Presentation Archives - SmartFrame

Framing the Future this Earth Day with Minden Pictures

Liam Machin — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:30:32 +0000

To celebrate Earth Day, what better way to highlight the most pressing environmental issues than by showcasing the reality through the work of wildlife and nature experts Minden Pictures?

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a yearly occasion established to support and enhance awareness of protecting our environment.

The first Earth Day took place on April 22nd, 1970 in the US. Since then, it has grown into a global event, with more than one billion people around the world participating each year.

2024’s edition focuses on raising awareness around the risks of continuing the use of plastics on our environment, especially single-use plastics.

Earth Day’s objective is to have a total reduction of 60% of all plastics by 2040.

The organizers are also lobbying for tougher support around plastic production regulations – and a pledge to end plastic pollution, with support from more than 175 countries, is set to be implemented later this year.

The organization also demands an end to fast fashion. This relatively new craze involves the rapid production of low-quality clothing to follow industry trends, and this is typically sold at a very low price.

Fast fashion has been proven to be drastically harmful from both environmental and ethical standpoints; many of these clothes are discarded after minimal wear and workers are often poorly paid.

Despite this, there are some alarming predictions of rapid growth ahead, with the total value of fast fashion expected to rise from $103.2bn in 2022 to $291.1bn by 2032.

To create a more sustainable future, they argue that, as a society, we should be more aware of the impacts of our choices. Like most things in life, small changes on a large scale can lead to significant impact.

The impact of pollution on our environment and wildlife

We asked Larry Minden, founder of Minden Pictures, to curate some photos from his team’s collection that highlight the impact of our plastic usage on the environment and wildlife.

In pictures: The beauty of nature

It’s important to remember that our world is not only our home but also the home of hundreds of thousands of species. It’s estimated that around one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction due to climate change.

Here are just a few photos that show the beauty of nature and remind us why we must all do our bit to help combat pollution and climate change.

How to get involved with Earth Day

There are many ways to get involved with Earth Day, with numerous local events and activities.

Apple has also announced that it will allow anyone to recycle their old or damaged Apple devices for free via the company’s recycling partners.

But, perhaps the most exciting campaign we’ve seen comes courtesy of Disney+ and National Geographic: subscribers of the former can enter a competition to win a free cruise to the Galápagos Islands alongside highly respected naturalists, biologists, and photographers.

The post Framing the Future this Earth Day with Minden Pictures appeared first on SmartFrame.

Sports photography: Why is sports imagery so effective for advertisers?

Liam Machin — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 13:16:21 +0000

Sports photographers are among the best at capturing fleeting moments. But what exactly makes a good sports image? And why is it so important in the new age of digital advertising?

Capturing the greatest sporting moments in a way that authentically conveys the emotions of the time is no small task. A skill sometimes overlooked by the average person, sports photography can drastically elevate the telling of a story.

From the resolute Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Summer Olympics to the joyful Usain Bolt crossing the finish line in 2016, every sport has its own catalog of extraordinary moments. The true essence of these moments is preserved in history thanks to the quick reflexes of those with cameras.

Some might argue that with the advancement of digital video technology, sports photography has lost its ‘spark’. Yet the art of good photography still has its place. Research from NNG shows that users spent 10% more time on a page looking at pictures of people than they did reading the content associated with the images.

Why is sports imagery good for in-image advertising?

Sport has the unique power to resonate with audiences and bring out the strongest of emotions. Imagery that taps into that passion, dedication, and aspirations that many people associate with sports creates a powerful connection with viewers, especially fans.

By combining high-quality photography, in-image advertising, and contextual targeting, advertisers can leverage sports photography to create a win-win situation. Brands can effectively engage their audience without negatively affecting the user experience, eliminating bothersome pop-up ads in the process.

As the advertising industry moves towards a cookie-less world, sports imagery holds big potential for contextual targeting due to the detailed metadata associated with it.

What is metadata used for?

Metadata plays a crucial role in organizing and categorizing any type of imagery. It includes relevant information such as the event, location, date, and the athletes involved in the photograph.

This metadata not only helps photographers and agencies manage their extensive collections of sports photos but also enables easy search and retrieval of specific images based on various criteria.

By organizing and attaching descriptive metadata to each image, sports photographers and agencies can streamline their workflows, enhance discoverability, and ensure the accurate representation and attribution of their work.

What are the benefits of detailed metadata?

Comprehensive metadata can help advertisers target campaigns based on specific sports, athletes, or events. Relevant sporting contexts can enhance the impact of messaging and engage the desired audience which, in turn, allows advertisers to reach their target audience with more precision.

The detailed metadata associated with sports imagery not only streamlines workflows and ensures accurate representation and attribution but also opens up opportunities for advertisers to deliver highly targeted and contextually relevant campaigns that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

Furthermore, metadata allows advertisers to carefully curate and select images that align with their brand values and guidelines. This level of security helps mitigate the risk of associating their brand with inappropriate or controversial content.

Brands can use metadata to filter out images that may not be suitable for their target audience or that could potentially harm their brand reputation.

With metadata as a tool for brand safety, advertisers can confidently deliver their messages in a contextually appropriate way and safeguard their brand’s messaging.

Why are sports campaigns effective for contextual targeting and ad campaigns?

Sports images are ideal for contextual targeting because they often depict a specific sport or activity, and the content within the image can provide valuable context for advertisers looking to target a specific audience.

For example, an image of a football game can signal to an advertiser that the audience is likely interested in football, and the advertiser can use this information to serve ads related to football equipment, sports drinks, or other relevant products or services.

Sports images have the unique ability to stir up powerful emotions in audiences. This emotional connection enhances the memorability of the image and boosts the chances of viewers engaging with advertisements that are relevant to the content within the picture.

With the fast-paced nature of sports news, publishers with fewer, higher-quality ads will see better overall site and campaign performance. Fewer ads mean faster loading times and less annoying pop-ups mean more trust in the ads being shown.

What makes a good sports photo?

Capturing a great sports photo extends beyond mere timing and athleticism; while anyone can attempt it, professional sports photographers are sought after for a reason.

It’s no easy task to capture the emotions, intensity, and drama of a game within a single frame but a great sports photographer knows how to use his tools and the timing required to capture the pure essence of the moment.

Composition, lighting, and timing are crucial elements that contribute to the visual impact of a sports photograph, and having the best equipment available will help too. Still, ultimately it comes down to the eye of the photographer.

Having the ability to freeze a split-second moment that captures the spirit of competition and the raw emotions of athletes is what sets apart a remarkable sports photo from a mundane one.

The post Sports photography: Why is sports imagery so effective for advertisers? appeared first on SmartFrame.

James Webb Space Telescope images get SmartFrame’s Hyper Zoom treatment

Matt Golowczynski — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:43:04 +0000

Fancy zooming into a stunning 511MP – yes, 511MP – image? SmartFrame’s Hyper Zoom feature makes this a reality.

Hyper Zoom is one of SmartFrame’s most popular features, allowing users to dive right into the finest details in images.

It’s particularly powerful when used with ultra-high-resolution images – and it’s hard to think of a more impressive selection to zoom into than the cosmic captures below.

Scroll down to view a selection of images released by NASA from the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope, which have been converted into SmartFrame images to make their details easy to scrutinize.

Just click on the image to zoom into it and keep clicking on it to bring you further into the frame. For an even more immersive experience, use this with the full-screen feature, which can be accessed on each image through the button in the top-right-hand corner of the frame.

What is the James Webb Space Telescope?

The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared observatory that orbits the sun. The optical telescope is the largest of its kind in space.

It was launched into space towards the end of 2021 and its first images – including the ones shown below – were released in July of last year.

While its capabilities regarding wavelength coverage and sensitivity easily outgun the existing Hubble Space Telescope, and allow it to produce larger and more detailed images, it is designed to complement rather than replace the Hubble Space Telescope.

The stated mission goals for the James Webb Space Telescope are:

to search for the first galaxies or luminous objects formed after the Big Bang

to determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now

to observe the formation of stars from the first stages to the formation of planetary systems

to measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems, including our own Solar System, and investigate the potential for life in those systems

Stephan’s Quintet – James Webb Space Telescope

Stephan’s Quintet is a visual grouping of five galaxies dubbed the Hickson Compact Group 92 (HCG 92).

In this image, the most visible of these galaxies is NGC 7320, which lies around 40 million light-years from Earth.

The other four – NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, and NGC 7319 – are around 290 million light-years away.

With a width of 12,654 pixels and a height of 12,132 pixels – and made up of almost 1,000 individual images – this image tops out at just over 153.5MP.

Tarantula Nebula – NIRCam Image – James Webb Space Telescope

The Tarantula Nebula star-forming region is the largest and brightest star-forming region in the Local Group – that is, the galaxies nearest to our Milky Way.

It was captured using the James Webb Space Telescope Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam), which is said to detect light from the earliest stars and galaxies in the process of formation.

This image, which measures 340 light-years across, includes tens of thousands of young stars that had not been previously seen. It measures 14,557 x 8,418 pixels, which equates to a total resolution of just over 122.5MP.

Carina Nebula – James Webb Space Telescope

The above image shows the edge of a giant, gaseous cavity within NGC 3324, an open cluster in the constellation Carina, located around 7,600 light-years away from Earth.

This was captured using both James Webb Space Telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera and Mid-Infrared Instrument, the former revealing “hundreds of previously hidden stars, and even numerous background galaxies.”

The image measures 14,575 x 8,441 pixels, which gives it a total resolution of just over 123MP.

Andromeda Galaxy – Hubble Space Telescope

You can consider the above to be a warm-up for this – the largest image of the Andromeda Galaxy to date.

Released back in 2015, this was captured with the Hubble Space Telescope rather than the newer James Webb Space Telescope.

It’s a crop of the full composite image, the largest Hubble Space Telescope image released to date, which comprises separate 7,398 exposures and has 1.5 billion pixels in total.

The post James Webb Space Telescope images get SmartFrame’s Hyper Zoom treatment appeared first on SmartFrame.

Negative body image: Should retouched images be labeled as such?

Peter Townshend — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:43:45 +0000

A recent paper reported clear links between negative body image and retouched digital images in advertising and on social media. So is labeling retouched images the answer?

On August 2, 2022, the UK’s Health & Social Care Committee published a report that focused on the impact of body image on mental and physical health.

The report had some alarming findings – and, unsurprisingly, found that retouched digital images were recognized as a driver of negative body image. Here, we look at the broader findings of the report, the recommendations it makes, the role played by digital images in particular, and the ways in which the issue could be mitigated.

What is negative body image?

Negative body image refers to a person’s dissatisfaction with the way their body looks. This could be down to its size, for example, its shape, or its general appearance.

Looking in the mirror and feeling like you could lose a few pounds may be dismissed as a harmless passing thought by many. But in such a hyper-connected world that is dominated by unregulated digital media, negative body image has the potential to develop into a more serious issue.

For example, it has been linked to damaging physical and mental disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression.

What were the findings of the report?

The Health & Social Care Committee’s paper reported a number of concerning statistics around body image and mental health.

A 2019 study by the Mental Health Foundation, for example, found that 20% of adults felt shame, 34% felt down or low, and 19% felt disgusted by their body image at some point in the preceding year. The same study found that 13% of adults felt suicidal thoughts as a result of negative body image.

Furthermore, it was found that 21% of adults cited images used in advertising as a cause of negative body image, while 40% of teenagers said their body image issues were caused by images on social media.

In this article, our main focus is on sections 61-63 of the report, which concentrate on the potential link between negative body image and retouched digital images used in advertising and social media. The report states:

“We believe that more needs to be done in regard to the regulation of digitally altered images for advertising and social media use. We heard evidence about the potential harm from online content that promotes an idealized, often doctored and unrealistic, body image and the link to developing low self-esteem and related mental health conditions.”

The report goes on to recommend that specific action is taken, calling for new research into the impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction. It emphasizes the need to better equip new generations with skills such as critical thinking and image appraisal that can help them recognize when an image has been retouched.

It also calls for the clear labeling of retouched commercial images. “We believe the Government should introduce legislation that ensures commercial images are labeled with a logo where any part of the body,” it says, “including its proportions and skin tone, are digitally altered.”

This is a practice already adopted in Norway with the passing of a new law in 2021 that requires content creators to “ensure that the advertisement in which the shape, size or skin of a body has been changed by retouching or other manipulation must be marked.”

What role do digital images play in fueling negative body image?

With so much different content hitting us from so many different angles today, there are countless ways retouched digital images can find their way into our lives and contribute to negative body image.

However, the Health & Social Care Committee’s report quotes a number of individuals who cite social media as playing a significant role. This view is backed up by a study from Science Direct, which found that social networking is positively related to body image concerns.

With a reported 4.7 billion social media users worldwide spending an average of 2hrs 29min a day on these networks, is the connection really a surprise?

Social media influencers in particular have faced criticism for their role in this in recent years, leading to body-positive campaigns like the Dove Real Beauty Pledge and hashtags like #bodypositive and #nofilter, which have helped to put a greater focus on self-esteem and authenticity.

However, while this greater responsibility around commercial content has helped to raise awareness, research shows that the biggest driver of negative body image is actually content from friends and acquaintances.

This is concerning because, while commercial content can be regulated by consumer-protection bodies such as the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the USA’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC), personal content from friends and connections is much harder to control.

What defines a retouched image?

The idea of labeling an image to indicate it has been retouched – as the Health and Social Care Committee’s paper suggests – is certainly the right sentiment. The only problem is that defining a ‘retouched’ image is harder than it sounds.

It wasn’t long ago that many of us would regard image retouching as a practice reserved for professionals in expensive photo-editing suites, airbrushing images of supermodels on national magazine covers and high-level advertising campaigns.

Today, however, retouching images is easy and often free through software programs and countless apps that can do anything from adding eye shadow to completely reshaping facial features. These apps are simple to use and, in many cases, the technology is so advanced that it can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot.

Apps such as these are the more extreme examples of image retouching being used to deliberately alter a subject’s physical appearance, but there are many other less obvious and arguably less damaging ways to change the appearance of an image. So where do you draw the line?

For example, professional portrait photographers often spend a significant amount of time and effort using image-editing software to ensure their photographs look their best. While they may not change the physical appearance of the subject, it is likely they will make tweaks to contrast or color to enhance the overall result. So should these images be flagged as being retouched?

Even digital images straight out of the camera with no filters or subsequent editing cannot be described as truly authentic due to the processing that happens in-camera between the sensor capturing the scene and the image file being created.

Then there is the question of the hardware that is used. A lens with a moderately long focal length and a wide aperture that can achieve a shallow depth-of-field is usually the most flattering equipment setup for portraiture. Granted, this is not retouching, but could be considered a form of image manipulation. Should this also be taken into consideration?

With so many ways to alter an image, and degrees to which it can be manipulated, what is the answer?

Potential solutions

Labeling images as one or the other is a step in the right direction. But with so much grey area surrounding what constitutes a ‘retouched’ image, the more useful option would be to provide complete transparency over what edits have been made.

This can already be achieved with technology such as the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which is currently in development. By adopting CAI technology, it is possible to automatically attach tamper-evident image provenance data to a digital image in-camera at the time of its capture, such as date, location, author, and technical information.

Furthermore, CAI can track and record every edit that is made to a digital image throughout its lifetime, from simple contrast adjustments or filters right up to compositing and more advanced image editing. It is even possible to view thumbnails of the image before and after edits were made.

Rather than having to determine whether or not each and every image has been retouched, this approach provides the user with all the information they need to make their own decision on the trustworthiness of what they see.

Learn more: Content Authenticity Initiative: What you need to know

Image-streaming technology, which has been used to display the images in the body of this article, can also be useful here.

This method of publishing images online provides built-in captions for context; permanent attribution and theft deterrents for security; and interactive features like Hyper Zoom and full-screen viewing for higher engagement. A demo that incorporates both systems has also been developed.

Conclusion

While some images used for advertising or posted on social media can be problematic, deciding on and labeling retouched images is a complicated and potentially time-consuming process that could be difficult to implement effectively.

By adopting the technologies mentioned above, social media platforms could ensure transparency when it comes to image editing and manipulation, and address some of the issues they have had to grapple with in recent years around negative body image.

They could lead the way in creating safe havens for digital imaging in which users can make their own decisions on the authenticity of the content they are viewing, and this could in turn pave the way for a whole new digital image ecosystem for the wider web in which content can once again be trusted.

The post Negative body image: Should retouched images be labeled as such? appeared first on SmartFrame.

How to future-proof your digital images

Peter Townshend — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:59:34 +0000

Ensure your photographs stand the test of time with our guide to future-proofing your digital images

There’s no doubt a photograph can be an extremely powerful thing from the moment it is captured, but the addition of time can really add something special. As years go by, even what once seemed like the most mundane of images can become remarkable.

Many of us have enjoyed looking at old photographs, traveling back in time to admire the fashion, laugh at the hairstyles, and romanticize the years gone by. But have you ever considered how future generations will do the same with your photographs?

Since the transition to digital photography, the ever-evolving nature of technology has seen photo storage go through a number of different formats, with those that are replaced quickly becoming forgotten.

For example, even as late as 2010, many photographers could still be found writing their images to DVD-Rs. However, just 12 years later the format is all but obsolete, with disk drives no longer a standard feature on most modern personal computers and the disks themselves useful as little more than coasters in many of today’s homes and offices.

With the decline of printed albums and the possible risk of format obsolescence, it is important to ensure that you have done everything you can to future-proof your digital images so they can be enjoyed in years to come. So what are the key things to consider?

Using the most accessible digital image file format

It is not just hardware that changes – software does too. Updates take place frequently – often automatically – and as software evolves, so do supported file formats.

For example, we have recently seen the introduction of the HEIC file format on Apple devices. This proprietary image file format was introduced with the iOS 11 update and is the only format used by iPhone and iPad cameras operating on that system or later.

This evolution of file types presents two concerns. On one hand, as more are introduced and those that have been superseded become less common, there is a danger the latter could slip into obsolescence.

On the other, new file formats such as HEIC, which has limited support outside Apple’s ecosystem, restrict wider compatibility and could potentially cause problems in the future. For example, while unlikely, there is a possibility that in 50 years’ time Apple may no longer exist.

Learn more: Image file formats: Which is best and how to convert between formats

For this reason, where possible, it is a good idea to save your most treasured photographs in a format that is widely accessible and compatible across hardware to ensure it will stand the test of time.

Most smartphone cameras do not offer the option to choose what file type is used, although it is relatively easy to convert files after taking them using photo-editing software or online converters.

Shooting Raw

If you’re using a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you will have the option to take photos as Raw files in addition to standard JPEGs. This option is also available on more premium compact cameras and an increasing number of smartphones.

As the name suggests, a Raw file contains all image data captured by the camera’s sensor in its entirety, without the usual processing. This data is also typically losslessly compressed or uncompressed, which helps to preserve maximum quality.

The advantage of this is that, by using a Raw file as your starting point, it is possible to create most other image file types with the highest possible quality. For this reason, it is one of the most futureproof image file formats.

That said, even Raw files are susceptible to the unstoppable evolution of the digital world, and camera manufacturers tend to offer different formats from one another, from Canon’s CRW, CR2, and CR3 files to Nikon’s NEF and NRW files and Sony’s ARW, SRF, and SR2 files.

As specific cameras and their corresponding Raw files grow older and less common, there may come a time when photo-editing software simply stops supporting them. In an effort to combat this, Adobe created the DNG format.

What is a DNG file?

A DNG or ‘Digital Negative’ file is an open standard for the Raw file format. It was developed by Adobe and is designed to provide universal compatibility across hardware and software providers.

Not only does this make DNG files future-proof but they are also smaller, so they take up less storage space.

While this sounds like the perfect file-storage solution, the problem with DNG files is that they have not enjoyed widespread adoption. While some cameras, such as those manufactured by Leica and Pentax, can write DNG files natively, many still use their own specific Raw file formats.

It is, of course, possible to convert Raw files to DNGs before archiving, but this can be a time-consuming addition to already busy workflows. Nevertheless, many would argue that this is a small price to pay to ensure the most future-proof image file format available.

Employing an effective digital image filing system

A digital image archive is only as good as its filing system. That’s why it is important to ensure that your images are appropriately labeled and arranged in a way that is easily accessible.

What constitutes an easily accessible filing system is entirely dependent on the collection of images and your own personal preference.

A good way to approach it is to start at the end. Consider your future self, searching for an image. How would you begin that search? By date? By location? By genre?

Alternatively, think of a filing system you have used in the past that you have found most intuitive and replicate that.

Another thing to remember is to always attach and preserve accurate metadata to the images you take. This will ensure you always have a reliable record of when, how, and even where each photo was taken (provided your camera supports geolocation and the feature is activated).

Choosing reliable digital image storage

In a study carried out by the Library of Congress into the longevity of information stored on CDs, almost 10% of disks tested failed within 25 years of their manufacture, when subjected to an accelerated aging process designed to simulate this length of time.

Given that the first mainstream digital cameras were released in the late 1980s, it’s startling to consider how many treasured memories are tucked away on disks at the back of cupboards that are in genuine danger of disappearing forever.

For this reason, it is important to ensure your photo storage stays up to date. Below, we offer some ways to ensure yours is as future-proof and dependable as possible.

Cloud storage

Probably the most well-known and convenient form of digital image storage is cloud storage. Cloud storage refers to storage space that is located away from a physical device you own, and accessed via an internet connection.

A big advantage of cloud storage is that, in many cases, it backs up your images in real time, as soon as they appear on your device. This eliminates often tedious periodical manual backups.

Popular cloud storage solutions include Dropbox, Google Drive, SmartFrame, Microsoft OneDrive, and Apple iCloud.

While cloud storage does offer convenience, it is worth remembering that the space is only yours for as long as you can pay the subscription fee.

External hard drive

Another option is to create a backup of your photos on an external hard drive, which can either replace or complement cloud storage. The two most popular forms are solid state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs), and both of these have specific advantages over the other.

While SSDs are the most reliable, they do come at a cost, so many people opt for the more affordable HDD option instead, which comes in a variety of capacities to suit most requirements.

External hard drives are more expensive than cloud storage in the short term, but it is a one-off payment compared to an ongoing subscription. Additionally, they offer the added security of being offline, keeping you in complete control of their whereabouts.

While external hard drives do come with many advantages, remember that they are physical objects – some with moving parts – and are therefore susceptible to wear, damage, and malfunction.

Second backup

A great way to protect yourself against the unexpected loss of your digital image archive is to create a second backup.

One hard drive failure is possible, but the chance of it happening twice is naturally far slimmer.

It is also well worth considering storing the second backup in a different location to the first, as this can protect against burglaries, fire damage, and similar issues.

RAID storage

For the ultimate reliability, consider a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) storage setup. A RAID device is made up of a number of different individual hard drives that are connected using disk mirroring or disk striping to allow photographers to write their digital images to multiple different hard drives simultaneously.

This setup not only improves performance but also increases fault tolerance to maximize reliability.

Printing

Finally, while the world we live in is becoming increasingly digital, it would be remiss of us not to mention the good old-fashioned photographic print.

Granted, a photographic print does not provide the option to produce high-resolution copies, but it can be a great way to physically back up your memories.

Of course, with the average person taking hundreds, if not thousands of photos a year – and keen photographers likely to take considerably more – most of us will not have the physical storage space to print every photo.

However, by being selective, it is possible to create a collection of your most treasured memories that will last a lifetime, regardless of future advances in digital storage technology. After all, the healthy human eye will always be able to see a printed photograph.

The post How to future-proof your digital images appeared first on SmartFrame.

How Minden Pictures uses SmartFrame for its stunning nature images

Peter Townshend — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:38:33 +0000

Take a closer look at how Minden Pictures utilizes SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology to showcase the very best of its nature photography

Minden Pictures is a premium collection of nature and wildlife stock photography that encompasses a wide range of species, regions, and topics.

With a team of award-winning natural history photographers behind it, Minden Pictures’ collection uses powerful imagery to illustrate not just the beauty of the natural world, but also the threats it faces.

Our image-streaming technology enables Minden Pictures to stream high-resolution images from a secure central server to an unlimited number of approved websites without a single copy being made – much like embedding a YouTube video.

This allows Minden Pictures to display its collection online in brilliant quality without the fear of theft, misuse, or slow loading times.

Interactive features

Each SmartFrame also features interactive in-image controls that help to boost user engagement.

Whether it’s the finest macro details, the second a predator pounces, or an immersive faraway landscape, the full-screen viewing mode helps to present these striking moments in all their glory, while built-in sharing controls maximize organic reach.

Furthermore, easy-to-read, embedded captions and photographer credits ensure Minden Pictures’ SmartFrames always appear in context, with proper attribution, wherever they’re published.

Below we’ve picked a few favorite examples of how our technology is complementing this stunning photographic collection.

Our top nature photographs from Minden Pictures

Relish the moment

This photograph epitomizes the importance of being in the right place at the right time – for everyone except the salmon, of course. Take some time to appreciate it in all its full-screen glory.

Get closer to this adorable amphibian

The relaxed pose, the beautiful golden skin, and that irresistible smile. There’s lots to love about this photo (and this frog).

Explore a landscape that’s out of this world

The rising dune in the background of this image resembles the scorched sky of a faraway planet, beautifully illustrating both the vastness of the desert and the otherworldliness of this uninhabitable environment.

Lose yourself in the crowd

Brilliant photographs like this rely so much on detail that they can never truly shine in the current online image ecosystem. SmartFrame’s full-screen viewing mode lets you experience every detail without affecting loading times.

Appreciate the full span

When viewed in full screen, the wide angle used to capture this flash of color from the wings of a northern flicker puts you right at the heart of the action.

This cliff needs to be scaled up

Enter the full-screen mode to enlarge this striking photograph and be reminded of just how small we really are.

Make the full stretch

From the split-second timing to the pleasing composition and stunning color, this remarkable image has it all – go big to enjoy every bit.

Look again …

If anything deserves a closer look, it’s this fascinating shot of a leaf-tail gecko living up to its name.

Share the experience

Like what you see? It’s possible to share any of these SmartFrames via social media and email, or through a direct link. Alternatively, you can publish them on your website in the same way we have in this article.

Simply click the integrated Share button in the top-right-hand corner of the SmartFrame and follow the instructions.

NOTE: Certain restrictions apply, so please familiarize yourself with Minden Pictures’ Embed Terms and Conditions before sharing.

Explore more of Minden Pictures’ fascinating collection here, or browse the rest of our website to discover what SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology is doing for content owners

The post How Minden Pictures uses SmartFrame for its stunning nature images appeared first on SmartFrame.

16K resolution: Everything you need to know

Peter Townshend — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:11:31 +0000

With 4K content hitting the mainstream and 8K on the horizon, how long before 16K video becomes the norm? Our latest article explores this next step forward in pixel resolution.

With most of us only just experiencing the benefits of 4K resolution, 16K seems a long way off – but it is closer than you might think. In fact, it is already here in one form or another, albeit highly specialist and often expensive.

So what is 16K resolution? How does 16K work? And what are the benefits for both videographers and viewers? Our latest article provides an in-depth exploration of 16K display and recording technology.

What is 16K resolution?

16K resolution most commonly refers to a digital video or image that measures 15360 x 8640 pixels. The term could also be used to describe a display or recording device that can produce images at the same resolution.

As with previous resolutions such as 4K and 8K, the name 16K refers to the number of pixels found across the longest dimension of the image, which totals approximately 16,000.

While 15360 x 8640 are the most commonly quoted dimensions – and 16:9 the most common aspect ratio – there may be variations according to the application of the footage. One example is the difference between UHD and DCI formats, as covered in our article on 8K resolution.

Comparison table

	4K UHD	8K UHD	16K UHD
Dimensions	3840 x 2160	7680 x 4320	15360 x 8640
Total pixels	8.3MP	33.2MP	132.7MP
Aspect ratio	16:9	16:9	16:9

How does 16K work?

16K refers to the pixel resolution of a video or image, which is the number of pixels found in any one frame. It’s important to be specific here because resolution can be measured in different ways, as outlined in our article on image resolution below.

Learn more: What is image resolution? Everything you need to know

In short, a single pixel can only represent a single value, so an image containing more pixels has the potential to hold more detail.

However, remember that detail does not necessarily translate into quality. Image quality can be affected by a wide range of different variables, such as the amount of light present at the time of capture, the capture settings, and the specification of the recording and display equipment used.

One example regarding displays that is specifically relevant to 16K footage is that as more pixels are squeezed into a frame, they inevitably become smaller and therefore emit less light.

This can result in an overall picture that appears dull, so super-high-resolution displays need to compensate by increasing overall brightness.

Are 16K displays available?

At the time of writing, 16K display technology is still in its infancy. This means that, while it is technically available, it is currently prohibitively expensive for everyday domestic buyers.

Sony’s 63ft x 17ft 16K screen, for example, is estimated to be worth up to $5m.

However, there are signs that this technology will eventually make it into our living rooms. Sony has made no secret of the fact that it plans to make 16K-capable technology available for consumers.

Furthermore, in 2019, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) formally released the DisplayPort 2.0 standard, which supports 16K video.

Where can you watch 16K video?

While the above paints a positive picture that the magic of 16K display technology will be in our homes sooner than we might think, the wait will be less about the technology and more about the availability of content.

Streaming 16K video

Considering 4K resolution is only just becoming widely accessible on many of the popular streaming services, and 8K is still limited to a handful of demo videos on YouTube and Vimeo, 16K streamed content is barely a spot in the distance.

The biggest barrier is internet connection speeds. The estimated 20-50Mbps internet speed required to stream 8K is still not achieved everywhere in the world, so the widespread availability of bandwidth that can deliver 16K – which contains four times as many pixels and so considerably more data – is likely to be a long way off.

Downloading 16K video

It is already possible to download 16K footage, so this is certainly an option for the future. The drawback here, however, is storage.

While there are many factors that affect file size, resolution plays a large part, so the vast amount of information included in 16K footage demands storage solutions to match.

The cost of additional hard drive space that is able to support stable playback could make this option more expensive than it is worth.

Is 16K Blu-ray available?

No, 16K Blu-ray discs and players are not available and there are currently no known plans to bring this level of resolution to the format. In fact, 4K is still the highest quality possible through a Blu-ray player and 8K isn’t even on the cards.

The dwindling demand for physical media in favor of downloaded or streamed content means the chances of seeing it are slim. However, considering the bandwidth and storage issues caused by such large file sizes, 16K Blu-ray media should not be ruled out completely.

16K at the movies

When you consider that most viewers would find it very difficult to tell the difference between 4K and 16K from a comfortable viewing distance on an average TV (more on this below), it is unsurprising that there is no rush to bring the technology to the general consumer.

With this in mind, we would expect 16K to be an experience that is at least initially reserved for movie theaters and commercial settings with the space to house bigger screens and the technology to store large video files locally.

How do you record 16K video?

While 16K cameras are not yet available, image sensor and processor technology is progressing at an impressive pace.

It is already possible to buy a 12K camera, and with the recent release of the first-ever 8K HDR footage recorded on a smartphone (see below video), we would expect 16K cameras to arrive in the not-too-distant future.

Until then, the only way to record in this resolution is by using more than one camera at the same time and combining the footage in post-production.

For example, the downloadable 16K video mentioned previously in this article (which you can view below) was created using still images from two Canon EOS 5DS 50MP cameras fixed to a custom-built mount. These two sets of images were then stitched together in post-production and turned into a time-lapse.

Is 16K worth it?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask – a viewer or a creator. Below we take a look from both points of view.

16K for viewers

From a viewer’s perspective, there are a number of different factors that will affect whether or not 16K is worth it. These include the size of the screen, how far away it is, and the visual acuity of the person watching.

As covered in our previous article about 8K, the resolution of the human eye has been calculated to be 576MP. This is more than capable of processing the 132.7MP that make up 16K resolution.

However, squeezing that many pixels into an average-sized TV screen or a computer monitor would mean reducing each individual pixel to such a small size that viewers would have to be extremely close to notice any difference.

To put this into perspective, research suggests that, when watching resolutions higher than 8K on a 100-inch screen, you would need to be less than a meter away to fully appreciate it – hardly a comfortable viewing distance.

The alternative to moving closer is to increase the size of the display. However, the same research suggests that even with an 8K+ display measuring 180 inches, you would still need to sit at most 1.75m away to fully appreciate it.

While there is no data specifically for 16K screens, when you consider that it contains four times the pixels of 8K, these viewing distances are likely to reduce significantly.

These two factors alone present a compelling argument against 16K from a viewer’s perspective and that’s before considering visual acuity, which can vary considerably from viewer to viewer, as shown in this study.

All things considered, 16K display technology would undoubtedly be effective in experiential or VR settings where super-sized screens could be used to immerse viewers in environments.

However, is there really any place for 16K in a domestic setting where there is limited budget to buy a TV, not to mention wall space on which to hang it? We’re not so sure.

Whether or not manufacturers decide 16K is a sound investment for the future of their mainstream consumer products remains to be seen, but we are not expecting anyone to be in a great hurry to get there.

16K for videographers

Considering the above, it could be easy to assume that creating 16K video is pointless, as most people cannot currently – and may never be able to – view it at its full potential.

There are, however, a number of advantages to recording footage at a higher resolution than the one at which it will be displayed.

First, it future-proofs content, ensuring compatibility with potential technological advances in years to come.

Second, it is common practice to record at a maximum resolution, before downsampling to the desired resolution in post-production. Many believe this produces better quality footage than would have been achieved by simply recording at the lower resolution from the start.

Third, and arguably most important of all, is that recording at higher resolutions than required provides greater shooting and editing freedom. 16K footage contains 16 times the number of pixels of 4K, which means that even if editors crop a frame to a sixteenth of its original size, it would still be good for a 4K display.

The possibilities this presents for reframing shots, stabilizing footage, and even creating a number of completely different shots from a single clip are huge.

Having said this, the larger file sizes of 16K footage would require significant investment in storage space and hardware that has the power to handle such large amounts of data.

With this in mind, creators will need to decide whether the potential benefits are worth the cost.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt 16K presents huge opportunities for filmmakers and commercial enterprises. However, it is very unlikely the everyday consumer would ever be able to fully appreciate it in an average home setting.

For this reason, instead of splashing out on maximum resolution, we would recommend investing the money in maximizing other features such as high dynamic range (HDR), wide color gamut (WCG), and fast refresh rate, which arguably play a more important role in overall picture quality.

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Historic England launches Aerial Photo Explorer tool using SmartFrame’s technology

Peter Townshend — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:47:11 +0000

Historic England has launched its Aerial Photo Explorer tool, which uses SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology to showcase hundreds of thousands of previously unavailable aerial images

It is now possible to gain a truly unique view of how England’s landscape has evolved over the past 100 years thanks to Historic England’s brand-new Aerial Photo Explorer tool.

Accessible from the Historic England website, this new feature lets visitors use an interactive map to search, scroll, and zoom in to landmarks across the country. When a location is selected, it opens a SmartFrame containing one of over 400,000 available aerial images that span an entire century.

By making it possible to view evidence of medieval settlements, see famous industrial landmarks in their heyday, and marvel at modern-day architectural wonders, this tool provides a fascinating glimpse into England’s past and present, while documenting its continued transformation into the future.

The collection is being made available as part of the ongoing digitization of over six million aerial photographs preserved in the Historic England Archive. As such, it will be continually updated with new images from the collection.

Enhanced user experience

The Aerial Photo Explorer is a great example of how SmartFrames and their interactive features can be used by image owners and publishers to fantastic effect. The Hyper Zoom function enables viewers to zoom in to the finest details of each image, while full-screen viewing offers an even more immersive experience, all without affecting page loading times.

By enabling the Share function in the top right-hand corner of each image, Historic England has also made it possible for site visitors to legally share its images on social media and even embed them on their own websites for free.

The latter can be achieved by simply clicking the ‘Embed’ button, copying the code, and pasting it into the text editor on the back end of a website (be sure to read Historic England’s terms and conditions beforehand).

By doing this, you are streaming the image from its original source file rather than making a copy, much like embedding a YouTube video.

Another great benefit of image-streaming is the ability to embed SmartFrame Captions at source – a feature put to good use here by Historic England. These captions ensure every image features a permanently attached credit that will follow it wherever it is streamed. Many also specify the landmark and location the image depicts, further improving the user experience.

Behind-the-scenes benefits

The benefits for the user are clear for all to see, but there are also huge advantages behind the scenes for Historic England. By using SmartFrame’s image-streaming technology, the organization is able to better secure its images against theft while maintaining complete control over their distribution.

This is achieved through right-click and screenshot protection, which helps prevent bad actors from making copies of Historic England’s image files, whether intentional or otherwise. The same security protects its photographs from image-scraping bots that can steal countless files in seconds.

In addition to this enhanced security, SmartFrame provides Historic England with detailed image analytics, which deliver valuable insights into how users are interacting with its content.

It is possible to see the number of impressions each SmartFrame has enjoyed, along with the amount of engagement it has received.

With all this security and control, Historic England can ensure its extensive archive of images is not only protected, but always used in context and for agreeable means.

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Aspect ratios in photography and video: Everything you need to know

Peter Townshend — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 18:13:32 +0000

While individual photographers and videographers are free to use any aspect ratio they like, the industry as a whole has settled on a few standard options. Here, we explore some of the most common aspect ratios in photography and video, explaining why they were chosen and when they are typically used.

What is aspect ratio in photography and video?

Aspect ratio in photography and video is the relationship between the width and height of the image or video being displayed.

These are most commonly shown as units of width and height separated by a colon. However, they can also be displayed as a single number that equates to the width divided by the height.

For example, an aspect ratio of 3:2 could be displayed as 1.50 (3 divided by 2). Oftentimes, this number is then put back into ratio form – for example, 1.50:1.

It’s important to note that, when using the colon separation, aspect ratios are always arranged with the width first. So, if the above example is displayed in portrait orientation, the ratio would change to 2:3.

Why use different aspect ratios?

Several different factors dictate the use of a specific aspect ratio in digital photography or video.

The camera sensor

Different cameras use different sensors, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes and this is important because the camera’s sensor shape affects the image or video it makes.

For example, a photo from a full-frame camera looks wider than one from a medium-format camera. The reason for this is that full-frame sensors have a 3:2 ratio, whereas medium format sensors usually have an aspect ratio that results in images closer in shape to a square than a rectangle.

The display

Another reason is to optimize the image or video for the container in which it will be shown.

Examples of different displays could be a TV screen, computer monitor, social media feed, or even a printed picture frame.

A responsive website, for example, might require your content to be 16:9 because that’s the most common sizing of desktop monitors. On the other hand, a smartphone app might advise sizing more similar to 9:16 to suit the portrait orientation of smartphone screens.

Personal preference

Photographers and videographers may choose a particular ratio to suit the photograph or video they are trying to create.

In photography, for example, portraiture might lend itself to a 2:3 aspect ratio, while panoramic landscapes might work better in a much wider 3:1.

In most cases, this is done using post-production software, which makes it easy to crop content to your desired size. However, many cameras will allow you to select a specific aspect ratio at the point of capture.

What are the most used aspect ratios in digital photography?

While it is possible to crop a photograph to any aspect ratio, some are more prevalent than others.

1:1 in photography

Also known as the square format, 1:1 has been present in photography since the early large format cameras, and more recent Polaroid instant-film cameras. However, it has seen a huge surge in popularity in the era of digital photography due to the social media platform Instagram.

There are no consumer camera sensors in the 1:1 aspect ratio, but most digital cameras have the option to shoot in a square format within their menus.

5:4 (1.25:1) in photography

5:4 was made popular by photographers of years gone by who used 5×4 film in large format photography, as mentioned above.

This aspect ratio does exist in the era of digital sensors, but it is extremely rare. Nevertheless, its popularity has endured, and it remains a recognized standard for prints.

4:3 (1.33:1) in photography

4:3 is by far the most common aspect ratio in digital photography because it’s used in most mobile phone cameras, which are responsible for the vast majority of digital images today.

Furthermore, it is also used by Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds, and digital medium format camera sensors.

3:2 (1.5:1) in photography

The aspect ratio of 3:2 is prevalent in the domain of digital photography, tracing back to the 35mm analog photographic film.

This specific ratio is adopted by all full-frame and APS-C sensors, constituting the predominant format utilized in DSLR, mirrorless, and compact cameras within the contemporary market.

16:9 (1.78:1) in photography

While 16:9 has not always been common in photography, it has gained popularity in more recent years due to the elongated shape of widescreen computer monitors and smartphone screens.

Sensors are not manufactured in this shape, but most cameras will offer this as a capture option in their settings.

What are the most used aspect ratios in digital video?

To a certain extent, understanding ratios in digital video is less complicated because there are fewer common variations to get used to. That said, there is a complex history behind why these have been chosen.

4:3 (1.33:1) in videography

4:3 (often referred to as fullscreen) was where it all began for video. It was originally adopted out of necessity rather than choice as it mirrored the sizing of film stock at the time. Nevertheless, it remained the cinema standard up until the introduction of widescreen formats in the 1950s.

It was also the standard of the consumer television screen and computer monitor right through to the late 1990s when manufacturers began phasing it out in favor of wider formats.

While 4:3 is rarely used in current digital video production and display, it can still be seen regularly in modern digitizations of older productions.

256:135 (1.90:1) in videography

When the television set started to appear in homes in the 1950s, the movie industry began to worry. After all, why would anyone pay to go to the movies when they can watch feature films in the comfort of their own homes?

The solution was to move away from the traditional 4:3 to offer a more immersive experience than television could. From then, widescreen cinema became the standard for movie theaters around the world, with Cinemascope and many others adopting a much wider 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Although the specific technology of Cinemascope is now outdated, wider screens for films at movie theatres continue in the digital era.

The 256:135 (1.90:1) aspect ratio represents the complete framing capability of a Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) projector, constituting the maximum frame size achievable by such a projector. Consequently, many premium consumer mirrorless cameras are configured to record in the standard 1.90:1 format.

The final appearance of a video in a movie theater is contingent upon whether it is projected onto a FLAT (1.85:1) or SCOPE (2.39:1) screen, determining the aspect ratio. Recording at the 1.90 aspect ratio enables editors to tailor footage for either screen container during post-production optimization.

16:9 (1.78:1) in videography

The widescreen ratio of 16:9, now considered the contemporary standard for TVs and computer monitors, has become widely prevalent in current times.

While it’s the most common video format today, understanding its adoption as the successor to the 4:3 aspect ratio requires familiarity with various movie and TV ratios outlined earlier.

Manufacturers opted for the 16:9 ratio as the widescreen replacement for 4:3 due to its ability to strike a balanced compromise among the diverse ratios prevalent at that time.

This choice accommodated the narrower fullscreen 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio, the expansive Cinemascope 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and everything in between, minimizing unnecessary wastage, as depicted in the diagram below.

Swiftly embraced by manufacturers, 16:9 became the preferred ratio for the new era of high-definition digital TVs and computer monitors.

What are the most popular mobile aspect ratios?

While there is a set standard aspect ratio for TVs and a clear favorite for computer monitors, mobile device displays are much more varied due to the fact they are handheld devices.

Smartphone screens adopt a portrait orientation to achieve the most comfortable ergonomics. However, actual aspect ratios can differ significantly from model to model.

The key reason for such variation is the interactive nature of mobile device touchscreens, in that they are both the display and the control panel at the same time.

For example, the latest Google Pixel phone, the Pixel 8, has a 6.2-inch display with a 20:9 aspect ratio whereas the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.

With user experience such an important USP in the tech industry, it’s unlikely this variation in smartphone and tablet screen aspect ratios will change any time soon.

What are the best aspect ratios for social media?

The perfect ratio depends on a few things such as what platform you’re posting to, the type of content, and your audience’s preferences. Allowing room for experimentation is key but there are some guidelines to keep in mind.

For Instagram, the square (1:1) ratio is best suited for feed posts, while landscape (16:9) shines for scenic shots and portraits (4:5) are best for close-ups. However, stories and reels are typically best suited to a 9:16 portrait format.

When it comes to video, long-form YouTube videos are best in the landscape style (16:9), whereas Reels, Snapchat and TikTok prefer portrait (9:16).

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8K resolution: What it is and whether it’s worth it

Peter Townshend — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 12:19:47 +0000

8K resolution is on track to become the new standard for TVs and monitors, but is it really worth the extra money? Read on to learn about the teequirements, and other things to consider before investing in 8K.

We’re only just beginning to see 4K video widely accessible through our favorite content providers, but its successor – 8K – is already available.

So what’s the difference between 4K and 8K resolution? How can you record 8K video? Where can you watch 8K content? And is it worth the additional cost? In the following article, we answer these questions and many others.

What is 8K resolution?

8K resolution is the next step up from 4K resolution, with four times the number of pixels of its predecessor.

As with 4K, the term applies to both devices that record in this resolution (cameras and smartphones, for example) and displays capable of showing it off (televisions and computer displays).

Whereas 4K recording devices and displays use 4840 x 2160 pixels, 8K devices and displays boost this to 7680 x 4320 pixels – a combined total of 33,177,600 pixels (33.2MP).

Some 6K devices, which sit between the two, also exist, although this resolution tends to be confined to a handful of professional recording products rather than widely available consumer devices.

Resolution comparison table

	Full HD	4K UHD	8K UHD
Dimensions	1920 X 1080	3840 x 2160	7680 X 4320
Total pixels	2.1MP	8.3MP	33.2MP
Aspect ratio	16:9	16:9	16:9

Why is it called 8K?

The name 8K refers to the number of pixels found on the horizontal edge of the image, which is approximately 8,000.

While this name is commonly used as a catch-all term, it’s actually broken down into two main sub-categories: 8K UHD (Ultra-High Definition) – also known as UHD2 – and 8K DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives – a partnership between a number of major movie studios that was formed to establish standards for digital cinema systems).

8K UHD vs 8K DCI: What’s the difference?

8K UHD has the standard 16:9 aspect ratio used by the majority of modern TVs and computer monitors, and has 7680 x 4320 pixels.

8K DCI refers to the slightly wider 256:135 aspect ratio used in movie projection, measuring 8192 x 4320 pixels.

This dual format is common to previous display resolutions, such as 4K UHD vs 4K DCI and Full HD vs 2K DCI, as illustrated in the diagram below.

The reason for the difference is simple: by making movies in a wider aspect ratio, people still have a reason to go to the cinema.

Widescreen cinema was first adopted in the early 1950s, when TVs were becoming a common feature in people’s living rooms and the movie industry wanted to be able to offer viewers something extra.

While modern 16:9 TVs are now much wider than their 4:3 ancestors, the differentiation remains, enabling cinemas to provide a more immersive widescreen experience.

How does 8K work?

To understand how 8K works, it is important to understand resolution. The term ‘resolution’ can mean different things, but in this article, we’ll be talking about pixel resolution – that is, the total number of pixels included within an image or frame of video footage.

Learn more: What is image resolution? Everything you need to know

Each of these pixels can only represent a single value, so the higher the number of pixels in each frame of footage, the more detailed a video can potentially be. And when you consider that 8K includes four times the number of pixels found in 4K, its capacity for additional detail is huge.

However, that’s not to say 8K automatically makes a video better. There are many other factors that determine video quality, such as the quality of the lens used to record footage and the skill of the videographer, along with the choice of frame rate, bit rate, and color depth.

How do you record 8K video?

In order to record 8K video, you need to use a device that is capable of creating footage at that resolution.

These cameras used to be reserved for professionals, but recording in 8K is now much more accessible to the everyday consumer.

In fact, many mirrorless and 360 cameras have this option, while advances in mobile sensor and processor technology mean that it’s even possible to record 8K footage on some smartphones.

Qualcomm has even taken it a step further by recently releasing the first ever 8K HDR footage recorded on a smartphone.

As long as your device has this capability, there’s little more to it than selecting the option to record at 8K resolution and pressing record. There are, however, a couple of things to consider beforehand.

First, a higher resolution results in a larger file size (assuming all other things are kept equal), so you should make sure you have plenty of memory card space.
Second, all this additional information requires additional processing power, so you should check that your memory cards are fast enough and that your post-production setup can handle it.

How do you watch 8K video?

You need an 8K-ready display in order to watch 8K footage. These are now quite commonplace, with current 8K TVs relatively cheap compared to the more expensive price tags attached to earlier models. 8K computer monitors are also readily available for consumers, although these are more expensive.

That said, an 8K display is pointless if you have nothing in 8K resolution to watch. Of course, if you have the means to record in such high resolution, you can watch the footage you create in all its glory, but for the vast majority of us who aren’t professional filmmakers, endless home videos might leave a little to be desired. So where can you find 8K content?

Can you stream 8K content?

The short answer is yes, but it comes with a couple of caveats.
First, the only streaming services that currently support 8K are YouTube and Vimeo, and while the footage looks great on 8K and non-8K displays alike (see video below), the choice is limited.

Second, the bandwidth required to stream 8K content is estimated to be 20-50Mbps. If your connection does not support this, you may encounter issues.
While these internet speeds are available in most territories around the world, there are still large numbers of people who would not be able to achieve them. Therefore, be sure to check your connection before investing in a new 8K display.

Is 8K gaming possible?

Once again, the short answer is yes, but it needs a bit of unpacking.

It’s possible to buy a PC that supports 8K gaming, and the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles are also capable of supporting this resolution.

However, the problem lies with a shortage of 8K games to play on them.

In the video game world, resolution has never been the priority. Developers have instead preferred to focus on other aspects of graphic quality, such as texture, dynamic range, and – arguably most important – frame rate.

What is frame rate? Put simply, frame rate is the number of frames that are displayed in sequence every second to create a moving image. The more frames per second (‘fps’ or ‘p’) that are displayed, the smoother the moving image.

There are a number of additional benefits that high frame rates bring to gaming, so making a game at 4K/120p is more desirable than making a game at 8K/60p.

Watch the video below to learn more about the fundamentals of frame rates in gaming.

This means that video games are often one step behind a console or PC’s resolution capabilities because game developers will instead use the extra processing power these machines possess to improve frame rates and other areas of graphic quality.

It’s for this reason that, while the latest consoles have the power to support 8K gaming, the feature is not yet available to actually use.

Manufacturers have said full support for 8K will be activated via a future system update once the format is more commonplace. So, bear this in mind if resolution is your main reason for upgrading.

Does Blu-ray support 8K?

The answer to this is a slightly more straightforward ‘no’, but the situation could still change.
4K is currently the highest resolution Blu-ray supports, via its Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and players. However, while there’s no indication that 8K Blu-ray will be launched any time soon, it remains a possibility.

With the high demands that 8K places on storage and bandwidth potentially leading to unstable playback, there are certainly advantages to playing content directly from a disc over streaming.

Can the human eye even see 8K?

This seems like a simple question, but it’s actually quite complicated. First, we need to answer another question: what is the resolution of the human eye?

While this is a complex subject, with endless variables (watch the above video for an entertaining explanation), scientist and photographer Roger N. Clark did the calculations and concluded that the resolution of the human eye is 576MP.

576MP is, of course, much higher than 8K’s humble 33.2MP, but that doesn’t settle the issue. We must also consider the size of the display and the distance it is from the eye, as both of these factors also play a significant role.

Why’s this? Imagine you are standing on a shingle beach. Looking down, you can clearly see each individual stone around your feet in detail, and you can make out the different colors and textures of each one. Now imagine you are standing at the top of a tall cliff that overlooks the same beach. From such a distance, the stones have lost all their individual color and definition, blending into one.

The same is true for screen resolution in that the further away from the screen you sit, the less detail you will see, until you eventually reach a distance at which it’s impossible to tell the difference between 4K, 8K, and even lower resolutions like Full HD.

When dealing with super-fine resolutions like 8K, the optimum viewing distance can become very short. Therefore, while your eyes are indeed more than capable of seeing the benefit of the additional pixels, any enjoyment you gain will likely be offset with discomfort at having to sit so close.

For example, research suggests that in order to appreciate the benefits of 8K resolution on a 60-inch screen, you would need to sit between 0.6-1.25m away from it.

Another factor to consider is visual acuity (or clarity of vision), which can vary significantly between individuals.
For example, Warner Bros. and a number of other movie production companies reportedly collaborated to perform a double-blind study to see if people could tell the difference between 4K and 8K. While the overall results showed the majority of subjects didn’t see a huge improvement, visual acuity did play a significant part.

Why buy an 8K display?

With so little 8K content available to enjoy, combined with the fact you’ll probably not even notice the difference in an everyday environment, why buy an 8K display at all?

First of all, 8K displays are perfectly capable of showing lower-resolution content by automatically upscaling the video to fill the extra pixels.

This means that you can not only watch 4K Blu-rays and Netflix shows, and play video games on such displays, but also be able to get the most out of them in the future when watching footage that was originally recorded in 8K.

Another advantage is that, because 8K is still relatively new technology, the TVs and monitors that support it are often the latest models with the most up-to-date features. This means they are more likely to benefit from things like fast refresh rates, high dynamic range (HDR), and wide color gamut (WCG), which are arguably more important than resolution when it comes to overall image quality.
So the inclusion of an 8K badge on a display’s box could translate into a lot more than just higher resolution, but it’s not a given and could even go the opposite way. Therefore, be sure to check specifications carefully and compare them to your current display before committing to a purchase.

What’s the point in recording 8K?

While the benefits of an 8K display may be hard to see for the everyday consumer, the benefits of recording in 8K are abundant. Indeed, many of us are already enjoying them without even realizing it.

More shooting and editing freedom

Shooting 8K footage for a 4K production brings great advantages for filmmakers.

With 8K offering so many more pixels than 4K, it’s possible to crop significantly into footage without losing the resolution required for 4K output.

This brings much more freedom when framing shots because it makes it possible to alter composition and stabilize footage in post-production.

It’s even possible to pan across an image or zoom in when working with such high resolutions. A filmmaker could, for example, record a long, wide-angle shot, before splitting it into wide and close-up shots by simply cropping in. This means one camera effectively does the work of two, saving both time and money.

Potential for better overall quality

It’s not unusual for hardware manufacturers to have their devices record 4K footage at a higher resolution if it’s possible (such as 5K or 6K) before downsampling the footage to 4K for output.

It is often claimed that by doing so, better quality footage can be obtained than if it were simply recorded at 4K to begin with.

So it’s entirely possible that the surplus of information that 8K recording brings may also benefit downsampled footage, with respect to certain aspects of video quality such as color and image noise control.

Futureproofing

While this is still new technology, there will come a time when it’s the norm, so there’s no harm in being prepared by adopting 8K now. Filmmakers will be ensuring their work stands the test of time and editors will already have the processing power and storage in place to ensure they’re ready for a seamless transition.

What about 12K and 16K?

12K and 16K may sound like they’re a long way off, but they’re closer than you think.

Back in April 2019, Sony unveiled a huge 63ft by 17ft 16K commercial screen at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show, estimated to be worth up to $5m. Later that same year, it announced that it would be bringing the same capabilities to its consumer products.

Footage for a screen this size currently has to be made using more than one camera, but with companies like Blackmagic already offering 12K recording capabilities, it won’t be long until they reach the next stage.

Conclusion

So is 8K worth it? From a viewer’s perspective, it very much comes down to the individual and their specific display. As mentioned, visual acuity, preferred viewing distance, screen size, and overall display specification all contribute to the viewing experience, so they all need to be considered.

From a production point of view, the answer is much more straightforward. Recording at 8K and even 12K resolutions gives producers and editors an unprecedented level of creative freedom. While storage and performance issues need to be considered here, if it allows filmmakers to overcome certain challenging conditions on location, or achieve more creative compositions, or save time and money on additional equipment, it ultimately ends up appearing as the most logical option.

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