What is HDR and SDR video recording?

With the Xperia XZ2 series and Xperia XZ3, you can record HDR (High Dynamic Range) video in 4K resolution, also called HDR-HLG video. While Xperia devices have supported HDR photo and some form of HDR video for a time, you can now shoot 4K HDR videos with Xperia XZ3, Xperia XZ2, Xperia XZ2 Compact and XZ2 Premium.

Note! HDR-HLG video is a new and entirely different type of HDR technology. You need a 4K HDR capable display to view this HDR content in its full range.

General information about HDR/SDR recording

With High Dynamic Range (HDR) the camera in your device can capture a large brightness variations in videos, from very low dark values to very high bright values. HDR content is dramatic and closer to what you see in real life.

Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) was created for previous generations of displays, which are less accurate in showing brightness differences. SDR brightness values do not exceed 100nit.

When shown on the Xperia XZ3 and Xperia XZ2 series display, SDR content is boosted to display more than 100nit. Mid-bright parts of this SDR content will appear as brighter than HDR content of the same subject on the same display.

What recording mode should I use?

HDR-HLG video content should be enjoyed on HDR-HLG supported devices/services. If you want to view your video on non-HDR displays, you should select the SDR mode.

SDR and HDR video taken by Xperia XZ2 series/Xperia XZ3

SDR	HDR

When shooting HDR video in a low dynamic range scene such as a cloudy landscape or a fluorescent lamp-lit office, you may experience that the video looks darker than in SDR on your device's screen. This is expected, because the HDR recording mode captures video that will look more dramatic and closer to real life on an HDR capable display.

SDR	HDR