Having 4K resolution is a priority because people love to enjoy an immersive visual experience. But buyers often get confused while buying a 4K resolution device, especially if they aren't familiar with technicalities.
In this article, we will explain what 4K resolution is, the difference between 4K UHD and 4K DCI, and everything else you need to know to make the right choice.
What is 4K Resolution?
4K UHD or 4K resolution refers to 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080).
Each row and column of 4K UHD have 3840 pixels and 2160 pixels, respectively. Thus, it has 8,294,400 individual pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
It is a consumer standard resolution, replacing 480p, 720p, and 1080p because of its visual clarity. It is widely supported on monitors, smartphones, projectors, TVs, security cameras, and even online platforms like YouTube.
You can record 4K videos on your smartphone at different frame rates. Due to its high pixels and close coverage of details, it is preferred over Full HD or Quad HD.
Content creators are moving not only because of high video quality but also due to the flexibility it offers in post-production. Editing a 4K video or image does not lead to quality loss, which is impressive.
Viewing 4K requires a higher bandwidth, such as 10-20 Mbps, for a smooth experience. Secondly, it requires significant storage to store data.
What is DCI 4K Resolution?
DCI 4K is the standard 4K resolution by Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) for films and television. That is why it is also known as Cinema 4K or C4K. Its resolution is 4096 x 2160 pixels, which translates to 8,847,360 individual pixels.
DCI 4K and 4K UHD have the same number of pixels vertically. However, the former has more pixels horizontally. That's why it offers a bit wider field of view.
Due to the difference in horizontal pixels, both resolutions have a different aspect ratio; DCI 4K has an aspect ratio of 19:10, while 4K UHD has 16:9.
DCI 4K is preferred in filmmaking, where you need a wide shot to cover a large area. It can offer wide visuals horizontally. For drone videos, it is the best option to cover a large area from a reasonable height.
But if you want to take a close shot or closeup of any object, 4K UHD could be a better option. It appears to be a horizontally cropped version of DCI 4K.
What is 4K in Different Devices?
What is 4K TV resolution?
A 4K TV resolution is a premium display with fine details and immersive graphics. Due to high resolution, users get to experience immense quality graphics that take their watching experience to the next level.
It will be your first choice to watch a movie, video, live stream, or anything else with high-quality graphics. Any content available in 4K can be viewed at its optimal resolution. It allows you to enjoy the content to the fullest.
Such a TV would be ideal for home entertainment and general use. They have a large display that offers a cinematic experience.
These TVs usually come in sizes of 32 inches to 80 inches. And if you want to invest for the long term, go for it.
What is 4K camera resolution?
4K camera resolution is the best option for optimal security of a house, office, or any other place.
Normal cameras do not offer much detail in the images/videos. Suppose you want to zoom into the number plate of a vehicle or the name on a person's T-shirt; lower-resolution cameras won't give clear results.
But with a 4K camera, you will have more details due to high resolution. You can zoom into the details.
A 4K security camera is a great option for covering a large area. It can be the front of your house, including the driveway and the road. It can help you keep an eye on your large swimming pool and the backyard. If you are using it indoors, it will offer crisper details for people and pets.
Even at night, these security cameras offer a great visual experience through night modes. They even offer color night vision options to capture every detail.
Keep in mind that 4K security cameras require a higher bandwidth to offer a smooth experience. They consume more data than normal cameras, and you need the latest camera system to ensure compatibility and enjoy immersive 4K graphics.
Note: If you want to take video recording quality to an extreme level, a 16MP security camera would be a top-notch choice. It can cover a vast outdoor area with crisp and clear details for optimal security. Reolink is proudly introducing its innovative 16MP security camera Duo 3 PoE at CES 2024.
What is 4K Monitor Resolution?
4K UHD monitor resolution is the best option for graphics designers, video editors, and people who deal with fine graphics details. The higher number of pixels can ensure optimal color and visuals that help professionals enjoy their work.
Gamers also prefer this resolution. It gives an immersive experience through top-notch graphics. They can play games that are specifically designed for such resolutions. However, when you prefer to play games on high resolution, gameplay speed is compromised due to heavy processing, so you need a powerful GPU.
You can find 4K monitors for your PC or a 4K laptop with 3840 x 2160 resolution. Both of them are a great fit for professionals.
Why Should We Upgrade to 4K Resolution?
If you are still using a 1080p screen, you will be amazed by the visual experience 4K offers.
The resolution of 1080p is 1920 x 1080, which means 2,073,600 individual pixels. On the other hand, 4K UHD offers 3840 x 2160, which makes a total of 8,294,400 pixels.
Thus, 4K UHD has four times more pixels than 1080p, offering a better and more immersive experience.
Even if you watch a movie on your smartphone, you will feel a difference between these two resolutions. And the difference will be more significant if you experience them on a large screen, such as a monitor or TV.
There is no question that 4K is much better than HD, Full HD, or Quad HD. Therefore, content creators, video platforms, gamer developers, and others prefer to go with 4K resolution. Now, you can record a 4K video from your mobile.
With that being said, 4K is the future. People are moving towards it and prefer to have it on their devices and screens. That's why you should upgrade to it as soon as possible. It would be a long-term investment and an unforgettable graphics experience without a question.
Beyound 4K Resolution - 16MP Security Camera
Reolink Duo 3 PoE is a 16MP dual-lens security camera. It delivers crystal-clear images and videos, ensuring that every detail is captured with utmost clarity. The dual-lens design provides a wide 180° panoramic view, minimizing blind spots and offering comprehensive coverage of the monitored area.
Additionally, the color night vision feature enables the camera to capture vivid and detailed images even in low-light conditions, further enhancing its surveillance capabilities. This makes the Reolink Duo 3 PoE an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering round-the-clock monitoring capabilities.
Groundbreaking 16MP Dual-Lens PoE Camera
16MP UHD, Dual-Lens, Motion Track, 180° Wide Viewing Angle, Power over Ethernet, Color Night Vision.
FAQs
1. What is 4k resolution in pixels?
The common 4K resolution means 3840 x 2160 pixels, or 8,294,400 pixels in total.
2. What's the difference between 4k resolution vs 1080ps?
1080p represents the resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels, while 4K has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. That said, 4K resolution is two times the resolution of 1080p. It can offer more details and a way better visual experience.
3. What's the difference between 1440p resolution vs. 4k?
1440p, which is also called Quad HD (QHD), refers to the resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. On the other hand, 4K UHD is a higher resolution, 3840 x 2160 pixels. Although both differ in resolution, they have the same aspect ratio,16:9.
4. Is 3840x2160 true 4K?
The consumer standard and common 4K is 3840 x 2160. When you hear or read 4K, it usually means 4K UHD, which translates to the same resolution.
Conclusion
4K resolution offers an immersive graphics experience because of high resolution, impeccable details, and vivid colors. People prefer to have 4K in the devices and screens they use. We have explained what 4K resolution is and cleared the difference between 4K UHD and 4K DCI.
If you plan to buy a new monitor, camera, or TV, it would be better to go with a 4K display because it is a long-term investment worthy of every penny you spend.