Which image resolution do you choose for your camera?

The highest image resolution is 4K Cinema, and it consists of 4096x2160 pixels in total. This is the standard image quality in cinemas. That's why it's also known as 4K Cinema. The more pixels, the sharper the image. This allows you to see small details clearer, such as letters. As 4K resolution becomes more and more common in TVs, there are more and more cameras available to record in this quality. These include video cameras, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, and SLR cameras.

Because Ultra HD has 4 times more pixels than Full HD image quality, this resolution is also known as 4K. The image has 3840x2160 pixels. The difference between Ultra HD and 4K Cinema is that the horizontal row of pixels is less wide with Ultra HD. A disadvantage of 4K is that is takes up a lot of space, even if it's recorded with a low bit speed. On the other hand, you're ready to record razor-sharp images with Ultra HD/4K.

In Full HD, the images is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high. Full HD is more than 2 times sharper than HD. At the moment, Full HD is the most common image resolution for cameras. Action cameras usually record in Full HD, for example. The same applies to mirrorless cameras. So you can be sure that your screen supports the quality of your videos. Full HD is often indicated with 1080i and 1080p. Most screens have this image quality.

The maximum image resolution of HD Ready is lower than that of Full HD. HD ready consists of 1280x720 pixels. This resolution meets the minimum requirements of HD quality, which is why it's called HD Ready. As the image contains considerably less pixels than Full HD, the quality is visibly less high. This difference is clearly visible at a short distance or on a large screen. Mostly older cameras record in HD Ready.

The VGA image resolution is 640 pixels wide and 480 pixels high. This size is most common in children's cameras and webcams. Most digital cameras no longer use this outdated image resolution. The biggest advantage of VGA is the small file size, which allows you to take many photos that don't take up much space. The image only remains clear as a small print or when you view it online. It's not suitable for large prints.