Super High Definition, or 8K resolution (also known as SHD), is a video format that has a resolution of 768×4320 pixels. 8K resolution is four times that of 4K (3840×2160), and sixteen times Full HD (1920×1080). 8K videos or displays have 16 times more pixels than Full HD videos or displays.
Its high resolution and detail make it ideal for large-screen displays or applications that require high quality images. For example, 8K is used for professional video production as well as high-end display systems and home theaters.
Comparatively, 8K resolution offers a more immersive experience than HD or 4K. While 4K is the current standard in high definition video, the 8K resolution provides even more clarity and detail.
Why Film in 8K?
Videographers want to ensure that their content is future-proofed by filming in 8K. Filming in 8K is a great way to ensure that your content will remain current and high-quality.
The 8K resolution also allows for greater flexibility in cropping or zooming into a scene. This is because the higher resolution retains more detail even when cropped.
The 8K sample is downsampled to 4K
Downsampling reduces the resolution of an video or image, usually by averaging pixels or discarding them. If you want to watch an 8K movie on a display that supports 4K, you can reduce the resolution to 4K by either averaging pixels or discarding them.
You can use this if your goal is to reduce the size of a video that’s 8K or to show it on a device which doesn’t support 8K.
Cropping into 8K video
You can use 8K resolution to film a scene and then crop into it to give it a cinematic feel. If you want to film a wide landscape shot, you can shoot in 8K, and then crop into a specific area of the scene to create a closer shot. You can do this in post-production with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
8K still frames
You can also extract high-quality still frames from an 8K video. It can be helpful if you need to create multiple images from one video or you just want to use a single frame. You can extract frames from 8K videos using video editing software, or by using a frame extraction tool. The images that result will have a high resolution, and retain much of 8K video’s clarity and detail.
Who uses 8K?
It is used for professional video production, high-end home theatres and 8K content. It is possible to film in 8K resolution for future proofing, cropping and zooming into a scene. You can also extract high-quality still frames from an 8K video.
The disadvantages of 8K
As we’ve already discussed, filming at 8K resolution can offer several benefits. These include higher image quality, lifelike and detailed images, as well as the ability to crop or reframe without losing any detail. 8K resolution allows for larger screens and higher frame rates which are useful for action sequences and special effects.
There are also some downsides when it comes to filming 8K. The cost and complexity required to capture 8K footage and process it are two of the biggest drawbacks. The cost of 8K cameras, storage media and computer hardware can be higher than for lower resolution cameras.
A second potential disadvantage is the limited number of displays that can display 8K content. Although 8K monitors and TVs are becoming more popular, they remain relatively expensive and rare. The vast majority of viewers won’t be able fully appreciate the higher resolution. It can be difficult to justify the extra cost and effort required for 8K filming.
It is also important to determine if the benefits of an 8K resolution will be necessary for your project. In some cases, 4K resolution is sufficient and 8K’s added complexity and cost may not be worth it.
The decision to shoot in 8K will ultimately be determined by the needs and goals of a project as well as available budget and resources.