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Best 4 Ways to Convert SDR to HDR

Has anyone tried converting SDR(8 bit) to HDR? Is there a method that can simulate HDR from SDR? At least increase darkness and brightness? Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content to High Dynamic Range (HDR) can make a massive difference to your viewing experience. In addition to such things as improvements in brightness and color accuracy, it also enhances details missed in shadows and highlights. In this article you will learn about some of the most effective ways to undergo this transformation conveniently. This article will tell about visual the different between SDR & HDR, recommend best 4 tools to convert SDR to HDR.

Part 1. What Is SDR and What Is HDR?

pic of what is sdr and hdr

In order to understand the conversion from SDR to HDR, we have to define both terms. There are two different ways to display images: Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR), and they both do things differently.

Standard Dynamic Range (SDR)

The traditional format for video and images is SDR and was used prior to the emergence of HDR technology. It usually has a narrow (usually between 0 to 100 nits) brightness range and a narrower color gamut.

Key Features of SDR

  • Limited Brightness Range: Extreme contrasts cannot be displayed on SDR displays, and hence, you get a dull image.
  • Narrow Color Gamut: However, there is a limit in SDR, and it's less detail in bright and dark areas, because we only get a smaller range of colors.
  • Widespread Compatibility: Almost every display and device gives support to SDR which makes it general use.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

While HDR is more lifelike, of course, it offers a significantly more comprehensive range of brightness and color. It adds more detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

Key Features of HDR

  • Enhanced Brightness Range: The brightness can go up to 1000 nits and ultimately up to brightness levels that are HDR capable and reveal stunning highlights.
  • Wider Color Gamut: That lets you see richer and variered visuals with HDR.
  • Improved Detail: It's a way of enhancing details in many more shadows and highlights, giving you an immersive experience.

Part 2. Why Convert SDR to HDR?

Converting SDR to HDR significantly improves the visual quality of your videos by expanding the brightness range, enhancing color depth, and bringing out more detail in every frame. This transformation results in more immersive, lifelike footage that looks stunning on modern HDR-capable displays.

Here are key reasons to convert SDR to HDR:

  • Richer Contrast: Brings out deep shadows and bright highlights simultaneously.
  • Expanded Color Range: Supports wider color gamuts like Rec. 2020 for more vibrant hues.
  • Enhanced Visual Detail: Restores lost detail in both overexposed and underexposed areas.
  • Better Viewing Experience: Optimized for HDR TVs, monitors, and mobile screens.
  • Professional-Grade Output: Matches modern video standards for streaming, editing, and publishing.
  • Future-Proof Content: Keeps your videos compatible with evolving display technologies.

Part 3. Best SDR to HDR Video Enhancer Free Try

Converting SDR to HDR enhances visual experience by expanding brightness range, enriching colors, and deepening contrast for more lifelike images. HDR preserves details in both shadows and highlights, reducing color loss and improving quality in films, gaming, and photography.

This transformation is easily achievable with tools like HitPaw VikPea (formerly HitPaw Video Enhancer), which leverages AI to upscale video resolution to 4K or 8K while enhancing brightness and color depth. Its intuitive interface makes SDR-to-HDR conversion effortless, even for beginners.


  • AI-Driven Tone Mapping: Automatically expands dynamic range for cinematic contrast.
  • 4K & 8K Upscaling: Boost low-res SDR footage to ultra-HD without visible artifacts.
  • Low-Light Restoration: Reduces noise and enhances detail in dark scenes.
  • Color Depth Enhancement: Delivers richer, more accurate colors with minimal manual grading.
  • Real-Time Preview: Compare SDR vs HDR side-by-side before exporting.
  • Custom Exposure Control: Fine-tune brightness to eliminate overexposed highlights.

4 Simple Steps to Convert SDR to HDR with HitPaw VikPea

  • Step 1.Go to its official website, download and install HitPaw VikPea.

  • Step 2.After installing the software, you can import files directly or drop videos using HitPaw VikPea's over thirty input formats support, which includes MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV and M4V.

    import the desired video
  • Step 3.This video quality enhancer has General Denoise, Animation, Face, Colorize, Color Enhancement, Frame Interpolation, and Stabilize AI models.

    select ai repair model
  • Step 4.Using HitPaw VikPea's SDR to HDR function, the effects of enhancing game videos are as follows. If you are happy with the video, click export to save it after uploading and previewing.

    preview the changes and export

NOTE: For exporting the improved video, you'll need the premium version.

Learn More about HitPaw VikPea

Part 4. Convert SDR to HDR with Popular 3 Tools

Converting SDR to HDR can significantly improve your video projects, and there are many powerful tools to do the work for you. Here are three popular options that professionals frequently use:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

pic of adobe premiere pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful video editing software and sdr to hdr converter that features great HDR conversion features. With the Lumetri Color panel, users can change brightness, contrast, and color settings to convert SDR footage into HDR. With support for many different HDR formats, it gives you exact control over the final output.

2. DaVinci Resolve

pic of davinci resolve

If you're looking to convert sdr to hdr, DaVinci Resolve is known for its killer color grading features. It has pervasive tools for color depth and brightness manipulation so that you can do stuff like boost highlights, shadows, and whatnot. Its HDR grading panel provides a simplified workflow, so conversion is easy and efficient.

3. Final Cut Pro

pic of final cut pro

Supporting HDR in Apple's professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro, is the last point. The color grading tools of its color grading tools makes it easy for users to convert SDR footage using their options to adjust nice and saturation. Thanks to its intuitive interface, the software is easy to edit and adapt quickly and provides high-quality HDR outputs.

A Quick Comparison Table Between Top Tools for HDR Conversion

Tool Platform Highlights
Adobe Premiere Pro Win/Mac Lumetri color tools, custom HDR LUT support
DaVinci Resolve Win/Mac Node-based color grading, HDR palette
Final Cut Pro Mac Intuitive Color Inspector, built-in tone mapping
HitPaw VikPea Win/Mac/iOS/Android AI-powered SDR to HDR model, up to 8K upscaling

FAQs About Converting SDR to HDR

Q1. How to change color space from SDR to HDR?

A1. You can change color space from SDR to HDR using video editing software or AI-powered converters like HitPaw VikPea, which adjusts brightness, contrast, and metadata automatically.

Q2. What's the best SDR to HDR converter for Windows?

A2. HitPaw VikPea is one of the best SDR to HDR converters for Windows, offering AI enhancement, real-time preview, and simple 3-step conversion.

Q3. Will SDR to HDR conversion improve video quality?

A3. Yes, SDR to HDR conversion can improve video brightness, contrast, and dynamic range, especially on HDR-compatible displays.

Conclusion

You can convert SDR to HDR and get a much better video and viewing experience. HitPaw VikPea boasts a user-friendly design and powerful AI with many tools available. It's an excellent choice, whether you're a beginner or a pro, to transform your videos into stunning HDR.

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