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
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| 6:5 = 1.20:1 | Recording Format |
| 1.20 × 2 = 2.40 | After 2x De-squeeze |
| = 2.40:1 | Final Scope without Crop |
Comparison with 4:3
| Aspect | 6:5 Mode | 4:3 Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 1.20:1 | 1.33:1 |
| After 2x Squeeze | 2.40:1 | 2.66:1 |
| Crop Necessary? | No | Yes (to 2.40:1) |
| Efficiency | Higher | Lower |
Cameras with 6:5 Mode
| Camera | 6:5 Resolution |
|---|---|
| RED Komodo | 4096×3432 |
| RED V-Raptor | 8192×6864 |
| RED Gemini | 5120×4320 |
Workflow Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Efficient Data | Only necessary pixels |
| No Crop | Full resolution in the final |
| Mathematically Exact | No guesswork, no leeway |
| Faster Processing | Less data |
When 6:5 vs. 4:3?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Final 2.40:1 certain | 6:5 |
| Flexibility desired | 4:3 (more headroom) |
| Classic look | 4:3 (emphasizes oval bokeh) |
| Efficient pipeline | 6:5 |
Anamorphic Options
| Setup | Recording | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 6:5 + 2x Ana | 1.2:1 | 2.40:1 |
| 4:3 + 2x Ana | 1.33:1 | 2.66:1 → Crop |
| 16:9 + 2x Ana | 1.78:1 | 3.56:1 → Crop |
Post-Production
| Phase | 6:5 Advantage |
|---|---|
| Import | Less data |
| De-squeeze | Perfect 2.40:1 |
| No Reframe | What's shot = Final |
| Export | Directly 2.40:1 |
Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| No Flexibility | No reframe margin |
| Camera-specific | Not all cameras have 6:5 |
| Less Bokeh | Slightly 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.
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