Do you really need your camera to capture DCI 4K?

So, you've decided it's time to upgrade your camera. Being an astute and well-studied filmmaker, you've come to the decision that your new camera must have the ability to record 4K. Naturally so, since 4K resolution has become the standard for TV and monitor displays. YouTube has had 4K for a while and many clients today expect you to deliver 4K video. After reading through spec sheets of every Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Blackmagic Design camera in your price range, you come to the realization that there are in fact two 4K standards: DCI 4K and UHD.

Sitting perplexed in your barcalounger staring at your computer screen, you wonder, what's the difference? Does it matter? Is one better than the other? The biggest question is, "What should I get?"

This article aims to break it all down for you. We'll dive into what 4K DCI and UHD actually are, look at their key differences and talk about the advantages of each. By the end, you'll have the insights you need to make an informed decision for your next camera purchase, one that aligns with both your creative vision and practical needs.

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Lessons from the field

6 ways to draw good performances out of inexperienced talent

We all have seen scenes featuring directors with their berets and megaphones, yelling orders to their actors. It should come as no surprise that yelling at your talent is not the best way to elicit a good performance.

Think of it this way — a seasoned director is more like a Conductor than a Drill Sergeant. Of all the heads on a set, the director must keep his or hers the coolest. The director must be the one that keeps all the details in mind, while simultaneously getting the best performance out of the actors. This can be especially challenging when using inexperienced talent. Read more.

Creator Handbook: Finding success in commentary content through consistency: An interview with j aubrey

j aubrey has found success on YouTube diving deep into the lore behind popular and controversial public figures. We had a chance to sit down with j aubrey to talk about how he went from Lego animations to YouTube commentary, his approach to narrative structure and content creation and why consistency is key for new creators. Read more.

Cinematography terms you need to know

Let's look at the key terms and concepts of cinematography. This topic is quite dense and could easily fill up an entire book. The list below comprises the basics to wrap your head around some important terminology.

From its Greek origins, cinematography means "writing with movement." Vittorio Storaro might favor "writing with light" as a more accurate representation. A blend of the two makes a good recipe for how to think about cinematography. Read more.