HDR-to-SDR diagnostic and export log
Creator Lane | Reviewed September 15, 2026
https://creatorlanehq.com/blog/iphone-hdr-video-washed-out-sdr

HDR-TO-SDR DIAGNOSTIC LOG
Preserve original media. Work in a duplicate or short test project.
This document is a worksheet, not a preset or a tested conversion result.

DELIVERY BRIEF
Project:
Person approving delivery:
Required delivery: HDR / SDR / unresolved
Intended platform or player:
Editor and version:
Original file location:
Working copy location:

SOURCE
Camera and recording app:
Original camera file or transformed copy:
Codec:
Resolution and frame rate:
Colour space / transfer characteristics:
Metadata source:
Unknowns to resolve:
Do not infer HDR from the iPhone name or codec alone.

PROJECT
Project colour space:
Automatic colour handling:
Clip transform:
Camera LUT:
Legacy HDR Tools or other conversion:
Creative corrections:
Possible duplicate transforms:
One change being tested:

EXPORT
Filename / version:
Codec:
Export colour settings and observed metadata:
Matches intended delivery:
Local player / display:
Same frame compared:
Observed difference:
Uploaded file:
Platform / playback app:
Processing complete:
Observed difference after upload:

HYPOTHETICAL FILLED TEST PLAN — no footage tested
Source: original iPhone file, metadata not yet inspected
Deliverable: SDR Rec. 709 review file
Test scene: face, bright window and dark shirt
Project: small SDR test
First action: inspect automatic colour handling
Duplicate conversion check: inspect Color Conform and HDR Tools
Creative grade: unchanged during first technical comparison
Result: not tested
Next decision: based on actual source metadata and local export review

FINAL HANDOFF
Original media retained.
Source interpretation recorded.
One appropriate conversion explained.
No accidental duplicate transform.
SDR grade reviewed separately.
Export settings agree with delivery brief.
Local export and uploaded copy inspected.
Known display or playback differences documented.
HDR master, if any, kept separate.
Reviewer and approval date:


You may adapt this original worksheet for personal and client work. Third-party materials retain their own licences.