HDR Video and Rec. 2020

Hi All

Sorry if this has already been covered. I had a distributer ask about delivering HDR content. I don't really know any of the specs they require, but when my employer asked about it and my immediate reaction was "no." My understanding of HDR is from an acquisition POV. After doing some research it seems like from a content perspective, HDR is about the color gamut of the finished product and not about merging images with different exposures.

I know, I have yet to ask a question. Can someone please direct me to an article or articles that explain HDR as a delivery format. Also I am in the dark about monitoring. My initial no reaction was because I am afraid that we can't deliver the HDR content without expensive camera rentals and the acquisition of new computers and monitors.

Just to clarify: this isn't a work-for-hire situation. The company I work for creates content, and a potential distribution partner asked about HDR. So we would eat the cost of the equipment upgrade (if any). Can I create HDR content with cameras that have a wide dynamic range, but don't shoot HDR?

not to answer, but to confuse you further;
Larry Jordan doesn't get it either....:
larryjordan.com/articles/explaining-wide...inal-cut-pro-x-10-3/

I guess (guess!), that the composite of several, diff. exposures in Photography = HDR, means something completely different than the 14 f-stops (High) Dynamic Range of an Arri Alexa means in cinematography.

Aaand, there is this hurdle to display content beyond the older standards (rec706) … here, any manufacturer has its own marketing-lingo.... my electronics warehouse offers Samsung tellies for ~500€, claiming 'HDR' … and test-sites tell, those devices offer max 300-400 nits = li'l dynamic range possible …

my very own, ignorant summary:
FCPX supports HDR and rec2020 - good to know.
None of my recording devices, incl. still-cams, deliver HDR material - good to know either :silly:
And my antique display … - at last: in colour!!

You are correct, HDR in video is not limited to merging of two different exposures together. (though when done correctly, this too can theoretically result in amazing HDR images)
But lets ignore duel exposure for the moment...

for the sake of video, there are two things at play; High dynamic range, and Wide Colour Gamut. (HDR has kinda become a catchall for both)

First it comes down to camera format. Did you shoot it Log or Raw? if so you're probably good in terms of HDR. then depending on your chosen colour gamut ("sgamut3cine" & "rec2020" are two of them) you'll have captured WCG.

as for monitoring, again, two things at play. HDR, and WCG. P3 monitors can display the P3 wide colour gamut, but not neccessarily HDR. Furthermore, an HDR monitor does not necessarily show WCG.

I've never had to actually deliver HDR, so that is where my knowledge ends. however...

www.arri.com/camera/alexa/learn/hdr_faq/