The 4K Video Evolution Picks Up Steam

The 4K Video Evolution Picks Up Steam

As more advanced 4K cameras, camcorders and action cams hit the market, UHD 4K video recording is becoming a must-have feature for savvy shooters.

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More pros and serious enthusiasts are now enthusiastically embracing video. And ultrahigh-resolution 4K—long hailed as the coming video standard—is now really starting to take over. For many consumers, Full HD 1080p video is no longer enough, and one of the hallmarks of a state-of-the-art DSLR, mirrorless camera or action cam is 4K recording capability.

Significantly, many of the latest entries provide 4K video capture at 30 and even 60 frames per second (fps). They now deliver far superior, more viewable 4K video than the 15-fps spec common on some previous 4K cameras and action cams.

The benefits of 4K capture—greater detail and a more immersive experience—can be seen even when a 4K video is output in Full HD 1080p. However, you really have to view the unmodified original on a 4K device to experience the spectacular image quality, virtual lack of distortion and brilliance possible with UHD 4K.

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Full HD vs. UHD: The difference is in the details. Photo: ViewSonic

The good news is that the prices of 4K-compatible TVs and video projectors continue to edge downward. Not too long ago a 4K TV could set you back $5K or more. You can now purchase a 40-inch 4K TV for just under $750. But to really appreciate the 4K difference, consumers will probably want to opt for a 65-inch model selling in the $1,200–$1,700 range.

4K video delivers roughly four times the resolution of Full HD 1,920×1080 video. The 4K format used in most cameras recording in the 16:9 HD aspect ratio does not actually provide a resolution of 4,000 pixels measured horizontally—the nominal definition of 4K. It is technically UHD (Ultra High Definition), which provides a resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels, or a total of around 8.3M pixels. However, that is certainly sufficient to deliver spectacular image quality that will blow Full HD 1080p out of the water, even if it’s not quite the equivalent of the 4,096×2,160-pixel (4:3) DCI 4K format used in digital film production.

4K Pro & Cons

While 4K is clearly destined to be the video resolution standard going forward and to remain so for quite awhile, here are some pros and cons to consider when explaining the advantages and limitations of 4K video to your customers.

4K Pros
1. 4K video captures a greater number of pixels, resulting in greater detail and sharper images. This is true even when reduced to Full HD 1080p for more convenient sharing and presentation.
2. 4K video is essentially a “future proof” system. In other words, if you shoot a project in 4K now and convert it to HD for viewing on your present system, you can always reexport it from the source files to deliver superior 4K video in the future.
3. Since 4K video files capture more information, there are more pixels to work with in postproduction. This enhances the flexibility of adding digital effects seamlessly or reframing and editing a shot without any noticeable loss in image quality.

4K Cons
1. 4K image files contain more data and require more storage space. Consumers may, therefore, have to increase the storage space on their computers or purchase an additional external hard drive.
2. 4K video files require more processing time and/or faster processing systems and may bog down a user’s present system, even if it was adequate for Full HD video. The good news is that most current editing software provides 4K support and late-model computers impose fewer workflow constraints.
3. It’s still necessary to spring for a large-screen 4K TV, monitor or projector to view videos shot in 4K, to get the most out of them. However, as mentioned, availability of these items is increasing and prices are generally coming down.

It’s also worth noting that an increasing number of outfits like Netflix and Sony are now offering more first-rate, prerecorded 4K content.

To give dealers an overview of what’s out there now in 4K Land, here’s a concise selection of current cameras, camcorders and action cams with cutting-edge video capability.

4K DSLRs: The Latest High-Tech Models

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Nikon D500

Nikon D500. A big hit at CES 2016, Nikon’s impressive, prosumer DX-format DSLR delivers 4K UHD (3,840×2,160) video recording at 30/25/24 fps. It uses a 20.9 megapixel CMOS sensor coupled to an advanced Expeed 5 image processor. Other key features include: a 3.2-inch, 2,359K-dot, tilting LCD touch screen; native ISO settings to 5,1200, expandable from 50 to 1,640,000; a full-res burst rate of 10 fps; a Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module with 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors; and SnapBridge with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. $1,999.95.*

Note: The new, full-frame flagship Nikon D5 DSLR also provides 4K UHD video capability. It has a more robust body build, many of the same features, a 12-fps burst rate, plus a top ISO setting of 3,280,000! With XQD card, $6,499.95. nikonusa.com

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. The brand-new, top-of-the-line, 20.2MP, full-frame pro DSLR can capture full broadcast DCI 4K (4,096×2,160) video at up to 60 fps plus a true 24 fps in all modes. It also records Full HD 1080p at up to 120 fps. 4K recording uses a sensor crop (26.9×14.2mm) to capture video with a perfect 1:1 sampling rate to eliminate artifacts and aliasing. Shooters can also grab 8.8MP still images from videos. Other key features include: an ISO range of 50–409,600; a maximum burst rate of 14 fps with full-time AE and AF; a 61-point High Density Reticular AF II system with 41 cross-type sensors; a 360,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor; dual Digic 6+ processors with a dedicated Digic 6 processor to run operations; a 3.2-inch, 1.62M-dot, touch-panel LCD; and CFast/CF slots. $5,999. usa.canon.com

4K Mirrorless Cameras for Enthusiasts and Pros

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Sony Alpha α6300

Sony Alpha a6300. It’s the spitting image of its successful predecessor, the a6000, which continues in the line. But this 24.2MP, APS-C-format camera with a CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor offers a lot more for video shooters. It records UHD 4K video at 30/24 fps and 1080p video at up to 120 fps. It also offers pro video functions like an enhanced Zebra function, S-Log gamma for wide dynamic range and S-Gamut for a wider color space. Other features include: full-res RAW bursts of 11 fps; a 4D focus system that combines 425 wide-area, phase-detection points with 169 contrast-detection points; ISO settings up to 51,200; a 2,359K-dot OLED EVF; a 3-inch, 921,6K-dot, tilting LCD monitor; and Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity. $1,000.

Note: Sony also offers the Alpha 7S II. The full-frame, 12.2MP, mirrorless camera records UHD 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD 1080p at 120 fps. It offers the ability to use S-Log3 Gamma and S-Gamut3 to enhance 4K video recording, and it provides a top ISO of 409,600. $2,999.99. sony.com

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. Panasonic offers a selection of 4K-capable Lumix cameras, both mirrorless system cameras like the pro GH4 and compact P&S models such as the FZ3000. We’re highlighting the sleek GX8 Micro Four Thirds camera here. It employs a 20.3MP Live MOS sensor coupled to an advanced Venus engine image processor and records UHD 4K video at 30 or 24 fps, as well as Full HD 1080p. Its Panasonic 4K Photo technology uses 30-fps 4K Ultra HD video to extract 8MP still photos. The splashproof camera also captures full-res stills at 10 fps with AF-S. Other key features include: a dual image stabilization system combining in-camera and in-lens IS for shake free movies and stills; ISO settings to 25,600; a tilting 2,360K-dot, 0.77x, OLED live viewfinder; a 1,040K-dot, swiveling OLED monitor; and Wi-Fi capability. $1,099.99. panasonic.com

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Leica SL

Leica SL. This robust, aluminum-bodied, full-frame, 24MP Type 601 camera is clearly aimed at pros. It provides full broadcast-quality DCI 4K (4,096×2,160) video recording at 24 fps in Super35 mode with L-Log gamma to maximize dynamic range. It also records UHD 4K video (3,840×2,160) at 30 and 25 fps, and Full HD at up to 120 fps for slow motion movies. It can deliver a full-res burst rate of up to 11 fps and provides a 2GB buffer, enabling bursts of up to 33 DNG (RAW) files or unlimited JPEGs. Other key features include: a Maestro II image processor; a 4.4MP ultrahigh-res, 0.8x magnification EVF; a 2.95-inch, 1.04M-dot touch-screen LCD; ultrafast, contrast-detection AF; Wi-Fi; and weatherproof construction. $7,450. us.leica-camera.com

4K Action Cams

GoPro Hero4 Black
GoPro Hero4 Black

GoPro Hero4 Black. The flagship of the iconic Hero action cam line captures 4K UHD (3,840×2,160) video at 30, 25 and 24 fps, as well as 2.7K (2,704×1,520) and Full HD video at various frame rates. It also records HD 720p video at up to 240 fps for super slow motion movies. It can shoot 12MP stills at burst rates of up to 30 fps. Its ultrawide-angle glass lens provides a SuperView option, and its camera housing is waterproof down to 131 feet. Other features include: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; video and photo time-lapse modes, including night lapse; multishot mode; a Protune mode for manual control of white balance, color, ISO, sharpness, shutter and exposure values; one-button operation with QuickCapture; and auto low light mode. $499.99. gopro.com

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Sony FDR-X1000V

Sony FDR-X1000V. Packing a remarkable level of performance into an ultracompact unit, this splashproof action cam captures UHD 4K (3,840×2,160) video at 30 fps, as well as 1080p, 720p and 480p video. It also records at 120p in Full HD and 240p in HD for slow-motion footage. Updated Sony Action Cam SteadyShot technology adds electronic IS that’s three times more effective at suppressing motor vibration. This means users can capture vibration-free aerial footage using drones. And its f/2.8 Zeiss Tessar lens covers an ultrawide, 170º field of view. Other features include: 8.8MP photo capture with burst/interval modes; video recording in XACV S and MP4 (H.264) formats; Wi-Fi; an Exmor R CMOS sensor coupled to a Bionz X processor; and a range of manual exposure settings. Its included housing is waterproof to 33 feet. $499.99. sony.com

4K Camcorders

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Canon XC10

Canon XC10. Providing pro-caliber video performance and features, the XC10 couples a 1-inch CMOS sensor (8.29MP for video, 12MP for stills) with an advanced Digic DV 5 processor. The duo provides UHD 4K video capture at 30 and 24 fps in H.264 compression and Full HD at various frame rates, packed in the widely supported MXF wrapper. Bit rates of 35 and 50 Mbps are available for 1080i/p recording and 205 and 305 Mbps in 4K, depending on framing rate. Its wide-angle, f/2.8 Canon 4K video lens delivers 10x optical zoom and equivalent ranges of 27.3–273mm for video and 24.1–241mm in 4:3 photo mode. Other features include: 4K frame grab that extracts 8.3MP photos from 4K video; Canon Log Gamma for a 12-stop dynamic range; built-in OIS; ISO 160–20,000; a 3-inch LCD; Wi-Fi; SLR-style lens operation; and included 64GB CFast 2.0 card and reader. $2,499. usa.canon.com

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Sony FDR-AX100

Sony FDR-AX100. This portable camcorder boasts a foldout, 3.5-inch LCD and wide-view, 0.39-inch, 1,440K-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF. It records UHD 4K video at 24 and 30 fps and Full HD 1080p in XAVC S or AVCHD formats at the same time as it records web-optimized MP4 video. It can also capture 10.6MP photos. Its 1-inch, 14.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor is coupled to a Bionz X processor. A 29mm, wide-angle Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens covers a 12x optical zoom range and has an 18x clear image digital zoom function (in 4K). Other features include: Optical SteadyShot IS with active mode to provide three-way shake canceling plus electronic roll stability; built-in ND filters; Wi-Fi/NFC to enable seamless file transfer; and an included RMT-835 remote commander. A lens ring enables smooth adjustment of focusing or zooming depending on which mode is select via a convenient button. $1,699.99. sony.com

*All prices are body only unless otherwise specified.

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