What Is the Correct Aspect Ratio for Filming Videos?

Short Answer: You should film your videos horizontally using an aspect ratio of 9:16. This allows for flexibility in cropping the video into vertical formats later, whereas filming vertically first does not yield good results when converted to horizontal.

Full Explanation

When filming videos, choosing the correct aspect ratio is crucial to ensure the best quality and versatility in post-production. Filming horizontally with a 9:16 aspect ratio means the video is widescreen and captures a broader view. This wider angle can be easily cropped into a vertical format if needed, which is especially useful for different platforms that prefer vertical videos.

On the other hand, if you film vertically from the start, cropping that content into horizontal footage does not work well. The horizontal crop will lack content on the sides and may appear awkward or poorly framed. Therefore, starting with a horizontal 9:16 ratio gives you more freedom and control while maintaining video quality.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Choose horizontal filming mode: Begin by setting up your camera or smartphone to record in landscape orientation.
2. Use the 9:16 aspect ratio: This widescreen format captures a wide field of view essential for cropping flexibility.
3. Film your content: Ensure the subject fits well within this horizontal frame to maintain visual quality.
4. Crop if needed: When adapting the content for vertical platforms or displays, crop the horizontal footage into a vertical format.

Real Examples

Filming horizontally at 9:16 aspect ratio facilitates easy adaptation of content for various screens. For example, a horizontal video can be seamlessly cropped to fit vertical social media formats without losing important parts of the scene. This versatility avoids the pitfalls seen in videos originally filmed vertically which often fail to translate well into horizontal displays.

Common Mistakes

• Filming vertically first: Capturing video with a vertical aspect ratio limits your ability to later convert it effectively into a horizontal format.
• Ignoring aspect ratio considerations: Not planning the filming orientation can lead to videos that don’t adapt well across platforms.

FAQs

Q: Why is filming horizontally better for cropping vertically?

A: Because horizontal videos capture a wider view, they can be easily cropped into vertical frames without losing important visual information.

Q: Can a vertical video be converted into horizontal?

A: No, converting vertical videos into horizontal doesn’t usually look good as the sides often have missing content or awkward framing.

Key Takeaways

• Always film videos horizontally using the 9:16 aspect ratio for maximum flexibility.
• This approach ensures your videos can be cropped into vertical formats without compromising quality.
• Filming vertically first limits your options and results in lower quality when adapting videos later.