Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up a video image, expressed as width by height. Common resolutions include 1920x1080 (Full HD or 1080p), 3840x2160 (4K UHD), and 1280x720 (HD or 720p). Higher resolution means more pixels and therefore more potential detail, but also requires more storage space, processing power, and bandwidth. The appropriate resolution depends on viewing distance, screen size, delivery platform requirements, and production budget.

Choosing resolution for a project involves practical trade-offs. Shooting a corporate training video that will primarily be viewed in small windows on laptops, 1080p is sufficient and keeps file sizes manageable. For a cinematic short film intended for festival screenings on large displays, shooting in 4K provides detail that rewards big-screen viewing and allows reframing in post. For social media content viewed on phones, vertical 1080x1920 might be ideal. Each platform has specific upload recommendations that affect how video is processed and displayed.