Is 8K Resolution Worth It for Video Editing?

The pursuit of higher resolutions and better image quality is a never-ending journey in the realm of video editing. Video editors have more possibilities as technology progresses.

8K resolution is one of the newest breakthroughs in this pursuit of visual perfection. But for video editing, is 8K resolution really worth it? Let’s explore further to learn more.

8K Resolution

8K resolution represents a significant leap in visual quality, with four times as many pixels as its predecessor, 4K resolution. This term applies to both the displays capable of showcasing 8K content and the devices responsible for recording or producing content in this exceptional quality, such as cameras and smartphones, as well as televisions and computer monitors.

8K resolution refers to a display, camera, or video format with a horizontal resolution of approximately 8,000 pixels. In most cases, this translates to a resolution of 7680×4320 pixels, which is four times the pixel count of 4K (3840×2160) and sixteen times that of Full HD (1920×1080).

Why Is It Called 8K?

The term “8K” derives its name from the number of pixels found along the horizontal edge of the image, which totals approximately 8,000 pixels. While “8K” serves as an overarching term, it is typically divided into two primary subcategories: 8K UHD (Ultra-High Definition), sometimes referred to as UHD2, and 8K DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives). The latter is a partnership among several major movie studios aimed at establishing standards for digital cinema systems.

Resolution Comparison

	Full HD	4K UHD	8K UHD
Dimensions	1920 X 1080	3840 x 2160	7680 X 4320
Total pixels	2.1MP	8.3MP	33.2MP
Aspect ratio	16:9	16:9	16:9

How Does 8K Work?

Understanding the mechanics of 8K resolution requires familiarity with the concept of resolution itself. Resolution, in this context, pertains to pixel resolution, signifying the total number of pixels contained within an image or a frame of video.

Since each pixel can represent a distinct value, a higher pixel count in each frame of video theoretically translates to greater detail in the footage. Considering that 8K has four times as many pixels as 4K, it can capture a great deal of fine details.

That is not to say that upgrading to 8K automatically enhances a video. Video quality can be affected by a wide range of other factors, such as the choice of frame rate, bit rate, and colour depth, the quality of the lens used to record the movie, and the skill of the filmmaker.

Are 8K Monitors Worth Purchasing?

Given that there is little 8K content and that you won’t notice the difference in daily life, why buy an 8K monitor?

Firstly, content with a lower resolution can be displayed on 8K monitors by automatically upscaling the video to fill the extra pixels. This suggests that you may eventually be able to play video games on such monitors while watching content that was initially shot in 8K.

Another advantage is that while 8K is still a relatively new technology, the TVs and monitors that support it are usually the most recent versions with the most advanced features.

Consequently, they are more likely to gain from characteristics like wide color gamut (WCG), high dynamic range (HDR), and fast refresh rates, which are potentially more important for total image quality than resolution.

Advantages of 8K Recording

It may be difficult for the average customer to appreciate the benefits of an 8K display, but there are numerous benefits to filming in this resolution. In actuality, a lot of us already value them without even realizing it.

 Filming and Editing

Filmmakers can benefit from using 8K footage in 4K productions in a number of ways.

8K video allows for significant cropping without compromising the resolution required for 4K output because it gives a significant increase in pixel count over 4K.

Consequently, you have a lot more creative freedom when it comes to framing your images because you may alter the composition and stabilise the video after it has been recorded.

It is also possible to zoom in or pan across an image at such high resolutions. For example, a filmmaker may start with a long, wide-angle shot and then divide it into wide and close-up shots by simply cutting in. This means that you can save time and money by using one camera instead of two.

Potential for Improved Overall Quality

When it is feasible, hardware manufacturers often build their products to record 4K video at a higher resolution (such 5K or 6K), then downscale the video to 4K for output.

People sometimes claim that by doing this, the film will turn out better than if it had been shot at 4K in the first place.

Therefore, there’s a good chance that the additional information obtained from 8K recording will also benefit downscaled footage in terms of aspects like colour and noise reduction in images.

8K for Gaming

In terms of gaming graphics, 8K is unquestionably superior to 4K. When comparing side-by-side with 4K, the higher pixel count makes the difference in image quality more noticeable.

However, resolution has never been a high priority in the world of video games. Other characteristics of graphic quality, particularly the refresh rate, which is crucial for games, are of greater significance to developers and gamers.

The refresh rate of a raster-based display device is the number of times per second that a new image is displayed. People will be able to see the screen more easily and smoothly at greater refresh rates.

Therefore, in addition to taking the device’s resolution into account, gamers should also pay attention to the refresh rate.

The AV Access 8KSW21-KVM is an 8K KVM switch with a high refresh rate and resolution. This allows you to efficiently switch between game sources: 8K@120hz, 10K@120hz,  4K@120hz, 1080P@240hz/165hz/144hz/120hz, 2560×1440@165hz/144hz/120hz.

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The Pros of 8K Resolution for Video Editing:

1. Unmatched Detail:

The most significant advantage of 8K resolution is the incredible level of detail it offers. When editing videos in 8K, you can zoom in on your footage without sacrificing image quality significantly. This makes tasks like color grading and precise editing much more manageable.

2. Future-Proofing:

As technology advances, 8K displays and content become more accessible. By editing in 8K today, you’re preparing your content for the future, ensuring it looks stunning on upcoming high-resolution displays.

3. Downsampling Benefits:

Even if your final output is not in 8K, editing in this resolution allows you to down sample to lower resolutions like 4K or 1080p. This down sampling process can enhance image quality, reduce noise, and produce sharper results.

3. Flexibility in Post-Production:

Working with higher resolution footage provides flexibility when it comes to cropping and reframing shots. This can be a game-changer in post-production, allowing for creative adjustments and corrections.

The Cons of 8K Resolution for Video Editing:

1. Hardware Demands

Editing in 8K requires powerful hardware. You’ll need a high-end computer with a fast CPU, plenty of RAM, and a robust GPU. Upgrading your system can be costly.

2. Storage Challenges

8K footage consumes a massive amount of storage space. You’ll need high-capacity, fast storage solutions to handle the large file sizes, which can be expensive.

3. Limited Content

While 8K cameras are available, they’re still relatively rare compared to 4K and lower-resolution options. Finding a reliable source of 8K footage can be challenging.

Rendering Time: Editing and rendering 8K footage takes significantly longer than lower resolutions. If you have tight deadlines, this could be a drawback.

When Is 8K Resolution Worth It?

Whether 8K resolution is worth it for video editing depends on your specific needs and circumstances:

• Professional Filmmakers: If you’re a professional filmmaker working on high-budget projects or you want to future-proof your content, 8K can be a valuable asset.
• Documentaries and Nature Videos: In genres where capturing every detail is essential, like nature documentaries, 8K can provide a competitive edge.
• Large Screen Productions: If your content will be displayed on large screens or in cinemas, the benefits of 8K become more apparent.
• Creative Freedom: If you prioritize creative freedom and flexibility in post-production, 8K allows for more extensive cropping and adjustments.
• Investment in Hardware: If you’re willing to invest in powerful hardware and substantial storage solutions, 8K can be a viable option.

When Is 8K Resolution Not Worth It?

• Budget Constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, the cost of upgrading your hardware and investing in storage might not be justifiable.
• Limited Access to 8K Content: If you struggle to find a consistent source of 8K footage for your projects, it may not be worth the effort.
• Quick Turnaround Projects: If you have tight deadlines and need fast rendering times, working in 8K might slow you down.

Conclusion

8K resolution offers remarkable detail and future-proofing benefits for video editing. However, it comes with significant hardware and storage demands.

Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your specific projects, budget, and willingness to invest in the required equipment. For many video editors, 4K remains the good spot between high-quality editing and practicality.