4K Video Recording Cameras
4K Ultra High Definition represents the next stage in the evolution of moving video image quality.
Most of us are familiar with the Full HD TV standard, which offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Hi-Def TVs and HD TV channels are commonplace. However the new 4K video recording format offers four times as much detail - an staggering 3840 x 2160 resolution. When it comes to image quality the 4K video format offers a quantum leap over what’s gone before.
The Panasonic Lumix G DMC-GH4 is the world’s first compact system camera able to record Ultra HD video, allowing everyone to shoot moving images of breathtaking fine detail and texture. This stunning image quality is ideally played back on a 4K UHD Panasonic TV, such as the AX802 series. Simply pop the card into the TV’s SD card slot and follow the onscreen prompts to browse and play your video recordings.
The technical specification for this outstanding camera is groundbreaking: photographers have the option of recording 4K video in 24Hz cinema mode or 50HZ 25p/ 59.94Hz 30p modes, at a bit rate of 100Mbps. While 3840 x 2160 is the standard 4K camera resolution, the best 4K cameras can record professional grade 4096 x 2160 4K resolution (the same as that used in digital cinemas) with 4:2:0 8bit colour depth too for in camera recording and 4:2:2 10bit colour depth via the DMW-YAGH interface unit. For the widest compatibility, 4K video cameras can record in MOV and MP4 formats. This makes the Panasonic DMC-GH4 a perfect compact field camera for enthusiasts and professional film-makers alike. It literally has the 4K video recording capabilities to suit every kind of video production.
A 32GB Class 10 SD card is required for 4K video recordings. It needs to have a read speed of 95mb and a write speed of 45mb. Playback options include a direct connection from the camera to a 4K TV via a micro HDMI lead, direct SD card playback or file playback from a network storage device or USB. The image quality available from a 4K video recording is extraordinary; everything from skin textures to landscapes appears more detailed and lifelike.
To further aid professional video makers, Panasonic has an optional attachable interface unit, the DMW-YAGH, for its camera. This offers HDMI and an HD-SDI video output for use with 4K capable professional video edit suites, along with XLR audio connections.
4K isn’t just helpful for videographers though; there’s another important benefit to recording subjects in 4K video. Photographers can actually extract an 8MP image from a single frame of the recorded video stream. For certain subjects this can be transformational. For example, when photographing pets or children it can be a challenge to be in the right place to get that perfect shot. However if you video your subjects in 4K, then the chances of capturing that fleeting magic moment are significantly higher. Once a sequence has been recorded you can pull an 8MP image directly from the camera recording. Needless to say, this opens up all manner of possibilities for creative photographers.
