Today, most people understand what we mean when we talk about "resolution": it's the total number of pixels available in a given image, either stills or motion, as a function of their x and y dimensions. The more pixels available in an image, the more detail is available to you as a content creator.
So, in a world where "bigger number equals 'better'", it can be tempting to create your video content at the highest resolution available to you. Surely, 1080P is worse than 4K which is worse than 8K, right?
Not necessarily.
When it comes to video content, the answer to the question "what's the best resolution for my video" isn't "bigger isn't always better." With the advent of easier access to high-resolution video cameras, it can be tempting to apply a one-size-fits-all model to the resolutions at which you film. For as little as $1,500 you can get a mirrorless camera that shoots 4K footage.
But this accessibility begs two questions: the first is "do I need to film in in the highest resolution available?" and the second is "do I need to export in the highest resolution available?" The answers to both questions are... it depends.
The bottom line is that there are several factors that are impacted by your choice of a production environment resolution and your export resolution. In this blog post, we'll review some basics of video resolutions, the benefits and drawbacks of three of the most common ones, and some tips for choosing the resolution that's right for your project.
Understanding Video Resolution Basics
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the dimensions of a video or image. It is usually expressed as width × height in pixels. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are used to display the image, resulting in greater detail and clarity. Common terms like 1080p, 4K, and 8K refer to different resolutions. For example, 1080p indicates a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, commonly known as Full HD, while 4K refers to 3840 × 2160 pixels, offering four times the pixel count of 1080p.
Common Resolutions:
720p: Known as HD (1280 × 720 pixels), this resolution is often used for smaller screens or streaming.
1080p: Full HD (1920 × 1080 pixels) is the standard for most TV broadcasts and online content.
4K: Ultra HD (3840 × 2160 pixels) provides enhanced detail and is popular in modern TVs and professional video production.
8K: With 7680 × 4320 pixels, 8K offers extreme clarity and is used for high-end displays and cinematic experiences.
We've exported four stills showcasing each of these resolutions. Click to expand and see the difference in detail. Note: most computer displays cannot support 8K, so there may be little visible difference between 4K and 8K on most monitors.
Aspect Ratios:
Aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between a video’s width and height. Common ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (traditional TV). Resolution and aspect ratio are interconnected; for instance, 1080p usually implies a 16:9 aspect ratio, but different aspect ratios can alter the resolution's effective dimensions.
What's the Best Resolution for My Video Project?
The purpose of your video influences the ideal resolution. For social media content, lower resolutions like 720p or 1080p are often sufficient, as these platforms focus on quick loading times and mobile viewing. They also compress the hell out of your video, so don't expect your crystal-clear high-resolution footage to look exactly like it did in your editing software. For TV broadcasts, 1080p is the standard, balancing quality and bandwidth. Cinematic productions and commercial videos often use 4K or 8K to deliver visuals suited for large screens in theaters or premium streaming services. On a large screen, 4K is actually noticeable. At a distance, most people won't be able to differentiate between 1080p and 4K on even the largest home televisions.
Budget and Resources:
Higher resolutions like 4K and 8K require better equipment, more storage, and longer processing times. Some computers can't even handle resolutions of that scale, requiring additional steps in your workflow, such as the creation of proxy files (lower-quality files you edit from and then replace when you are ready to export.) More than that, the higher quality the footage, the faster the hard drives you need to work with it, meaning you'll need to invest in expensive, faster drives: you can't just buy a cheap 2 TB drive for these kinds of projects.
Shooting in these resolutions demands cameras that can capture high-quality footage, along with ample storage and strong editing systems. For example, a recent project I completed that ended up running just short of four minutes created more than 500 GB of raw footage. That will burn through your storage more quickly than you think! Weigh the benefits of high resolution against your resources and project needs.
Post-Production Needs:
Resolution also affects post-production. For example, if your video requires cropping or stabilizing, shooting in a higher resolution offers more flexibility, allowing adjustments without losing quality. However, this also means longer rendering times and more computing power, impacting your project timeline and budget.
Future-Proofing:
Investing in higher resolutions can help future-proof your content. Shooting in 4K or 8K allows you to repurpose footage for future projects, adapting to new formats and display technology, ensuring your video assets remain valuable over time.
Pros and Cons of Different Resolutions
720p (HD):
Pros: Smaller files, faster processing, good for streaming.
Cons: Lower quality, less detail.
1080p (Full HD):
Pros: Good quality, widely supported, balanced file size.
Cons: Less detailed than 4K/8K, may not be future-proof.
4K (Ultra HD):
Pros: High detail, future-proof.
Cons: Large files, needs powerful hardware.
8K:
Pros: Highest detail, future-proof.
Cons: Massive files, few display options, high-end equipment needed.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Resolution
Assess Your Equipment:Check your camera’s resolution options, available storage, and whether your editing software can handle large files efficiently.
Know Your Audience:Consider who will watch your video and what quality they expect. Adjust resolution based on their likely viewing platform.
Think About Distribution:Different platforms have different resolution standards. YouTube, Instagram, and TV each have their own optimal settings.
Test Before Committing:Shoot in multiple resolutions to find what best suits your project’s goals and limitations.
Choosing the right resolution is crucial for achieving the desired video quality while managing file size and processing demands. It affects how your content appears on different screens and platforms. Align your resolution choice with your budget, project goals, and viewing platform. Consider factors like storage, editing capabilities, and the intended audience’s experience to find the optimal balance.
Share your own experiences with video resolution or ask any questions in the comments. If you need support with video production or resolution choices, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!
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