5 reasons when shooting in 4k resolution is worthwhile
As long as the films produced are “only” shown in HD quality at the trade fair, in the showroom or on YouTube, the legitimate question arises as to whether shooting in 4k resolution is worthwhile at all.
The performance demands on the technology in post-production and the handling of higher data volumes are a not inconsiderable time factor.
4k monitors or even 4k projectors are also the exception rather than the rule in video presentations.
In certain cases, however, the additional expense of shooting in 4k is worthwhile, even if it is “only” shown in Full HD:
1. large screen projection for events:
The sharpness impression of a movie shot in 4k is significantly higher than one shot in 2k, even if it is only presented in 2k. Downscaling 4k material to Full HD is always worthwhile if the film can be shown on a large monitor. For example at a trade fair. The images look even more realistic, more spatial and more impressive.
The subject of the shot determines whether this effect is achieved and whether it is desirable at all:
- When shooting product details or people with an open aperture and shallow depth of field, the higher shutter speed does not come into play.
- In aerial shots, landscapes and architectural subjects, and in wide-angle shots in general, the higher level of detail is immediately apparent. The resolution advantage is most visible with a high level of image detail.
2nd interview, testimonial
The 4k material offers 100% more resolution reserves for subsequent enlargements (reframing).
This is particularly advantageous in interview situations.
The statements may have to be shortened in the edit or a jump to the person may be required for dramaturgical reasons.
The option to jump to the person saves the second camera, which is often used for such cases.
Production time is also saved during filming if the protagonist does not have to do an additional take for a second cut-out variant when speaking into the camera in order to have editing material in post-production.
This is extremely valuable for time-critical and non-repeatable shoots.
3. chromakeying:
The much finer resolution of the 4k format leads to significantly more image information when chromakeying.
Greater detail in hair, for example, leads to visibly better and more realistic image results.
No wonder, really, as the source material is four times as large.
The extra effort in post-production is definitely justified.
The following example shows a comparison of material shot in front of a green screen in 2k and in 4k:
4. creative freedom:
With 4k material, you gain considerable freedom for the subsequent determination of the image section, or if you want to insert additional image elements such as text in post-production.
5. error correction
Shots with unintentional vignetting due to filters or sun visors, skewed horizons, monitors that do not display the image section correctly, etc. can be saved in most cases by enlarging the section. Shaky freehand shots can be “calmed down” by subsequent software-based image stabilization. This is always at the expense of the image detail, and 4k source material has a clear advantage here. This also applies to architectural shots with image distortion caused by ultra-wide-angle lenses. In post-production, such distortions can be removed and even the falling lines of buildings can be corrected.
Conclusion:
Once you get used to 4k resolution, you can’t really get away from it. Even if the output format is only Full HD, shooting for large image presentations at trade fairs, for landscape and architectural shots, is extremely useful. Especially when chromakeying, the extra work involved in post-production is always justified. I would no longer do a green screen shoot in 2k if it is at all possible.
For Pixel Peeper:
The terms 4k and 2k are used by me as a simplified collective term.
4k means a resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels (Cinema-4k) or 3840 x 2160 pixels (Ultra High Definition)
2k means 2048 x 1080 Px (Digital Cinema Initiatives) or 1920 x 1080 Px (Full High Definition)
