Debunking the Myth: HDR Not Responsible for Flat Picture

YouTuber Claim: “The modern obsession with high dynamic range is why we rarely get shots that look this cool anymore.” ❌ (Source: X)

Quote: “There is an element to digital cameras that I think is contributing to the grey, sludgy aesthetic and it’s these three little words: High Dynamic Range.” – Patrick Tomasso

Reality Check: 🔍

(1) No Credible Evidence: There’s no credible evidence that cameras with high dynamic range inherently make cinematographers complacent or are directly responsible for the “flat look.” 🚫

(2) Conflation Alert: Tomasso’s conflating HDR with poor execution. ⚠️

The Truth: ✅ When mastered correctly, HDR enhances contrast and color depth. ✨ Issues like flat, grey visuals stem from improper lighting or grading—not HDR itself.

Proof in the Pudding (Screenshots Attached):
🎥 Check out these contrasty contemporary HDR shows/movies:

• The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
• Class (miniseries, 2023)
• Emancipation (2022)
• Ganglands (series, 2021)
• Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) 🎞️
• American Primeval (miniseries, 2025)
• The White Tiger (2021)
• Clark (miniseries, 2022)
• Mercy for None (series, 2025)
• Bad Travelling (Love, Death + Robots, S3, 2022) – Directed by David Fincher 🎬

Picture Credit (clockwise from top right):
📸 Netflix (Unknown); Netflix (American Primeval); Netflix (American Primeval), Netflix (Gangubai Kathiawadi)