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animationlife
Legend
April 2, 2018
Answered

4K To: 1080, 720, 480

  • April 2, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 2018 views

Hello Everyone.

I have a question please:

Let say for example, I am shooting a video, and I am sure that the Client Is going to watch this Video with their I phone, Samsung, or any other Mobile Device Only.

Dose It make any Different to Shoot at 4k In the Beginning, or Just shoot in 1080. Also, I did some test by Exporting To: You tube 720P, and also, Mobile Device 480 SD Wide, and uploaded to Dropbox. Honestly, when I watched the video with my I phone, I could not see any different. The only different was that Mobile Device 480 Loaded much faster without any Streaming.

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer SAFEHARBOR11

    As noted already, shooting in 4K can certainly provide a great deal of leverage for editing, as it allows you to "zoom in" or reframe things which can in some cases be very helpful. But maybe you are framing and shooting clean and will have no need to do so.

    Assuming you have no need/intention of ever wanting to deliver as 4K, consider these things:

    • 4K files require more storage, both in camera and in edit system
    • 4K files require a faster computer for smooth playback and editing, will take longer to render/convert to HD delivery format.

    Depending on the camera used, if you only "need" HD delivery, the camera might provide better quality in HD mode. For example, the Sony X70 camera records HD as 10-bit 4:2:2 at 50mbps, while 4K uses 8-bit 4:2:0 color at 100mbps. So if you only intend to deliver at HD resolution or less, then the 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is actually superior quality with more color data and less compression! Some might argue that when downscaling 4K to HD it may be possible to recoup more color info...that's debatable.

    While I don't disagree with Jim that 4K acquisition provides the best possible quality regarding resolution, future-proofing, and offering reframing options, it may not be ideal for everyone depending on what they are creating and delivering. An all-HD workflow may be perfect for some projects and not for others.

    Thanks

    Jeff Pulera

    3 replies

    M
    Meg The Dog
    Inspiring
    April 2, 2018

    If you use a hosting service like Vimeo, this will be done automatically for you - upload a high quality file, Vimeo will create multiple file size versions automatically. When Vimeo gets a request for playback, it will send the appropriate file for the device requesting it and the quality of the internet connection that device has.

    MtD

      E
      excited_Genie16B8
      Legend
      April 2, 2018

      You can always downscale, so my preference is to shoot at the best possible quality.

        S
        SAFEHARBOR11Correct answer
        Participating Frequently
        April 2, 2018

        As noted already, shooting in 4K can certainly provide a great deal of leverage for editing, as it allows you to "zoom in" or reframe things which can in some cases be very helpful. But maybe you are framing and shooting clean and will have no need to do so.

        Assuming you have no need/intention of ever wanting to deliver as 4K, consider these things:

        • 4K files require more storage, both in camera and in edit system
        • 4K files require a faster computer for smooth playback and editing, will take longer to render/convert to HD delivery format.

        Depending on the camera used, if you only "need" HD delivery, the camera might provide better quality in HD mode. For example, the Sony X70 camera records HD as 10-bit 4:2:2 at 50mbps, while 4K uses 8-bit 4:2:0 color at 100mbps. So if you only intend to deliver at HD resolution or less, then the 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is actually superior quality with more color data and less compression! Some might argue that when downscaling 4K to HD it may be possible to recoup more color info...that's debatable.

        While I don't disagree with Jim that 4K acquisition provides the best possible quality regarding resolution, future-proofing, and offering reframing options, it may not be ideal for everyone depending on what they are creating and delivering. An all-HD workflow may be perfect for some projects and not for others.

        Thanks

        Jeff Pulera

          E
          excited_Genie16B8
          Legend
          September 11, 2018

          Hello Everyone.

          UPDATED:

          After shooting many Videos, I realized that when I am shooting, using: 1080 HD, XAVC HD 422 10-bit, The video quality looked much better than shooting, with 4k XAVC QFHD 420 8-bit.

          But, If I am shooting 4K. I have the benefit of Zoom-In, or Reframing.

          Thanks.


          The ideal is to only buy cameras that offer 10 bit 4:2:2 (or better) at all resolutions.  The Panasonic GH5s and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K are good examples.

            R Neil Haugen
            R Neil Haugen
            Legend
            April 2, 2018

            If you're never going to export a 4k deliverable, the only reason to shoot in 4k is to be able to crop & zoom in post a bit more, which can be useful. I know quite a few people that shoot 4k planning on editing on a 1080 sequence. And deliver of course 1080 or smaller.

            But ... typical 4k files are bigger, so ... your choice. Save space initially, or have a bit more flexibility in post.

            Neil

            Everyone's mileage always varies ...
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