Though it continues to be a novelty, 8K resolution, the ultra-high definition and next level of image quality, has actually been around for 2 decades.
Below is a closer look at the past, present, and future of 8K:
8K Resolution – The Basics
Simply put, resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in an image. For example, 1080p, otherwise known as High Definition, consists of 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels.
Everyone’s favorite resolution at the moment, 4K, has 3840×2160 pixels.
At the top of the mountain, there’s 8K, with a stunning resolution of 7680×4320 and a mind-boggling total pixel count of over 33 million. A more precise figure: 33,177,600.
How Long Has It Been Around?
The Japanese broadcaster NHK, after 5 years of extensive R&D, invented 8K in 2000. It plans on broadcasting the delayed 2020 Olympics in 8K.
The fact that 8K still isn’t as widely-used as 4K or other resolutions, even after over 20 years of its invention, shows how much catching up other technologies still need to do.
8K in The Mainstream
The word ‘mainstream’ might still be an exaggeration, but 8K usage is slowly becoming more common.
In America, the most notable use of 8K resolution came in 2016, when the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 by Marvel Studios was announced as the first feature film to be shot in 8K.
Between 2016 and now, 8K resolution has made its way to DSLR cameras, video cameras, cell phone cameras, and televisions.
The Future of 8K
At the moment, creating 8K content is difficult, since the cost of cameras is prohibitively high. The R5 by Canon, its flagship mirrorless camera, was launched in July 2020 with a body-only price of about $3,900.
Additionally, 8K video demands extremely high storage capacities and processing power from computers. This raises the costs of creating a TV show or movie, and there’s a limit to how much studios are willing to invest in content.
Even though innovations in technology happen quickly, all things considered, 8K devices are still a few years away from becoming the first, most accessible choice for everyone.
About Outpost Worldwide
One of the leading commercial video production companies in Kansas City, Outpost Worldwide offers full-service video solutions to a wide range of businesses. From video production in Joplin, MO to video editing in Topeka, KS, their services are available in a number of cities.
For high-quality video production in Kansas City or elsewhere in the Midwest, contact them through their website today.
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