4k is a video resolution, or in simple terms, it is the size of your picture. When it comes to displays and screens, the resolution is the number of pixels the image shows. It translates into the level of detail the picture has.
4K videos have actually been around since the invention of the movie camera. Although 4K has generated a lot of buzz, consider these caveats 4K video files are much larger than their HD counterparts. That’s why uploading and streaming 4K videos can create a bottleneck effect for home viewers.
However, YouTube has provided support for 4k videos. These videos are unnaturally sharp because smaller space pixels get less light and absorb less color. Should you rush to buy a new 4K camera or TV? Let’s figure it out in the article below.
How 4K is different from 1080p?
The minimum standard for your footage is 1280 on 720 pixels, which is HD. By comparison, 4K has twice the resolution of a standard HDTV, which is 1920 by 1080 pixels. Ultra HD or 4K gives you 3840 by 2160 pixels resolution. That means you can put 4 HD images into one 4K image.
4K refers to how many vertical lines there are in the resolution of an image. The term comes from 35mm film, which has roughly 4000 vertical lines. These legacy terms have been applied to 16mm film, which is 2K, and IMAX film, which is a little over 8k.
While 4K had been around for over a decade in the film industry, it became affordable for consumers only now.
In the past, when 4K was getting popular in cameras, people would argue that you don’t need to shoot in 4K because no one even has anything to watch it on. But now there are tons of TVs and monitors that can display 4K videos. Besides, 4K would even look sharper on smaller screens that are not compatible with 4K.
4K vs. UHD: What is the Difference?
4K cinema format should have 4,096 pixels width, which is “4K.” On the other hand, modern TVs have only 3,840 pixels vertically, which is technically not 4K, but Ultra HD.
The truth is that 4k should be called 2,160p. But 4K sounds more futuristic and cool, but 2,160p. does not. That’s why you can buy 4K TV or 4K cameras.
It is also a confusing fact that we went from 720p that is a number of vertical pixels, to 4K, which is the amount of horizontal pixels.
What is 4K Video?
The term 4K also known as UHD appeared in the late 90s of the last century, when the film distribution industry started using a digital video format. It is the official standard for recording and playback on film cameras, projectors, and screens.
4K is not only about higher pixels, it also defines the compression, bit rate, and color depth of the film material. Besides being a trending novelty, 4K is a video format with real benefits, from better presentation to more options for post-processing.
Advantages of 4K Shooting
· Higher Image Quality
The 4K matrix creates a three-dimensional image that can be well viewed from all angles. You don’t need 3D glasses to view a high-quality three-dimensional picture. Moreover, most cameras record 4K at a higher bit rate, and color quality loss is minimal.
· Stabilize Footage in Post
No matter how hard you may try not to move during shooting, video could still be unstabilized.
Partially, video editors can fix these disadvantages. But this kind of processing will require to crop the frame, and you will lose at least 20% of the material. 4K shooting will give you enough pixels to experiment with these effects, as they won’t have any noticeable impact on the final video quality.
· More Editing Options
A huge resolution of 4K video gives you a much better source to work with as it allows scaling. It is a perfect format to crop videos for close-ups. You can add panning and zooming effect to any frame you want without losing image quality.
· More Attractive Presentation on a Bigger Screen
A high number of pixels provides high definition. Ultra HD transmits more colors and more details in the lightest and darkest tones. Taken together, all this gives you a picture that is as close to reality as possible. 4K benefits are displayed the best on large screens, but the image quality will be much better than HD, even on smaller screens.
What is a 4K Camera?
Technologies go further, and now you can buy a 4K camera and take amazing footage that you can watch on 4K TV. You may even get the feeling that you are right behind the screen on the place where the video was taken. Keep reading if you want to know what to look for when you choose a new 4K camera.
Basically, when you are choosing a new camera for taking 4K videos, you need to consider the following features:
- file storage;
- frames per second;
- image stabilization;
- wi-fi connectivity;
- controls;
- type of camera.
Let’s take a closer look at the best 4K cameras 2020.
Canon EOS M50
Canon M50 is a mirrorless camera that has a few useful video features. Canon M50 has a flip-out screen, which is very important, especially if you are going to film yourself. It shoots with dual pixel autofocus that allows you to get cinematic smooth autofocus. (but in 4K, the camera shoots with hybrid autofocus, which is also great). Besides, when you are shooting in 4K, you will be getting a crop, so you need to consider a wide-angle.
Panasonic G7
The other excellent budget 4K camera is Panasonic G7 because it’s generally a mini Panasonic GH4. You can pick one at around $500. It’s got a flip-screen and a small portable body. You can use a lot of different Panasonic lenses with this camera. Autofocus on Panasonic is not that good as on Canon, but it’s a perfect option for sit-down videos, or you can always use manual focus.
Sony RX100
On the Sony side, take a look at Sony RX100. It is a little bit more expensive than previous cameras I’ve mentioned, but it shoots in 4k and also has a small body. It captures nice slow-motion videos. Sony RX 100 is also a good option for vlogging.
Conclusion
As you already know, a 4K camera allows you to take videos with a resolution of 3840 on 2160 pixels. It brings high-definition results, making the videos high-quality and realistic. When watching 4K video, you can distinguish the smallest details, which Full HD cameras often fail to provide. Pay attention to the details when you choose a new 4K camera. What 4K camera will you recommend? What are the cons and pros of 4K cameras? Tell us in the comment field below.
