Over the years, Netflix has become a major player in the film and television industry, producing some of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows and movies.
As part of their effort to maintain a high standard of quality for their content, Netflix has created a list of approved cameras that filmmakers must use when shooting content for the platform.
So why does Netflix have an approved camera list, and what's in it for aspiring filmmakers aiming for the real deal?
In this blog, we'll explore these questions in more detail.
Netflix Has An Approved Camera List??
When it comes to modern filmmaking, the camera is one of the most critical tools in a filmmaker's kit. From capturing breathtaking images for feature films to providing essential content for documentaries and other projects, today’s cameras are capable of producing stunning visuals that bring stories to life.
First, it's important to understand why Netflix has an approved camera list. Simply put, the camera list exists to ensure that all content produced for the platform meets a certain standard of quality.
By limiting the cameras that can be used, Netflix can ensure that the images produced by those cameras are consistent and meet the technical requirements for streaming content.
What's In It For You?
So what's in it for aspiring filmmakers like you? Well, if you're a filmmaker looking to produce content for Netflix, using an approved camera can give you a significant advantage. Using a camera on the approved list can ensure that your content meets the technical requirements for streaming, which can increase your chances of getting your content accepted by the platform.
In addition, using an approved camera can help you achieve a higher level of quality in your content. These cameras are designed to produce high-quality images that are consistent and have a professional look and feel. By using an approved camera, you can ensure that your content looks as good as possible, which can help you stand out from the competition and attract a larger audience.
Another benefit of using an approved camera is that it can help you build your reputation as a filmmaker. If you produce content that meets Netflix's high standards, it can help you establish yourself as a talented and professional filmmaker, which can lead to more opportunities in the future.
Capture Requirements
| Resolution | Minimum of 3840 photosite capture width (Spherical) | |
| Codec | Lightly Compressed or Uncompressed RAW or Intraframe Based Codec with 4:2:2 Chroma-subsampling or Greater |
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| Bit Depth | 10-Bit or Greater | |
| Data Rate | Minimum 240Mbps at 24FPS | |
| Color Space | Scene-referred Color Space (S.Gamut3, ALEXA Wide Gamut, REDWideGamut etc.) |
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| Transfer Function | Scene-referred Transfer Function (Slog3, Log C, Log3G10, VLog etc.) |
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| Timecode |
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Note: Not all cameras that meet these capture requirements are approved. These requirements are the minimum specifications necessary for a camera system to be considered for approval. Other attributes must be taken into account such as dynamic range, form factor, stability, workflow compatibility, and more.
Netflix-Approved Cameras
Cameras that have been approved for Netflix productions are listed below. We will continue to maintain and update this list as new camera systems become available and are evaluated by our technologists.
BLACKMAGIC
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K |
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4.6K: 4608x2592 | - CinemaDNG RAW (up to 4:1) |
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Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
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4.6K: 4608x2592
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- Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)
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Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 4.6K G2
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4.6K: 4608x2592
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- Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)
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ARRI
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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ARRI Alexa LF |
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4.5K: 4448x3096 | - ARRIRAW - ProRes 4444 - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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ARRI Alexa Mini LF |
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4.5K: 4448x3096 | - ARRIRAW - ProRes 4444 - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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ARRI Alexa 65 |
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6K:6560x3100
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- ARRIRAW - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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ARRI Alexa 35 |
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4.6K: 4608x3164
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- ARRIRAW
- ProRes 4444 XQ - ProRes 4444 - Approved for anamorphic capture |
Canon
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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Canon C300 Mk II |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - Canon RAW - XF-AVC (4K) |
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Canon C300 Mk III |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - Cinema RAW Light - XF-AVC (4K) |
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Canon C500 Mk II |
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5.9K: 5952x3140 |
- Cinema RAW Light
- XF-AVC (4K) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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Canon C500 |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - Canon RAW |
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Canon C700 |
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4K: 4096x2160 4.5K: 4512x2376 |
- Canon RAW - XF-AVC (4K) - ProRes HQ (4K) |
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Canon C700 FF |
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RAW FF: 5952 x 3140 RAW 2.35: 5952x2532 4K: 4096 x 2160 UHD: 3840 x 2160 |
- Canon RAW - XF-AVC (4K) - ProRes HQ (4K) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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Canon EOS C70 |
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4K: 4096x2160 |
- Cinema RAW Light - XF-AVC (4K) |
Panasonic
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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Panasonic |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - V-RAW - AVC-Intr |
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Panasonic |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - V-RAW - AVC-Intr |
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Panasonic |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - V-RAW |
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Panasonic AU-EVA1 |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - 422 All-I 400Mb/s* *Firmware 2.02 or higher required |
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Panasonic S1H |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - 422 All-I 400Mb/s |
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Panasonic BGH1 |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - 422 All-I 400Mb/s |
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Panasonic BS1H |
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4K: 4096x2160 |
- 422 All-I 400Mb/s |
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Panasonic |
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UHD: 3840x2160 | - Baseband Video |
RED
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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RED DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV |
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8K: 8192x4320 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED WEAPON DRAGON 8K VV |
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8K: 8192x4320 |
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED DSMC2 / WEAPON HELIUM 8K S35 |
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8K: 8192x4320 |
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED EPIC-W HELIUM 8K S35 |
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8K: 8192x4320 |
- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED WEAPON DRAGON 6K S35 |
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6144x3160 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED EPIC DRAGON 6K S35 |
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6K: 6144x3160 |
- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED DSMC2 / EPIC-W GEMINI 5K S35 |
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5K: 5120x3000 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED SCARLET-W DRAGON 5K S35 |
5K: 5120x2700 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) | |
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RED RAVEN 4.5K |
4.5K: 4608x2160 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) | |
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RED RANGER MONSTRO 8K VV |
8K: 8192x4320 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED RANGER HELIUM 8K S35 |
8K: 8192x4320 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED RANGER GEMINI 5K S35 |
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5K: 5120x3000 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED DSMC2 DRAGON-X 6K S35 |
6K: 6144x3160 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED KOMODO 6K |
6K: 6144x3240 | - RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV |
8K: 8192x4320 | - RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera GuidePanavision
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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Panavision DXL2 |
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8K: 8192x4320 | - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
Sony
| Camera | Photo | Effective Pixels | Preferred Recording Format |
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Sony Venice |
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6K: 6048x4032 |
- RAW (up to 4096x2160) - X-OCN - XAVC-I (4K) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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Sony Venice 2 6K |
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6K: 6048x4032 | - X-OCN RAW - ProRes 422HQ (4K) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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Sony Venice 2 8K |
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8.6K: 8640x5760 |
- X-OCN RAW - ProRes 422HQ (4K) - Approved for anamorphic capture |
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Sony FX9 |
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4K: 4096x2160 |
- XAVC-I (4K) |
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Sony F55 |
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4K: 4096x2160 |
- F55RAW - X-OCN - XAVC-I (4K) |
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Sony F65 |
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4K: 4096x2160 |
- F65RAW - F65RAW-LITE - XAVC-I (4K) |
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Sony FS7 / FS7 II |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - XAVC-I (4K) |
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Sony F5 |
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4K: 4096x2160 | - XAVC-I (4K)* *4K upgrade license |
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Sony FX6 |
4K: 4096x2160 | - XAVC-I (4K) | |
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Sony FR7 |
4K: 4096x2160 | - XAVC-I (4K) | |
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Sony PXW-Z450 |
UHD: 3840x2160 | - XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode | |
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Sony PXW-Z750 |
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UHD: 3840x2160 | - XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode |
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Sony FX3 |
UHD: 3840x2160 | - XAVC S-I (4K) | |
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Sony HDC-F5500 |
UHD: 3840x2160 | - Baseband Video |
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera Guide
Camera GuideImage Capture Best Practices
To ensure that viewers enjoy the best viewing experience possible, Netflix has developed a series of best practices for image capture.
Here's an updated rundown of Netflix's image capture practices so you can stay ahead of the game!
Black Balancing/Black Shading
Black balancing is the process of adjusting the camera's settings to ensure that the blacks in an image are consistent and true.
Black shading is a process of adjusting the blacks in an image so that they appear neutral and true.
Both processes are important for ensuring that an image looks its best when it's viewed. For best results, let your camera reach its normal operating temperature before doing the sensor calibration. You can refer to your camera's operating manual as well.
Framing Charts
Framing charts are essential for ensuring that a scene looks its best when viewed. Netflix recommends using a framing chart when setting up a shot so that the viewer can see all the elements of the scene in their correct place. This helps to create a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
Choosing an Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio determines the shape of the image, with different ratios offering different levels of detail and clarity. Netflix recommends using the 2.39:1 aspect ratio for most of its content, as it provides the best balance between detail and clarity.
Anamorphic Lenses
Anamorphic lenses are designed to capture a wider field of view, allowing for more detail and clarity in the images. Netflix recommends using anamorphic lenses when shooting their content, as they provide the best viewing experience.
Color Management
Color management involves ensuring that the colors in an image are consistent and true, and Netflix recommends using a color calibration chart to ensure that the colors in the images are accurate. This helps to ensure that the image looks its best when viewed.
Spanned Clips
Spanned clips are also important for capturing the best images possible. Spanned clips allow for longer clips to be recorded without having to stop and restart the recording. This helps to ensure that the images captured are of the highest quality, as the entire scene can be recorded without interruption.
Film Capture
Film capture is the process of capturing an image on film rather than digitally. This process offers a unique look and feel, and can help to create a more immersive viewing experience.
External Recorders
In some scenarios, productions will require using Netflix-approved cameras with external recorder. The recording format should follow the Capture Requirements (as shown in this blog) and must also be discussed your Netflix point of contact.
We hope this blog has helped you get a clear vision with your Netflix film journey. We would love to hear about your own experiences in dabbling with the technical requirements and how your Netflix journey as a filmmaker went!
Fueling Your Passion for Creativity,
Nuzira