Here is an extract from the DJI Mini 4 Pro User Manual: “DJI Mini 4 Pro is able to shoot 4K 60fps HDR…while HLG provides better dynamic range and colour display performance”.  (I think the Mini 4 Pro also shoots HDR at 30fps.)

  

By definition HLG is a form of HDR.  My online research suggests HLG is designed for broadcast applications.

  

I cannot imagine DJI would have introduced HLG for broadcast applications?  So why have two forms of HDR video?  In the context of the Mini 4 Pro, does HLG mean something else?

  

From a practical standpoint, I have taken both Normal (HDR) video and HLG video with my Mini 4 Pro and of the two I prefer the Normal (HDR) format. I’m not seeing better dynamic range with HLG as advertised.  Moreover, HLG video looks washed out with quite a flat colour profile (as you would expect to see with D Log M). Maybe that is by design?  

I for one won’t be using HLG.  It looks - well, yuk!  But in the meantime if someone can explain the (technical) difference between HDR and HLG video - and why we need both in the the Mini 4 Pro - I would be most grateful.

Normal HDR is Rec709 8bit only 16.4 million colors
HLG HDR is Rec2020 10 bit it has 4 time larger color gamut & 1 billion colors

To see true potential of HLG you will need HDR capable TV or monitor or iPhone 10 onwards any iphone will show you its brillirant colors.

HLG is what you should be using if you actually want HDR footage we as mini 3 pro user kept on requesting to add HLG
Hope this clears your doubts.

Ranjan Posted at 10-4 04:41
Normal HDR is Rec709 8bit only 16.4 million colors
HLG HDR is Rec2020 10 bit it has 4 time larger color gamut & 1 billion colors

Thanks for explaining that. rec709 is a standard but my understanding is that it’s also the colour profile most closely aligned with what the eye actually sees. My TV is HDR compatible. I personally don’t like the look of HLG video but I guess it all comes down to personal preference. My default for recording videos will probably be D Log M (also 10 bit) followed by Normal HDR. Good luck filming in HLG. I won’t be using it.

I understand your dislike for HLG HDR
Just remember HDR is still a developing technology & gets its bad reputation due to bad configuration in most cases.
Once you see a well calibrated HDR TV & HDR footage shot by you, trust me you will never want to shoot Rec709

I had my journey through the same disliking for HDR.

just for sample: HLG video M3 Classic

Ranjan Posted at 10-4 05:47
I understand your dislike for HLG HDR
Just remember HDR is still a developing technology & gets its bad reputation due to bad configuration in most cases.
Once you see a well calibrated HDR TV & HDR footage shot by you, trust me you will never want to shoot Rec709

Thanks for that. I will try and keep an open mind and watch out for further developments

maurotandofilm has posted a wonderful example of what HDR HLG should look like.

Here is another one example in HDR HLG

maurotandofilm Posted at 10-4 06:38
just for sample: HLG video M3 Classic

https://youtu.be/Vazzgs7Yb2w?si=H328s2yqAj9GegqL

My impression: looks artificial and unnatural to me, like a computer generated sequence

Space Dream Posted at 10-4 11:39
My impression: looks artificial and unnatural to me, like a computer generated sequence

Some great video shots though

"Moreover, HLG video looks washed out with quite a flat colour profile (as you would expect to see with D Log M). Maybe that is by design? "

These kind of colour profiles are used with post production colour grading in mind, or at least the application of a LUT.
The "washed out" looking images are not intended to be used as they come out the camera.
In theory they should look better (once post graded) because in that low contrast image highlights don't bleach out so much.

Sam654 Posted at 10-4 12:09
"Moreover, HLG video looks washed out with quite a flat colour profile (as you would expect to see with D Log M). Maybe that is by design? "

These kind of colour profiles are used with post production colour grading in mind, or at least the application of a LUT.

Thanks for the response. I’m not familiar with HLG so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ll experiment with some of the LUTs I already have for video (dozens of them)

Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. HDR videos are supported. If the color mode is set to HLG, HLG is used as the HDR standard. HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated. However, multi-exposure fusion videos are not standard HDR materials. Therefore, the visual difference between the multi-exposure fusion videos and high-frame-rate videos with the same resolution is not noticeable. In this case, you can compare their shadow details by modifying their exposures. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

Ranjan Posted at 10-4 08:28
maurotandofilm has posted a wonderful example of what HDR HLG should look like.

Here is another one example in HDR HLG

I like these great shots much better, do not seem so artificial and exaggerated

But these are proffesional video recordings from real experts of the matter

DJI Paladin Posted at 10-4 18:01
Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. HDR videos are supported. If the color mode is set to HLG, HLG is used as the HDR standard. HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated. However, multi-exposure fusion videos are not standard HDR materials. Therefore, the visual difference between the multi-exposure fusion videos and high-frame-rate videos with the same resolution is not noticeable. In this case, you can compare their shadow details by modifying their exposures. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

Thank you for this note. I need to digest and do some more experimentation in HLG.

Another related question. HDR at 60 frames per second is one of the selling points of the new drone. Is this the only frame rate where you get HDR in say Normal mode or is it available in all frame rates?  I know the Mini 3 Pro has HDR at 30fps. I think this was called HQ. So I have assumed HDR is available in the Mini 4 Pro at both 60 and 30fps as a minimum

Steph Jant Posted at 10-4 21:29
Thank you for this note. I need to digest and do some more experimentation in HLG.

Another related question. HDR at 60 frames per second is one of the selling points of the new drone. Is this the only frame rate where you get HDR in say Normal mode or is it available in all frame rates?  I know the Mini 3 Pro has HDR at 30fps. I think this was called HQ. So I have assumed HDR is available in the Mini 4 Pro at both 60 and 30fps as a minimum

HDR (Dji own version) is now available at 24fps upto 4k 60fps,
earlier it was limited upto 30fps.

Ranjan Posted at 10-4 21:35
HDR (Dji own version) is now available at 24fps upto 4k 60fps,
earlier it was limited upto 30fps.

Thanks for clarifying

HDR on the mini 3 Pro is only marketing, the drone is not HDR capable,.
it is really a shame that they advertised a function that is not present in the drone.


instead with the Mini 4 Pro they have implemented the HDR function correctly.
Using very simple words, HLG is a way do encode the HDR information captured by the sensor in the video file.

madao05 Posted at 10-4 23:21
HDR on the mini 3 Pro is only marketing, the drone is not HDR capable,.
it is really a shame that they advertised a function that is not present in the drone.

Thanks for explaining HLG in “simple” words. You obviously gathered I’m a very simple person

Steph Jant Posted at 10-4 21:29
Thank you for this note. I need to digest and do some more experimentation in HLG.

Another related question. HDR at 60 frames per second is one of the selling points of the new drone. Is this the only frame rate where you get HDR in say Normal mode or is it available in all frame rates?  I know the Mini 3 Pro has HDR at 30fps. I think this was called HQ. So I have assumed HDR is available in the Mini 4 Pro at both 60 and 30fps as a minimum

Thank you for your response. the DJI Mini 4 Pro supports HDR when shooting 4K/60fps and below. This function is enabled by default, so there is no corresponding prompt in the App. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

DJI Paladin Posted at 10-6 06:35
Thank you for your response. the DJI Mini 4 Pro supports HDR when shooting 4K/60fps and below. This function is enabled by default, so there is no corresponding prompt in the App. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

Thanks for the response

Steph Jant Posted at 10-6 06:46
Thanks for the response

You are most welcome. Please don't hesitate to reach us if you have other inquiries. Have a nice day!

Great video' posted there.

If I shoot in HLG what setting do I use in video editor ? (final cut pro) for video

Great information here!  I just spent the day figuring out a work flow for D-Log M,  Now I need a simple tutorial for editing HDR HLG in Davinci Resolve!

If you want to take advantage of Hybrid log-gamma curve (HLG) and export videos in HDR, you need to understand that in the editor (Davinci Resolve) you need to choose not only the input color space (and gamma curve) correctly, but more importantly the output format correctly. And you must not 'crop' the color space during editing (adjustments and color grade) - just work in the widest color space possible.
The Paid Studio version has extended HDR mode for editing with useful tools.

For me, it's easier to use the YRGB Color Managed option in the project settings than to keep an eye on everything via the Color Space Transform in Fusion. While it is easy to use LUTs, this is an area where this can do harm.
You can find a lot of really good videos on this topic on YT.

Jan Spacil Posted at 11-22 05:23
If you want to take advantage of Hybrid log-gamma curve (HLG) and export videos in HDR, you need to understand that in the editor (Davinci Resolve) you need to choose not only the input color space (and gamma curve) correctly, but more importantly the output format correctly. And you must not 'crop' the color space during editing (adjustments and color grade) - just work in the widest color space possible.
The Paid Studio version has extended HDR mode for editing with useful tools.

That is where I ended up - Davinci YRGB Color Managed with some nodes for exposure, contrast and saturation/temperature.

That sounds like the right way to do it, then all you have to do is choose the right video format in the Deliver tab and you're done! :]
Maybe these two tutorials could be useful: https://daejeonchronicles.com/20 ... e-studio-17-part-i/ , https://filmmakingelements.com/i ... r-youtube-and-vimeo .

Jan Spacil Posted at 11-23 01:21
That sounds like the right way to do it, then all you have to do is choose the right video format in the Deliver tab and you're done! :]
Maybe these two tutorials could be useful: https://daejeonchronicles.com/2021/03/02/comprehensive-workflow-sony-a7s-iii-s-log3-hdr-10-in-davinci-resolve-studio-17-part-i/ , https://filmmakingelements.com/iphone-dolby-vision-davinci-resolve/#optimizing-hdr-uploads-and-playback-for-youtube-and-vimeo .

Thank you for sharing!

DJI Paladin Posted at 2023-10-4 18:01
Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. HDR videos are supported. If the color mode is set to HLG, HLG is used as the HDR standard. HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated. However, multi-exposure fusion videos are not standard HDR materials. Therefore, the visual difference between the multi-exposure fusion videos and high-frame-rate videos with the same resolution is not noticeable. In this case, you can compare their shadow details by modifying their exposures. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

DJI Mini 4 Pro DJI D-Log M to Rec.709 ，Rec.709 LUT (Lookup Table) is not suitable for direct use in HDR video production. Rec.709 is a color space and gamma curve designed for standard dynamic range (SDR) video, while HDR video uses a different color space (such as Rec.2020) and gamma curve (such as PQ or HLG).

sylaodae Posted at 7-6 00:31
DJI Mini 4 Pro DJI D-Log M to Rec.709 ，Rec.709 LUT (Lookup Table) is not suitable for direct use in HDR video production. Rec.709 is a color space and gamma curve designed for standard dynamic range (SDR) video, while HDR video uses a different color space (such as Rec.2020) and gamma curve (such as PQ or HLG).

Thank you for sharing your resolution. This sure will help other users whose having the same issue. Have a safe flight always!

I have read your reply "HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated." Although you said that this model of drone supports HDR by default when shooting in these two modes, I am still confused because the color gamut of the DJI Mini 4 Pro D-Log M to Rec.709 V1_.cube restore file you provided does not meet the HDR requirements. How do you explain this?

DJI Paladin Posted at 2023-10-4 18:01
Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. HDR videos are supported. If the color mode is set to HLG, HLG is used as the HDR standard. HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated. However, multi-exposure fusion videos are not standard HDR materials. Therefore, the visual difference between the multi-exposure fusion videos and high-frame-rate videos with the same resolution is not noticeable. In this case, you can compare their shadow details by modifying their exposures. Hope this helps. Thank you for your valued support.

I have read your reply "HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated." Although you said that this model of drone supports HDR by default when shooting in these two modes, I am still confused because the color gamut of the DJI Mini 4 Pro D-Log M to Rec.709 V1_.cube restore file you provided does not meet the HDR requirements. How do you explain this?

sylaodae Posted at 7-6 00:31
DJI Mini 4 Pro DJI D-Log M to Rec.709 ，Rec.709 LUT (Lookup Table) is not suitable for direct use in HDR video production. Rec.709 is a color space and gamma curve designed for standard dynamic range (SDR) video, while HDR video uses a different color space (such as Rec.2020) and gamma curve (such as PQ or HLG).

I have read your reply "HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated." Although you said that this model of drone supports HDR by default when shooting in these two modes, I am still confused because the color gamut of the DJI Mini 4 Pro D-Log M to Rec.709 V1_.cube restore file you provided does not meet the HDR requirements. How do you explain this? why?

sylaodae Posted at 7-6 00:31
DJI Mini 4 Pro DJI D-Log M to Rec.709 ，Rec.709 LUT (Lookup Table) is not suitable for direct use in HDR video production. Rec.709 is a color space and gamma curve designed for standard dynamic range (SDR) video, while HDR video uses a different color space (such as Rec.2020) and gamma curve (such as PQ or HLG).

I have read your reply "HDR (normal and D-Log M color modes) is supported when Mini 4 Pro captures videos with a resolution of 4K and a frame rate of 60 FPS or videos of lower quality. By default, this feature is enabled and no tip is displayed in the application. The two color modes use the DCG HDR technology which is different from the standard HDR stack technology. The DCG HDR technology is an HDR technology for camera sensors. It retains details in the highlights and captures details in the shadows. This way, multi-exposure fusion videos that have a higher dynamic range than normal videos can be generated." Although you said that this model of drone supports HDR by default when shooting in these two modes, I am still confused because the color gamut of the DJI Mini 4 Pro D-Log M to Rec.709 V1_.cube restore file you provided does not meet the HDR requirements. How do you explain this? Why didn't you develop a restore file suitable for making HDR videos? And the product introduction states that it supports HDR?