
Before filming: should HDR be off?
In the iPhone's Settings, under Camera and then Record Video, there is an HDR Video switch (the name and position vary a little by model and iOS version).
- Footage going to an editor, or to be shown on a projector or ordinary screen: turn it off. You get standard SDR that looks consistent everywhere. This is what we usually suggest for wedding, event and corporate footage.
- Video you'll only watch on your own iPhone or post straight to stories: leaving it on is fine.
Keep one project consistent. Half HDR and half SDR means extra colour matching in the edit.
Already filmed in HDR?
There's no need to re-shoot. HDR files can be converted to SDR in the edit, and done properly the colour looks normal. Two things on your side:
- Send the original files. Use a cloud drive, AirDrop or a cable. Not a chat app, and don't convert them in another app first. HDR video that has been converted or compressed may have lost colour information and is harder to rescue.
- Tell us which phone filmed it, as handling differs by model.
If you edit yourself: check the colour space in the project settings. Set the project to standard Rec.709 (SDR) and let the software handle the conversion, and the picture usually returns to normal. The steps differ by program, so check its documentation.
The other kind of grey: Apple Log
Newer Pro models can record ProRes with Log. Log footage is meant to look grey and flat; it keeps room for grading and isn't a fault. It needs colour grading to be usable, and the files are very large. Unless you plan to grade seriously, leave it off. See colour grading explained.
Checks before sending footage
- Keep HDR settings the same across phones on one project. If several people are filming, tell them beforehand.
- Match resolution and frame rate too; see what fps means.
- Send original files through the cloud; see how to provide footage.
FAQ
Will HDR video look right on YouTube?
YouTube supports HDR and creates an SDR version for devices that don't. That automatic version doesn't always match expectations, so videos that need consistent colour are mostly made in SDR.
Does this happen on Android phones?
Some Android phones have an HDR recording option and behave similarly. Look for HDR or 10-bit in the camera settings.
Can video already damaged by chat-app compression be fixed?
It can be adjusted, but not back to the quality of the original. If the original is still on the phone, send it again through the cloud.
