Author Topic: 4K vs HD (Read 13340 times)

Elijah · « **on:** May 07, 2019, 17:05 »

Hi, ladies and gents. Pretty much everybody says that 4K is the way to go, and it's kinda hard to argue this point. Yet pretty much every contributor I know would say that HD videos absolutely outsell their 4k videos. I wonder how's it going with you guys?

Elijah.

SpaceStockFootage · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2019, 18:46 »

Can't remember the exact number (it's on the site somewhere but can't remember where to find it either), but it's either 90 or 95% of sales at Pond5 are HD or 720p... and the other 5 to 10% are 4K. So not having any 4K in your portfolio isn't going to make much difference to your sales right now. Just having 'a few more clips' or 'slightly better quality clips' would result in a HD producer making more than a 4K producer.

However, I'm pretty sure that 5 to 10% will increase over time, so you're just future-proofing what you're shooting... so you don't have to go out, buy a 4K camera and shoot your entire portfolio again if and when 4K is the bigger seller.

Elijah · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2019, 19:51 »

Thanks! Nice summary.

MRommens · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2019, 00:46 »

My camera has only the possibility teo record HD videos.

My camera is the Pentax K-3, Pentax currently has no 4K dlsr (if i want buy to a 4K camera, i want to use my Pentax lenses on it)

I just begun with submitting videos

MRommens · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2019, 00:48 »

Quote from: SpaceStockFootage on May 07, 2019, 18:46

Can't remember the exact number (it's on the site somewhere but can't remember where to find it either), but it's either 90 or 95% of sales at Pond5 are HD or 720p... and the other 5 to 10% are 4K. So not having any 4K in your portfolio isn't going to make much difference to your sales right now. Just having 'a few more clips' or 'slightly better quality clips' would result in a HD producer making more than a 4K producer.

However, I'm pretty sure that 5 to 10% will increase over time, so you're just future-proofing what you're shooting... so you don't have to go out, buy a 4K camera and shoot your entire portfolio again if and when 4K is the bigger seller.

Good to know!
I hope, Pentax will release a 4K dlsr soon!

georgep7 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2019, 01:03 »

Just a subjective opinion,

4K prices will slip to HD ones in short time of period? (maybe)
Speaking from my perspective. Set (by Pond5) automatically prices on 4K are 50$ if I am not wrong.
this leads to around 20$ for non exclusive or around 30$ cut for exclusive clips
(pre taxes, bank and paypal cut etc) and of course equipment, editing and storage expences.

Although I struggle to enrich my arsenal with 4K gear for both family memories and stock,
I am not sure that it will be future proof in terms of generic clips,
new people entering will always provide a new higher res vs lower priced of e.g. flowers or smiling faces
and editorial or unique footage can easily (as past shows) be upgraded
or used as -is in documentary work.

greenroom · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2019, 02:57 »

A few years back, some random dude asked himself the same question for moving from SD to HD.
In some years from now 4K will be the standard. How many years? I'm guessing around 5-7.
I shot only 4K, even if it complex the post production process, as I hope that the materials that I'm shooting will be still relevant when HD fades away.

dragonblade · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2019, 04:12 »

There are conflicting opinions on whether to submit 4k videos to Shutterstock. SS has this weird design implementation in their video search interface. If a customer searches by 'HD only', all 4k videos will become invisible in the search results. Contributors have pointed out this flaw in the SS forum about a year ago but nothing was ever done about it. Ive decided only to submit HD content to SS (that way, the clips are visible to everyone and I know that 4k video sales are rare anyway.) The 4k videos go to the other stock agencies.

Though I'm curious to know how many customers really use that 'HD only' option when searching. I wasn't even aware of that feature until it was pointed out on the forum.

Dennis Radeke · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2019, 13:23 »

I look at this pretty pragmatically.

If you're a contributor and looking to get into video acquisition, you'd be silly to purchase anything other than a 4k camera. They're just dirt cheap. I recently purchased a Sony A7 III (not so dirt cheap but affordable), so I can help understand the issues of contributors broadly. Having decent 4k acquisition was the number 1 requirement for me and should be for any aspiring or regular contributor.

Most services like Adobe Stock, will make an HD derivative for you. While that is the version that is selling most these days, I do agree that 4k sales will continue to increase over time as there becomes more 4k OTT delivery and broader adoption of 4k TV sets and desire for content.

For Adobe, we remain committed to the contributor community while attempting to expand and grow the market. That's threading the needle to be sure, but believe there can be a proper way to showcase content that is a win for customer, contributor and Adobe alike. To that end, I keep an eye on this forum to understand what's going on with contributors. As always, you can connect with me on LinkedIn and/or reach out if you have questions.

Cheers,
Dennis

ForrestBrown · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2019, 13:28 »

I have a good amount of 4K stock footage, but HD still sells much more. At some point I would guess that 4K will take over, but I don't see that happening for years. The quality difference between HD and 4K is not nearly as large as the difference between SD and HD. I don't hesitate in shooting or uploading HD if I have a reason to.

I personally have had a 75inch 4K TV for over a year, but actually watching 4K on it is really rare. I actually can't say for sure what I've watched on it that was 4K other then looking at some of my 4K stock on it.

marthamarks · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2019, 19:02 »

Quote from: Dennis Radeke on May 08, 2019, 13:23

If you're a contributor and looking to get into video acquisition, you'd be silly to purchase anything other than a 4k camera. They're just dirt cheap.

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

dragonblade · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2019, 19:47 »

Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

I don't know of any Canon cameras with 4k video capability off hand. However, I believe some of the current mirrorless options from Sony can accept Canon EF lenses with expensive, specialised adaptors and some of these Sony models do record in 4k video (like the A7sII.) Though I'm not sure if there are comprises in some of the functionality in the adapted Canon lenses.

fritz · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2019, 19:55 »

Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

Quote from: Dennis Radeke on May 08, 2019, 13:23

If you're a contributor and looking to get into video acquisition, you'd be silly to purchase anything other than a 4k camera. They're just dirt cheap.

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Why not GH5(4k 60fps or 6k 30fps 10 bit) along with speed buster adapter! Metabones or Viltrox will do the job,great combo

marthamarks · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2019, 20:04 »

Thank you, Fritz and Dragonblade, for your suggestions. I'll check 'em out!

And I continue to welcome other input too.

dragonblade · « **Reply #14 on:** May 08, 2019, 20:29 »

I wasn't sure about Canon's latest mirrorless model (the M50) though Ive just checked and supposedly, that can shoot 4k video as well. Though once again, you would need to use an adaptor in order to mount your L lenses.

PeterChigmaroff · « **Reply #15 on:** May 08, 2019, 20:32 »

Quote from: dragonblade on May 08, 2019, 19:47

Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02
Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

I don't know of any Canon cameras with 4k video capability off hand. However, I believe some of the current mirrorless options from Sony can accept Canon EF lenses with expensive, specialised adaptors and some of these Sony models do record in 4k video (like the A7sII.) Though I'm not sure if there are comprises in some of the functionality in the adapted Canon lenses.

The 5D4 does. M-JPEG 4:2:2 8-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24p/29.97p [500 Mb/s]

The files are ginormous but the quality is quite good. I would opt for a GH5 or the new BlackMagic though.

marthamarks · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2019, 20:50 »

Quote from: PeterChigmaroff on May 08, 2019, 20:32

Quote from: dragonblade on May 08, 2019, 19:47
Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02
Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

I don't know of any Canon cameras with 4k video capability off hand. However, I believe some of the current mirrorless options from Sony can accept Canon EF lenses with expensive, specialised adaptors and some of these Sony models do record in 4k video (like the A7sII.) Though I'm not sure if there are comprises in some of the functionality in the adapted Canon lenses.
The 5D4 does. M-JPEG 4:2:2 8-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24p/29.97p [500 Mb/s]

The files are ginormous but the quality is quite good. I would opt for a GH5 or the new BlackMagic though.

Thank you too, Peter.

I actually like the crop format of the 7D, because it's a natural for birds and other critters. Rather than the D5iv, I'd love to get a 7Diii if it ever does come out. But I'll look at that one.

Also will check out the DCI 4K.

Much appreciated!

georgep7 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2019, 22:51 »

Quote

If you're a contributor and looking to get into video acquisition, you'd be silly to purchase anything other than a 4k camera.

It depends Dennis.
There are various asterisks in both "4K" and "cameras".
If i had a good budget available i would prefer a 4K one full inch sensor camcorder like Ax700 or pxw-z90 or Xf405 or Xa50 or Gx10 or HcX1. More than personal preferences, camcorders do give more video tools, from build in ND filters to hours of uninteruptable recording to more. Plenty of prosumer to pro to broadcast to cinema bodies to choose from....

If one is not shooting stills, but just video, 4K mirrorless are not oneway for video no matter the bells and whistles and what the camera market trends are

EDIT: to be honest, I still admire C100 even older Mki manual focus version, over low light monsters or rapid focus or IBIS stabilized models or whatever. But that is just me...

EDIT II Here is a short funny story, while shooting some editorial video with a Canon 600D body and a borrowed 70-200 lens from a friend that next to me shooted with a Sony camera with a Canon 100mm attached, we noticed that people came and asked "me" what is the event about, when the mayor will arrive and when it will start. Around there were people from the press, some tv coverage, tripods, arri lights and some live links. I was kidding to my friend, "I am the most handsome around" and he replied, "nope, you are the only one around with a white lens". Actually I was the one that didn't sell anything from the event. Not in stock nor in the news...

People often do judge wrong on equipment, even videographers.

dragonblade · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2019, 23:33 »

Quote from: Dennis Radeke on May 08, 2019, 13:23

If you're a contributor and looking to get into video acquisition, you'd be silly to purchase anything other than a 4k camera.

Overall true. Though 4k time lapse clips can be shot with cameras that are not capable of 4k video. Just as long as the pixel count of each Raw photo is greater than 4096 x 2160.

ForrestBrown · « **Reply #19 on:** May 09, 2019, 12:39 »

Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I use a Canon 5D mark IV for a lot of my stock footage, but it's not really a cheap solution. When shooting 4k it has a 2X crop factor, so good if you're shooting wildlife. Or you can shoot HD using the full frame.

I'm not sure I would buy one if I was just shooting video, but I also shoot a lot of photos.

I also have a Panasonic GH5, but lately I've been using the Canon more.

marthamarks · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2019, 17:49 »

Quote from: ForrestBrown on May 09, 2019, 12:39

Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I use a Canon 5D mark IV for a lot of my stock footage, but it's not really a cheap solution. When shooting 4k it has a 2X crop factor, so good if you're shooting wildlife. Or you can shoot HD using the full frame.

That's useful information, which I appreciate very much. I'd like the crop factor for 4K but it seems a shame to have that fine camera and not to be able to shoot 4K at full frame.

Yesterday, I started researching the Canon R and RP mirrorless cameras. Seems clear that mirrorless is the future, but I'm not sure they're what I want. The RP is so much less expensive… makes me wonder what the catch is.

The search goes on.

Asthebelltolls · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2019, 18:34 »

The search goes on.

And of course now with 6K just around the corner what's a person to do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPFSSnMJo7A

ForrestBrown · « **Reply #22 on:** May 09, 2019, 20:26 »

Quote from: marthamarks on May 09, 2019, 17:49

Quote from: ForrestBrown on May 09, 2019, 12:39
Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I use a Canon 5D mark IV for a lot of my stock footage, but it's not really a cheap solution. When shooting 4k it has a 2X crop factor, so good if you're shooting wildlife. Or you can shoot HD using the full frame.

That's useful information, which I appreciate very much. I'd like the crop factor for 4K but it seems a shame to have that fine camera and not to be able to shoot 4K at full frame.

Yesterday, I started researching the Canon R and RP mirrorless cameras. Seems clear that mirrorless is the future, but I'm not sure they're what I want. The RP is so much less expensive… makes me wonder what the catch is.

The search goes on.

I'm pretty sure the Canon R and RP have the same crop when shooting 4K video as the 5D mk IV. One big problem with the RP for shooing video is that it doesn't use the duel pixel auto focus while shooting 4K video like the 5D and R do. The duel pixel auto focus is the main reason I use my Canon for video over the Panasonic GH5.

marthamarks · « **Reply #23 on:** May 09, 2019, 21:38 »

Quote from: ForrestBrown on May 09, 2019, 20:26

Quote from: marthamarks on May 09, 2019, 17:49
Quote from: ForrestBrown on May 09, 2019, 12:39
Quote from: marthamarks on May 08, 2019, 19:02

I've been shooting HD stock video with my 3 original Canon 7D cameras, which are really old now, and I know I need to upgrade soon. Also have a great collection of L lenses so don't want to change brand.

I've been waiting for the 7Diii but there's no sign of it yet. (I missed the 7Dii which is now discontinued.)

Can anybody recommend a Canon 4K camera that works well for wildlife? "Dirt cheap" would be nice but not expected.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I use a Canon 5D mark IV for a lot of my stock footage, but it's not really a cheap solution. When shooting 4k it has a 2X crop factor, so good if you're shooting wildlife. Or you can shoot HD using the full frame.

That's useful information, which I appreciate very much. I'd like the crop factor for 4K but it seems a shame to have that fine camera and not to be able to shoot 4K at full frame.

Yesterday, I started researching the Canon R and RP mirrorless cameras. Seems clear that mirrorless is the future, but I'm not sure they're what I want. The RP is so much less expensive… makes me wonder what the catch is.

The search goes on.

I'm pretty sure the Canon R and RP have the same crop when shooting 4K video as the 5D mk IV. One big problem with the RP for shooing video is that it doesn't use the duel pixel auto focus while shooting 4K video like the 5D and R do. The duel pixel auto focus is the main reason I use my Canon for video over the Panasonic GH5.

Again, thank you. This is helpful too.

marthamarks · « **Reply #24 on:** May 09, 2019, 21:40 »

Quote from: Asthebelltolls on May 09, 2019, 18:34

The search goes on.

And of course now with 6K just around the corner what's a person to do?

Well, this particular person obviously isn't out for the latest and greatest camera or the slickest and fanciest technology, since I'm the one who's still happily shooting HD videos on 10-year-old Canon 7Ds.

But thanks for sharing that info, anyway.

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Author Topic: 4K vs HD (Read 13340 times)

Elijah

SpaceStockFootage

Elijah

MRommens

MRommens

georgep7

greenroom

dragonblade

Dennis Radeke

ForrestBrown

marthamarks

dragonblade

fritz

marthamarks

dragonblade

PeterChigmaroff

marthamarks

georgep7

dragonblade

ForrestBrown

marthamarks

Asthebelltolls

ForrestBrown

marthamarks

marthamarks

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