Understanding Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is everywhere. Aspect ratio is used by instagram, meta, pinterest, netflix, etc. Learn how to apply it:
Discover Aspect Ratios in Photography
Aspect ratios are key to framing your perfect shot, whether using film or digital cameras.
Popular Film Formats
- 3:2 Ratio: Common in 35mm film (36mm x 24mm) and medium format (8.9cm x 5.6cm).
- 1:1 Ratio: Square format found in Instamatic 126 (28mm x 28mm) and roll film (6cm x 6cm).
- APS-C Format: Nearly 3:2, popular among amateurs.
- Panoramic: Formats like 6cm x 17cm, great for wide landscapes.
Digital Photography
- 3:2 Ratio: Standard in most DSLRs.
- 4:3 Ratio: Common in compact and Four Thirds cameras.
- 16:9 Ratio: Ideal for video, providing a widescreen look.
Large Format
- 1.25:1 to 2.5:1: Various ratios for expansive and detailed large-format photography.
Photo Paper
Traditionally, photo paper matched film aspect ratios but adapted over time for borderless prints, like the 10cm x 15cm format for 35mm film.
Choose the right aspect ratio to enhance your composition and make your photos stand out!
Explore Aspect Ratios in Film
Film aspect ratios have evolved over time, with some formats becoming timeless while others faded away. Understanding these ratios helps in appreciating the cinematic experience.
Modern Cinema Screens
- 1.85:1 and 2.37:1: Common aspect ratios in cinemas today, often with slight variations in between. Screens with a 1.85:1 ratio may cover parts of a wider screen, while 2.37:1 projections might leave top and bottom sections unused.
Classic 35mm Film Formats
- 1.37:1 (Academy Format): Standard for 35mm sound film (22mm x 16mm).
- 1.66:1 and 1.85:1: Widened formats from the 1950s and 1960s achieved by matting the top and bottom.
- Anamorphic 2.39:1: Uses the full image area (22mm x 18.5mm), distorted by an anamorphic lens and corrected during projection.
Special Formats
- VistaVision (1954): 2:1 ratio on horizontally guided 35mm film, requiring special cameras.
- Cinerama (1952-1962): Aspect ratio of 2.65:1.
- Ultra Panavision 70: Rarely used format with a ratio of 2.76:1.
These varied aspect ratios shape the visual storytelling in films, offering unique viewing experiences. Explore these formats to better understand the art of cinema!
Aspect Ratios in Television
The aspect ratios used in television have evolved significantly from the early days of analogue TV to the modern digital era. Understanding these changes can enhance your viewing experience.
Early Television Formats
- 4:3 Ratio: The standard format for analogue television, including German PAL, French SECAM, and US NTSC colour television.
Transition to Widescreen
- 16:9 Ratio: Became more common from the 1990s onwards, especially for high-definition television (HDTV).
Digital Television Standards
- DVB and ATSC: Support 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, with 2.21:1 (around 20:9) theoretically supported but not used in practice.
- Anamorphic Storage: Used in DVD, SVCD, and DVB, similar to the CinemaScope process.
Modern Television Sets
- 16:9 Ratio: Became the norm with the move away from CRTs, especially for larger and higher-quality TV sets.
- 21:9 Ratio (64:27 = 2.37:1): Introduced from 2009 for displaying films in the 2.39:1 format without horizontal bars, though most content requires vertical bars or is distorted.
The evolution of aspect ratios in television reflects technological advances and changing viewing preferences. Explore these formats to better understand your TV's capabilities!
