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Jan 25, 2024 · If you want your movie or documentary shown on Netflix, you can't shoot with any old camera - it needs to be one on the Netflix-approved list of cameras. Being “Netflix-approved” means that cameras have the minimum specs required to ensure they offer the expected quality of a Netflix Original.
Dec 12, 2022 · Fortunately, Netflix publishes the key specs it mandates for a camera to gain its approval. However, Netflix also states that just because a camera meets the minimum requirements doesn’t mean it will be approved. Netflix takes a more holistic look at each camera, examining aspects such as dynamic range, form factor, workflow, and more.
Nov 19, 2018 · By Haleigh Foutch. Published Nov 19, 2018. Netflix's new thriller has a twisted and empowering ending. Netflix’s new horror thriller Cam is one of the smartest, rawest genre films of...
- Capture Requirements
- Netflix-Approved Cameras
- Arri
- Canon
- Panasonic
- Red
- Panavision
- Sony
- Blackmagic
- Using non-approved Cameras
Image Resolution
You must make sure that your camera can shoot a minimum of 4K UHD. The sensor must be able to capture a resolution of 3840 pixels for the width. This includes if you are shooting anamorphic, in which case you may need to have a higher resolution sensor to stay compliant. Please check the list of Netflix-approved cameras below to see if your camera is allowed to shoot anamorphic.
Format
Your camera should be able to record in either a RAW format such as ARRIRAW, REDCODE, X-OCN, or similar, or in a compressed format that has all intra recording with a high bit rate, such as XAVC or ProRes HQ. For data rate, the minimum should be 240Mbs at 10bit UHD 23.98. Also, all files should contain all the metadata such as Timecode, Frame Rate, ISO, WB, etc.
Bit Rate
You need a minimum of 16 bit linear recording or at least 10bit log processing.
The list of cameras below have been approved for Netflix productions, as of July 2022. You’ll see some of these cameras are currently available for purchase at Adorama, or available to rent through Adorama Rental Company.
ARRI Alexa LF
With a large format sensor, this camera was first release in September of 2019 and the market went crazy for it. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.5K (4448×3096) in ARRIRAW or ProRes 4444. This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
This is the smaller version of the ARRI Alexa LF. It took on the form factor and most of the features of the Alexa Mini while still being able to squeeze in a large format sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.5K (4448×3096) in ARRIRAW or ProRes 4444. This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
ARRI Alexa 65
This is the largest sensor from ARRI at 54.12 x 25.88mm. This camera has been used to shoot many of the latest huge Hollywood movies. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 6K (6560×3100) in ARRIRAW. This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
The Canon R5C incorporates a new internal cooling fan that allows for unlimited 8K 60fps recording. It’s interface has also been updated to meet the needs of professionals — including 13 assignable buttons. Considering it supports internal 8K/60P RAW or Cinema RAW Light recording, HDMI 8K RAW output to external recorders, and 8K HDR recording, this is a great choice for filmmakers.
Released in 2015, the C300Mk II added a new sensor that allows the camera to capture 4K internally in 4:2:2 at 10-bit depth with faster sensor reads leading to less rolling shutter. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in Canon RAW or XF-AVC (4K).
The most recent update of the C300 line, the Mk III added the ability to shoot 120 frames per second at 4K in RAW or XF-AVC. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in Cinema RAW Light or XF-AVC (4K).
This is Panasonic’s flagship cinema camera. It shoots up to 240 frames per second in 1080p and utilizes a 4:4:4 color space, which many current cinema cameras don’t even do. It also has dual 800 and 5000 base ISOs. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in V-RAW or AVC-Intra-4K.
Sporting the same sensor that is on the VariCam 35 with the dual base ISOs of 800 and 5000, this camera has much of the same recording capabilities of its bigger brother. Where they differ is that the LT can’t record 4K at 120 frames per second in RAW, or 4K ProRes 4444. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in V-RAW or AVC-Intra-4K.
Panasonic VariCam Pure
The Panasonic VariCam Pure is ideal for high-end episodic television shows and feature productions requiring 4K RAW acquisition. It was released in 2016 with a Super 35mm sensor capable of V-RAW at 4K and 12 bit, which can record up to 120 frames per second. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in V-RAW.
RED DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV
With both the Monstro 8K VV and the monochrome version of this camera, you get interchangeable OLPF’s and lens mounts. You also get an extremely high resolution 8K Vista Vision sensor, which is 40.96×21.60mm. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8192×4320) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
RED WEAPON DRAGON 8K VV
One of the benefits of using a RED camera — like the RED Weapon Dragon 8K VV — is that you get such massive control over the resolution. This can go up to 8K on a very large and impressive Vista Vision sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8192×4320) in REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
RED DSMC2 / WEAPON HELIUM 8K S35
With the Weapon Helium 8K S35, these RED cameras use the very clean interface that is common amongst all the DSMC brains. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8192×4320) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Panavision DXL2
This camera has been IMAX-certified and is used only at the highest of the highest levels of production. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8192×4320) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
The original Sony Venice uses a full-frame sensor with dual native ISO of 500 and 2500 for great low light performance. The body is made for professional cinema work with all the ports you could need. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 6K (6048×4032) in either RAW (up to 4096×2160), X-OCN, XAVC-I ( 4K). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
There’s an excellent dynamic range of 16 stops, 8.6K of resolution, and the ability to change out sensors and an improved dual ISO of 800 and 3200 on this newer sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8640×5760) in either X-OCN RAW or ProRes 422HQ (4K). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
The successor to the FS7II, this is a full-frame workhorse of a camera. With its new oversampled 6k Exmor R CMOS, dual native ISO of 800 and 4000, and amazing 16bit RAW via the optional External XDCA, you can get incredible detail with excellent colors. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in XAVC-I (4K).
The URSA Mini Pro 12K offers a12,288 x 6480 12K Super 35 sensor and 14 stops of dynamic range — all built into its compact body. The camera oversampled from 12k to supply crisp 8K and 4K images. The cameras has an interchangeable PL mount, built-in ND filters, dual CFastand UHS‑II SD card recorders, a SuperSpeed USB‑C expansion port, and more. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 12K: 1288 0x 6480) in Blackmagic RAW (up to 8:1)
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K
This now 6-year-old camera shows how Blackmagic has had an influence on the cinema camera market. At the time, they were offering a 4.6K RAW 16bit at around $5,000.00 — which is still a good price for those features. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.6K (4608×2592) in Cinema DNG RAW (up to 4:1)
The next evolution in the URSA line up, the URSA Mini Pro uses the same great sensor and adds more ENG style switches, a new switchable lens mount, and internal ND. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.6K (4608×2592) in Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)
When working on a Netflix show or movie, there are certain exceptions for non-approved cameras. In the event that you need to use a camera as a crash camera — which means putting the camera in a dangerous situation such as attaching it to the outside of a fast-moving car — you may use a camera that is not on the approved list, but only for limited ...
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Aug 7, 2022 · By Mark Wilson. published 7 August 2022. Netflix's cameras list isn't quite what it seems. The Sony FX3 (above) has just been added to the Netflix approved cameras list.(Image credit:...
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