What is Image and Video Resolution?

Resolution is the number of pixels in an image or video - more pixels means more detail

Image and Video Resolution: Simple Definition

Resolution refers to the number of pixels (individual colored dots) that make up an image or video frame. A 1920x1080 resolution means 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall, totaling about 2 million pixels.

Higher resolution means more detail, but also larger file sizes. A 4K image (3840x2160) has 4 times more pixels than a 1080p image, so it requires roughly 4 times more storage.

Understanding Resolution

Resolution is often measured in total pixels (megapixels) for cameras, or by the height in lines for video. A 12-megapixel camera captures 12 million pixels per photo. "1080p" video has 1080 horizontal lines of pixels.

Screen resolution determines how sharp your display looks. A 4K monitor shows more pixels per inch than a 1080p monitor of the same size, resulting in sharper, more detailed images.

Examples of Image and Video Resolution

720p (HD)

1280x720 pixels. 0.9 megapixels. Standard for web video and older TVs.

1080p (Full HD)

1920x1080 pixels. 2.1 megapixels. Standard for most video content today.

4K (UHD)

3840x2160 pixels. 8.3 megapixels. Standard for modern TVs and high-quality streaming.

8K

7680x4320 pixels. 33 megapixels. Emerging standard for professional production.

Work With Your Files

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 4K mean?

4K refers to a horizontal resolution of approximately 4000 pixels. The standard 4K resolution is 3840x2160 pixels (UHD).

Is higher resolution always better?

Higher resolution means more detail but requires more storage and processing power. Choose resolution based on where content will be displayed.

What resolution should I shoot video at?

For most uses, 1080p is excellent. Use 4K if you plan to crop, stabilize, or future-proof your footage.

Does resolution affect file size?

Yes, directly. Doubling resolution quadruples the number of pixels and roughly quadruples the file size.

What is DPI?

DPI (dots per inch) measures resolution for printed images. 72 DPI is screen resolution. 300 DPI is standard for print quality.