4K is a term we hear a lot when people are describing video quality. It's even mentioned here where I describe my service. So what do we mean by 4K video?
We mean, resolution. Resolution is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. The more pixels, the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. For example, standard definition is the resolution of a standard DVD, and is 720 pixels by 480 (or 576) pixels. Standard definition is relatively low resolution, when compared with, for example, full high definition (HD), which is 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels.
This graphic compares relative image sizes with increasing resolution. DVD resolution, or standard definition (SD), appears as the smallest image size, the lowest quality. High definition (HD) appears as a larger image size, with full HD appearing larger still. Finally, 4K is a spectacular 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels.
4K resolution, is even greater than full HD at almost 4x the size. A 4K Ultra HD video frame is 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels. This substantial increase in resolution makes for a remarkable increase in image quality.
If you don't own a 4K television or computer screen, a 4K wedding video might seem excessive. However, even if video recorded in 4K is reduced down to standard definition (SD) to be presented on DVD, the final result is better than if the original footage were to have been recorded in SD. Recording in 4K not only improves video quality in almost every situation regardless of the method in which it is presented, but it is also a way of future-proofing your wedding video, as 4K displays become increasingly commonplace.
To finish off, I'm going to leave you with 3 reasons to opt for a 4K wedding videographer:
- Excellent resolution at 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels.
- 4K produces video with fine spatial detail.
- Retains higher quality when resolution is reduced for presentation on DVD.