Converting High Dynamic Range (HDR) video to a "normal" iPhone format primarily means converting it to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). This ensures wider compatibility and a consistent look across various devices and platforms, especially those that do not fully support HDR. The easiest and most direct method to achieve this on your iPhone or iPad is by utilizing Apple's own iMovie application.
Understanding HDR and SDR Video on iPhone
iPhones, particularly newer models, are capable of recording stunning HDR video (specifically using Dolby Vision technology). While HDR offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights on compatible displays, it can appear washed out or overly bright on screens that only support SDR.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Captures a much wider range of light and color, closer to what the human eye perceives. Ideal for viewing on HDR-compatible displays.
- SDR (Standard Dynamic Range): The traditional video format with a more limited range of brightness and color. It's the most common video format for general consumption and playback.
Why Convert HDR to SDR?
You might want to convert your HDR video to SDR for several reasons:
- Wider Compatibility: SDR video plays seamlessly on all iPhones (including older models), Android devices, computers, and older TVs without any color or brightness issues.
- Social Media Sharing: Many social media platforms (like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) or messaging apps may not fully support HDR video, potentially leading to incorrect color reproduction or a desaturated look when uploaded.
- Editing Software Compatibility: Some older video editing software or specific third-party apps might not correctly interpret HDR video, causing issues during editing or export.
- File Size: While not always significant, converting to SDR can sometimes result in slightly smaller file sizes depending on the compression.
Converting HDR Video to SDR Using iMovie on iPhone/iPad
iMovie for iOS and iPadOS provides a straightforward way to manage and export your HDR video as an SDR version.
- Open iMovie and Create a New Project: Launch the iMovie app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap "Start New Project" and choose "Movie."
- Add Your HDR Video: Tap the "+" icon to browse your device's Photo Library. Locate and select the HDR video clips you wish to convert. Tap "Create Movie" at the bottom.
- Edit (Optional): You can perform any necessary edits to your video within iMovie, such as trimming, adding titles, or applying effects. The HDR properties of the video will be preserved during the editing process within the app.
- Initiate Sharing: Once your movie is ready, tap the "Done" button in the upper-left corner of the timeline. Then, tap the "Share" button (the square with an arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen.
- Access Export Options: In the share sheet that appears, scroll down and tap "Save Video" to export your movie to your Photos app, or choose another sharing option.
- Select SDR Output: Before the export begins, a pop-up with "Movie Options" will appear. You will see a toggle labeled "HDR."
- To export as SDR (normal iPhone format), ensure the "HDR" toggle is OFF.
- To export in HDR (if your device and destination support it), turn the "HDR" toggle ON.
- Choose Export Resolution: Select your desired export resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p, 4K).
- Export Your Movie: Tap "Save Video" (or your chosen destination). iMovie will then process and export your video as an SDR file, which will be saved to your Photos app.
iMovie Export Options Summary:
| Setting | Resulting Video Type | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| HDR ON | High Dynamic Range | Viewing on HDR-compatible displays (e.g., newer iPhones, Apple TV 4K, HDR TVs). |
| HDR OFF | Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) | Wider compatibility, social media, older devices, general sharing. |
Other Considerations for Compatibility
While iMovie is the recommended first-party solution, here are other points to keep in mind:
- Third-Party Apps: Some third-party video editing or conversion apps available on the App Store may also offer HDR to SDR conversion, often with more advanced controls. Always check reviews and app features before committing.
- Desktop Solutions: For more professional or batch conversions, desktop video editors (like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro) or dedicated video converters (e.g., HandBrake) offer robust HDR to SDR conversion capabilities, giving you more control over color mapping and output settings.
- Automatic Conversion by Platforms: Many online platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) automatically process uploaded HDR videos and create SDR versions for users on non-HDR devices. However, this process can vary in quality.
By converting your HDR video to SDR using iMovie or other tools, you ensure that your precious memories look great on any device, anywhere.
