HDR video from 720p60fps to 720p30fps...

HotConductor

HotConductor

Well-known member
Is it possible? To me it seems like a plugin could alternate/combine frames from footage shot at 60fps, with the end result being 30fps hdr. Maybe I'm crazy, I just really wish we could get some killer hdr footage out of this cam!
 
720p/30 isn't a definied broadcast, Blu-ray or DVD spec. Why would you want it? And if you do still want it, why didn't you shoot it?
 
1. Actually 720p30fps is EXACTLY what several networks have hired me to shoot. I prefer 1080p24fps myself, but 30fps is common for 'reality' based video-looking TV. Point 2 of this, who cares. 720p/30 can be played easily online, which is where all content is going.

2. HDR video looks wicked awesome. Link HERE! If it is possible to get a simulated HDR 'look' from a 60p timeline, then it could be a beautiful cinematic tool.

3. I am asking if it would be POSSIBLE. I am not a programmer, nor have I found a plugin that allows one to get HDR footage out of video.

The theory with HDR is having two images... One exposed to, oh say, the sky. The other exposed to the subject. When two are combined/layered appropriately, everything is in focus, colored correctly, so forth. Looks surreal, which it is. Since 60 downed to 30p would half the framerate, it might be possible to use frame combining in order to do it. I just don't know how, so I thought I'd ask here.
 
No, you can't just combine every other frame on a 60p timeline, since the motion from frame to frame will be different. The video you linked shows 2 cameras being used, synced in post, and probably some sort of blending modes and other post-processing techniques used on the clips to achieve the look.

Also, why would you want this look? HDR tonemapping looks AWFUL and is abused by bad photographers and I see no reason why it would be any different in video.
 
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I figured that would be the case. My curiosity was whether the 60 frames could be split out to two separate clips (alternating frames) then using frame blending to minimize the motion blur differences. BUT, like you said, the frame to frame is different, so if it can't be done, then thats all there is to it. Thank you for answering my question.

BTW, I am aware of the method used with the Canon Mk2s. I have thought about emulating it with my two GH2s.

I agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY that HDR is abused by horrible photographers. My wife has an eye for the still shot, whereas I have a love of motion. We both love ranting on this topic.

The reason I ask is because one of my corporate clients wanted something dreamy and surreal, which the HDR is. I didn't say HDR photography wasn't a cheap copout to taking a good photo. I am only saying that HDR video could be a good tool, for me, in this situation.

I think I'll stick with my Magic Bullet Suite 11 for fx needs along these lines. Looks is competent enough to get close.
 
The key point everyone is missing it that HDR tone mapping requires 2 or more images exposed differently in camera. To do what you want you would need a camera which changes the shutter speed for each alternating frame, not impossible, but I know of no camcorder that does it.
 
I was wondering if it could be SIMULATED through a plugin. Image is exposed evenly, then +'d and -'d to create a faux HDR look. I'm with you on the technical difference. No camera can do what you are describing. I'm with you 100%!
 
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