Filmlexikon.
Support
6:5 Sensor Mode
Camera · Technique

6:5 Sensor Mode

Murnau AI illustration
anamorphic 43 mode open gate sensor mode red camera

Sensor recording mode with a 6:5 aspect ratio (1.2:1), designed for 2x anamorphic lenses; after de-squeeze yields a 2.40:1 image with maximum vertical resolution.

What is 6:5 Mode?

The 6:5 Mode is a sensor recording mode with an aspect ratio of 6:5 (1.2:1). It was specifically developed for 2x anamorphic shooting: After de-squeeze, 6:5 × 2 = 2.40:1 – exactly the standard scope format.

The Math

CalculationResult
6:5 = 1.20:1Recording Format
1.20 × 2 = 2.40After 2x De-squeeze
= 2.40:1Final Scope without Crop

Comparison with 4:3

Aspect6:5 Mode4:3 Mode
Aspect Ratio1.20:11.33:1
After 2x Squeeze2.40:12.66:1
Crop Necessary?NoYes (to 2.40:1)
EfficiencyHigherLower

Cameras with 6:5 Mode

Camera6:5 Resolution
RED Komodo4096×3432
RED V-Raptor8192×6864
RED Gemini5120×4320

Workflow Advantages

AdvantageDescription
Efficient DataOnly necessary pixels
No CropFull resolution in the final
Mathematically ExactNo guesswork, no leeway
Faster ProcessingLess data

When 6:5 vs. 4:3?

SituationRecommendation
Final 2.40:1 certain6:5
Flexibility desired4:3 (more headroom)
Classic look4:3 (emphasizes oval bokeh)
Efficient pipeline6:5

Anamorphic Options

SetupRecordingResult
6:5 + 2x Ana1.2:12.40:1
4:3 + 2x Ana1.33:12.66:1 → Crop
16:9 + 2x Ana1.78:13.56:1 → Crop

Post-Production

Phase6:5 Advantage
ImportLess data
De-squeezePerfect 2.40:1
No ReframeWhat's shot = Final
ExportDirectly 2.40:1

Disadvantages

DisadvantageDescription
No FlexibilityNo reframe margin
Camera-specificNot all cameras have 6:5
Less BokehSlightly less than 4:3

Today

6:5 mode is the most technically efficient way for 2x anamorphic shooting with a 2.40:1 target. Especially on RED cameras, it is the standard for productions that prioritize efficiency and precision.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

6:5 mode is mathematically optimized for 2.40:1 with 2x anamorphic. I get the exact final format without a crop – maximum resolution, minimal data loss.

Director

With 6:5, I know exactly what I'm getting: after de-squeeze, perfect 2.40:1. No extra cropping needed, no guesswork in post.

Producer

6:5 mode makes anamorphic workflows more efficient. Less data than Open Gate for the same final result – that saves storage and render time.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Was beschreibt „6:5-Modus" am besten?

2. Zu welchem Department gehört „6:5-Modus"?

3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon