Cinematographer
Full Sensor Mode gibt mir alle Pixel, die der Sensor hat. Mehr Auflösung für Reframing, aber auch größere Datenmengen. Die Entscheidung hängt vom Projekt ab.
Camera recording mode utilizing the entire sensor area without cropping – provides maximum resolution, wider field of view, and flexibility for post-production reframing, crop-in, or extraction of multiple aspect ratios from a single recording.
What is Full Sensor Mode?
Full Sensor Mode is a camera recording mode that utilizes the entire sensor area. Unlike crop modes or format-specific recordings, this mode uses all available pixels – maximum resolution and flexibility.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Usage | Entire sensor |
| Crop | None |
| Resolution | Maximum |
| Ratio | Native to the sensor |
Native Sensor Ratios
| Camera | Native Ratio |
|---|---|
| ARRI Alexa 35 | ~1.55:1 |
| RED V-Raptor | ~1.9:1 |
| Sony Venice 2 | ~1.5:1 |
| Blackmagic | Varies |
Full Sensor vs. Crop Mode
| Aspect | Full Sensor | Crop Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 100% | <100% |
| Resolution | Maximum | Reduced |
| FOV | Widest | Narrower |
| Data | More | Less |
Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum Resolution | All pixels |
| Reframing | Possible in post |
| Multiple Ratios | One shoot |
| Stabilization | Headroom |
Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Volume | Larger files |
| Processing | More processing power |
| Storage | More storage |
| Lenses | Larger circle needed |
Extraction from Full Sensor
| Target Ratio | From Full Sensor |
|---|---|
| 2.39:1 Scope | Horizontally |
| 1.85:1 Flat | Standard |
| 16:9 | TV/Web |
| 9:16 | Vertical/Social |
ARRI Open Gate
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexa LF | 4448 × 3096 |
| Alexa 35 | 4608 × 3164 |
| Usage | Maximum |
| Ratio | Approx. 1.44:1 |
RED Full Frame
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| V-Raptor | 8192 × 4320 |
| Komodo | 6144 × 3240 |
| Mode | Full Frame |
| Flexibility | High |
Sony Venice
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| 6K FF | 6048 × 4032 |
| Sensor | 36mm × 24mm |
| Ratio | 1.5:1 |
| Options | Multiple Modes |
Lens Requirements
| Aspect | Full Sensor |
|---|---|
| Image Circle | Larger |
| Coverage | Full sensor |
| Vignetting | Avoid |
| Cost | Often higher |
Workflow
| Phase | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Planning | Define target formats |
| Shoot | Frame safe areas |
| Edit | Select format |
| Delivery | Extract |
Safe Areas
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Action Safe | Important action |
| Title Safe | Text/graphics |
| Common Top | Constant top edge |
| Documentation | For editor |
Framing for Multiple Ratios
| Consideration | Solution |
|---|---|
| Headroom | For all ratios |
| Composition | Check multiple times |
| Critical Elements | Within safe area |
| Monitoring | Overlay guides |
Data Rates
| Mode | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Full Sensor 4K | 200-400 Mbps |
| Full Sensor 6K | 400-800 Mbps |
| Full Sensor 8K | 800-1500 Mbps |
| RAW | Even higher |
Storage Requirements
| Resolution | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| 4K Full | 100-200 GB |
| 6K Full | 200-400 GB |
| 8K Full | 400-800 GB |
| Factor | Codec, framerate |
Post-Production
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hardware | High-performance |
| Software | 8K-capable |
| Storage | Fast, large |
| Workflow | Proxies often needed |
Use Cases
| Project | Reason |
|---|---|
| Multi-Platform | Cinema + TV + Social |
| VFX-Heavy | Stabilization |
| Archival | Future-proof |
| Reframing | Flexibility |
IMAX Workflow
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Capture | Full sensor |
| Extraction | IMAX + Flat |
| Dual Release | Both ratios |
| Planning | Essential |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Plan target formats | Framing |
| Use overlays | Composition |
| Calculate storage | Budget |
| Test workflow | Before production |
Today
Full Sensor Mode is standard for high-end productions requiring maximum flexibility. The ability to extract various formats from a single shoot – from IMAX to Instagram – makes this mode particularly valuable in a multi-platform world.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Full Sensor bedeutet Optionen in Post – verschiedene Aspect Ratios aus einem Dreh, Reframing wenn nötig. Diese Flexibilität kann wertvoll sein.
Producer
Full Sensor Mode produziert größere Files, braucht mehr Storage. Aber die Flexibilität kann Budget sparen – ein Dreh für Kino, TV und Social Media.
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