Pocket 6K: Which resolution to pick and when?


Typically picking the resolution should be a simple process, but there are some important quirks in the Pocket 6K you should be aware of. First, here’s a complete list of resolutions: Resolution Max. frame rate 6144 x 3456 (6K) 50 fps 6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) 60 fps 5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9) 60 fps ... Read more

Typically picking the resolution should be a simple process, but there are some important quirks in the Pocket 6K you should be aware of.

First, here’s a complete list of resolutions:

ResolutionMax. frame rate
6144 x 3456 (6K)50 fps
6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1)60 fps
5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9)60 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)*60 fps
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD)*60 fps
3728 x 3104 (3.7K 6:5 anamorphic)60 fps
2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9)120 fps
1920 x 1080*120 fps

*The Pocket 6K cannot record 6K Prores, and cannot record 4K BRAW.

First, let’s look at which 6K flavor I recommend:

6K

Take a look at these images:

6K Full Frame 6144 x 3456
6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1)
5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9)

If you want to shoot 2.4:1, you’re better off shooting 6K full frame and masking it. You get the advantage of having extra headroom so you can follow the action and tilt up/down later.

As for 5.7K, I don’t recommend it because as you can see, there’s a crop. Why not take advantage of 6K full frame and have the ability to crop later? Also, this extra resolution is helpful to stabilize footage as well.

Which 6K to pick?

Pick 6K full frame 6144 x 3456 always.

4K

4K isn’t simple either. Here are the stills:

4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD)

Which 4K to pick?

Did you notice the crop in DCI 4K? That is so weird. If you’re shooting 4K I recommend you pick UHD, because YouTube prefers that as well.

2K or 1080p?

Okay, this should be easy right? Nope:

2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9)
1920 x 1080

It’s pretty evident there’s a serious crop in 2.8K. However, is one advantage here. And that is the ability to get a zoom lens for free.

So, for wide angle shots, you can pick 1080p, and for telephoto shots, you can pick 2.8K. But the catch is, 2.8K is in BRAW, and 1080p is in Prores. Ouch!

You get 120 fps with both, and I would definitely pick 1080p Prores HQ here.

Author Bio
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Sareesh Sudhakaran is a film director and award-winning cinematographer with over 24 years of experience. His second film, "Gin Ke Dus", was released in theaters in India in March 2024. As an educator, Sareesh walks the talk. His online courses help aspiring filmmakers realize their filmmaking dreams. Sareesh is also available for hire on your film!

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