Great HDR But There Is A Bug - 007 First Light - Best HDR Settings For PS5 / Xbox

How to Optimize HDR Settings for Gaming

Key Considerations for HDR Setup

• To achieve the best HDR experience, consider three main factors: console HDR calibration, in-game brightness settings, and film grain toggle. Each plays a crucial role in optimizing visual performance.

• The first step is ensuring proper HDR system level calibration on your console. Following on-screen instructions is essential for optimal setup.

• The in-game brightness setting is influenced by the console's HDR calibration. For example, if calibrated to 1500 nits, the game’s brightness will also be capped at that level.

• Setting your console to higher peak brightness (e.g., 10,000 nits) will increase in-game brightness accordingly; however, it’s important not to exceed your TV's capabilities.

Recommended Brightness Settings

• A guideline suggests starting with an in-game brightness of 180 to 250 nits for TVs with a maximum of 800 nits peak brightness. Personal preference should guide final adjustments.

• For TVs capable of 2,500 nits, try setting the in-game brightness between 500 and 600 nits to ensure accurate specular highlights without losing detail.

Observations on Contrast and Black Levels

• Regardless of chosen settings, the game's black level floor remains stable; dark scenes maintain their depth and contrast effectively across various setups.

• The overall HDR experience is commendable compared to other games tested recently. Users are encouraged to utilize HDR over SDR if they have compatible displays.

Issues with Film Grain Option

• Activating film grain significantly impacts HDR performance by altering maximum peak brightness levels unexpectedly—potentially leading up to 10,000 nits regardless of prior calibrations.

• While film grain can enhance certain visual aspects like specular highlights, it may compromise overall picture quality according to personal preferences regarding its aesthetic impact.

Final Thoughts on Implementation

• Despite concerns about film grain effects and its influence on peak brightness settings, the general implementation of HDR within this game is strong and visually appealing.

• Ideally, separate sliders for average picture brightness and maximum peak brightness would improve user control over visual output without compromising quality.