4K Video File Sizes of Popular Cameras (2022)
Key takeaways
- File size varies significantly across camera tiers: Per-minute 4K file sizes range drastically based on camera build, spanning from roughly 360 MB on consumer smartphones to over 22 GB on high-end cinema cameras.
- Codec choice dictates overall storage demands: Highly compressed codecs (like H.264/H.265) create lightweight files ideal for consumer storage, whereas uncompressed or weakly compressed codecs (like ProRes 4444 or ARRIRAW) generate massive data footprint per minute.
- Upfront data planning prevents production delays: Calculating exact bitrate, frame rate, and compression requirements before shooting is essential to ensure adequate media card capacity and prevent network bottlenecks during post-production file transfers.
Although 4K video isn’t even close to the max resolution filmmakers can shoot with nowadays, it’s still considered an industry standard.
Video shot in 4K provides brilliant clarity and picture quality. It also creates large and unwieldy file sizes. But, keep in mind that 4K video file size has a lot to do with the type of camera used for recording. Then, you have to consider the footage itself and how much data the camera is taking in. And of course, the supported video formats and codecs also determine 4K video file size.
When planning a shoot, it’s important to keep 4K video file sizes in mind. Otherwise, you run the risk of maxing out your card storage. Be it a smartphone camera, cinematic camera, or anything in-between,
So, we’ve gone ahead and put together this guide on 4K video file size per minute of recording in various codecs. This will help provide you with a base when planning. Or, serve as a reminder to backup old footage in your card and camera roll!
4K Video File Sizes by Camera
Below are a few tables that provide estimated 4K video file sizes per minute of footage shot with some of the world’s most popular cameras. For example, the iPhone 13, RED Ranger, and a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
First, some important notes:
- We’ve gone with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, as opposed to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160). The former is the dominant resolution for television and consumer media production.
- We’ve also used a 30fps frame rate in most cases, unless specified otherwise.
- We’ve provided numbers for a few different codecs (and video formats) specific to the camera where appropriate.
- We’ve converted all file sizes into the decimal form of gigabytes (here’s the difference between gb vs gib if you’re not sure).
Let’s dig in.
Smartphone Cameras
Smartphone cameras seem to be improving by the nanosecond. All the big phone makers are constantly improving their front and rear cameras with features like:
- super-slow mo;
- sensor shift stabilization;
- RGBW sensors;
- and even AI and machine learning algorithms.
But what about 4K video file sizes? Because the iPhone offers video shots in ProRes, a comparison of one minute of video with other codecs isn’t even close. For context, iPhone 13 users can also shoot using HEVC or H.264 formats, which will save you a lot of space. Here’s a look at how the flagship phones stack up for one minute of video footage:
Read More: The Best Free Mobile Video Editing Apps for Creators
Cinema Cameras
Cinema cameras are the ultimate piece of recording hardware for filmmakers. But, their price tag — along with their hefty file sizes — put them out of reach for most consumers. Still, for the absolute best in cinema-quality video, you cannot beat a cinema camera.
We’ve chosen to illustrate two camera models at random from some of the best camera makers.
DSLR Video Cameras
With their traditional-looking bodies and detachable lenses, a DSLR has the classic camera look we’ve come to know and love.
Traditionally, DSLRs are for still images but are being used more and more to shoot video.
DSLRs are delicate machines that include a bunch of different components, including:
- A reflex mirror
- Removable lens
- Shutter
- Image sensor
- Focusing screen
- Condenser lens
- Pentaprism
- Optical viewfinder
Here’s a sampling of the estimated one-minute 4k video file sizes of some of the leading DSLRs on the market:
Canon and Nikon
Mirrorless Video Cameras
Mirrorless cameras (also known as compact system cameras, or CSCs) look like DSLRs. They’ve got a similar-looking body. They’ve got detachable lenses. Indeed, most of us probably couldn’t tell the difference between the two at first glance.
But mirrorless cameras are different. The reason being, they don’t have the reflex mirror and some other components we mentioned in the DSLR section. Instead, mirrorless cameras operate with a lens, shutter, image sensor, and digital display (instead of a viewfinder).
Some estimated one-minute video file sizes of popular mirrorless cameras:
Fujifilm, Panasonic, Nikon
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