HDR Video

I thought I'd try HDR video and while at it, see if it makes sense to shoot in 1080p and then upscale to 4k. The latter would make it possible for me to use my Nikon D600 and my collection of lenses for it, besides drastically cutting down on the size of the recorded video files. If not, I'd have to shoot on my only 4k-capable camera, a Panasonic Lumix LX15.

Let's set a reference point - this is the kind of photography I can do with a Nikon D600 and a Irix 15mm f/2.4 Firefly:

HDR, video

Oxbergsbacken

"Highly processed", yes, but that's how I like it. Let's see what the two cameras can do:

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Shot on a Nikon D600 in 1080p and upscaled to 4k using Topaz Video AI. Three exposures - shadow, midtone, and highlight. I was surprised at how well the 4k upscaling worked.

HDR, video

Oxbergsbacken, Video

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Shot on a Panasonic Lumix LX15 in 4k. Two exposures - midtone / shadow, and highlight.

HDR, video

Oxbergsbacken, Video

Both turned out pretty well, but I'd declare the Panasonic Lumix LX15 the winner of this comparison due to the horrible moire in the Nikon D600 video that not even Topaz Video AI could repair. For the record, here's the process for the Nikon D600 video:

1. Midtone exposure (base)

2. Highlight exposure

3. Shadow exposure

4. Color grading

5. 4k upscaling