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.
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