Mastering HDR: How to Convert HDR Video on Your iPhone

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a fantastic feature on iPhones that's been around since the iPhone X. It's designed to capture photos and videos with a wider range of colors and contrast, making your content more vibrant. If you've captured an HDR video on your iPhone but it's not being recognized as such, or you want to ensure you're converting it correctly, you're in the right place. Here's how to convert HDR video iPhone recordings into a playable format.

Before we dive in, understand that HDR videos are shot in a format called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), which is a bit more complex to handle than standard videos. Depending on your video editor and platform, you might need to tweak some settings. Let's start with the basics and then dive into popular video editing software.

Preparation: Understanding HDR Video Format

First, let's clear up the format confusion. HDR videos from iPhones are recorded in HEVC/H.265, an advanced video compression standard. HEVC delivers better quality at smaller file sizes, perfect for modern storage constraints. However, not all devices and software support it, which might be why you're experiencing playback issues.

Apple usesissons on iPhones to record HDR videos, meaning the highlights and shadows are captured separately and then merged together. This allows for a wider dynamic range in your videos, but it also means you can't simply open or play these files in every video player or editor.

HEVC Compatibility Check

Before you start the conversion process, check if your chosen video editor supports HEVC. Here's a quick list:

• iMovie: Supported
• Final Cut Pro: Supported
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Supported (version 2017 and later)
• Avid Media Composer: Supported (version 2018 and later)

If your software doesn't support HEVC, you'll need to convert your HDR videos into a more standard format like AVC/H.264.

Ensure Your Hardware Can Handle It

Before you start editing, make sure your device can handle HDR videos. They're more demanding on processing power and memory. If you're using an older device or lower-end laptop, you might need to upgrade or optimise your workflow.

Now, let's look at how to convert HDR videos in popular video editing software.

Converting HDR Videos: Popular Software Options

If your software supports HEVC, great! You can usually import and edit your HDR videos directly. If you need to convert to AVC/H.264, here's how:

Converting with iMovie

iMovie has built-in support for HEVC but doesn't allow you to export in HEVC format. Here's how to export your HDR videos in AVC/H.264:

1. Import your HDR video into iMovie.
2. Click on File, then Share, and select Video.
3. In the popup, select the quality preset you want, then click Next.
4. Choose a destination folder, then click Save.

The video will be exported in AVC/H.264 format, ready for use in less powerful software or older devices.

Converting with HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that supports both HEVC and AVC/H.264. Here's how to use it:

1. Download and install HandBrake.
2. Open the software, and click Source to add your HDR video.
3. Choose a preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30), which should automatically set the output format to AVC/H.264.
4. Click on Browse to choose a destination folder for your new video.
5. Click on Encode to start the conversion.

HandBrake also lets you tweak quality settings if you're targeting a specific platform or device.

With these steps, you're well on your way to converting your HDR videos and enjoying them on any device or software. Happy editing!