4K 2:1, 16:9 and HD

[King Cheung]

Hi, everyone,
I read from Red FAQ and learn the following:
4K 2:1 4096x2048
4K 16:9 4096x2304
4K HD 3840x2160
My understanding is that 16:9 has the largest picture size. But what is the different besides the resolutions?
For example, in what occasion I will use 2:1 and 16:9.
Thanks in advance.
King

 

[Kenneth Elkington]

There's also 4.5k 2.4:1 now. Basically, it all depends on how you're going to finish the picture. If you're framing for a TV finish, QHD is best, because it will have the highest quality scaling to 1080p, and starts with the correct aspect ratio. 16:9 is best for a finish to a 16:9 aspect ratio film...etc.

 

[King Cheung]

thanks a lot, Kenneth.
Is QHD just the same as 4K HD?
Is there any way that I can fully understand what the meanings of 2:1 and etc in terms of the final delivery product? Somehow, I am still not sure what quality to choose.
Thank you very much in advance.
King

 

[Kenneth Elkington]

QHD just means quad-hd and is the same as 4k HD. It has the same aspect ratio as HDTV, 1.78:1.

4k has a 2:1 aspect ratio and tends not to be a good deliverable aspect ratio, as it doesn't conform to the common deliverables, 1.85:1(cinema), 2.4:1(anamorphic cinema), 1.78:1(HDTV), and 4:3(SDTV). As such you'll have to crop the picture for the finish. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad choice, you should just be aware that you'll need to use frame guides, and likely lose resolution as compared to filming directly in one of the offered formats with an aspect ratio that conforms to a deliverable format.

The advantage of 4k is that you'll have a larger look-around area which can assist in framing.

The first choice you'll need to make is your delivery format. If you're expecting a theater release for your project, 1.85:1, or 2.4:1 are likely your best choices, and then you just need to way the advantages and disadvantages of your acquisition formats.

 

[King Cheung]

thanks a lot, Kenneth.

Actually, I am mixing the Red footage with my old Panasonic HVX200 16:9 footage. In this case, I think it will be better for me to choose 4K 16:9. Any comments, please?

For another film project, let's say my delivery format is 1.85:1. Your suggestion is to shoot 4K 2:1, and in the post, I just crop the shot. Am I correct about it?

Lastly, I also found a resolution called ANA. What does it stand for?

Thanks in advance.

King

 

[Jesse Korosi]

For example, in what occasion I will use 2:1 and 16:9.
Thanks in advance.
King

One example of when you may have to switch to 2:1 even if you are shooting everything else at 16x9 is if you decide to shoot at 120fps.

Cheers,

 

[Kenneth Elkington]

I would actually suggest 4k 16:9, as it scales directly to a 1.85:1 delivery, but your experience with the camera may dictate that you prefer to shoot 4k 2:1 for the additional look-around area.

Keep in mind that the HVX records 1440x1080 with nonsquare pixels so that it has a 1.78:1 aspect ratio.

ANA stands for anamorphic, and records only a 1.2:1 image, which is then unsqueezed to 2.4:1 if you're shooting with anamorphic lenses.

I'd really suggest that you consult with a DIT, editor, cinematographer...etc, basically anyone that has some control over the image, to see how exactly the framing ideas for the project may influence the format you shoot. I don't know the specifics of your projects so I'd hate to steer you the wrong way based on some abstract numbers about resolution and aspect ratio.

 

[King Cheung]

One example of when you may have to switch to 2:1 even if you are shooting everything else at 16x9 is if you decide to shoot at 120fps.

Cheers,

very true, Jesse.

 

[King Cheung]

I would actually suggest 4k 16:9, as it scales directly to a 1.85:1 delivery, but your experience with the camera may dictate that you prefer to shoot 4k 2:1 for the additional look-around area.

Keep in mind that the HVX records 1440x1080 with nonsquare pixels so that it has a 1.78:1 aspect ratio.

ANA stands for anamorphic, and records only a 1.2:1 image, which is then unsqueezed to 2.4:1 if you're shooting with anamorphic lenses.

I'd really suggest that you consult with a DIT, editor, cinematographer...etc, basically anyone that has some control over the image, to see how exactly the framing ideas for the project may influence the format you shoot. I don't know the specifics of your projects so I'd hate to steer you the wrong way based on some abstract numbers about resolution and aspect ratio.

You're right, Kenneth, but you have already given me some basic idea to start to work with.
Thanks a lot.