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WHY NETFLIX HAS AN APPROVED CAMERA LIST

To help creatives produce their best work and create compelling visual experiences for our audience, Netflix requires 90% of a program’s final total runtime to be captured on approved cameras using the following  capture requirements. For nonfiction content, this threshold may be more flexible.

We collaborate extensively with the creative community, camera manufacturers, and globally recognized experts to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows. Approved cameras have been evaluated by Netflix technologists to ensure they meet image capture benchmarks for dynamic range, color accuracy, detail rendition, signal to noise ratio, resolution, and key workflow requirements. These evaluations help our partners know they’re using the best and most appropriate capture technology when telling their stories.

For more on why Netflix has an approved camera list see "Approved Cameras - Behind the Scenes."

This article also provides best practices in an effort to help productions avoid common image capture pitfalls or errors.

We understand that limited use of non-approved cameras may be necessary in certain situations. Netflix is available to navigate those specific image capture decisions. Please reach out to your Netflix point of contact with any questions or concerns specific to your production. For information on using Non-Approved Cameras see: Non-Approved Cameras: Recommended Settings & Best Practices.  

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 


 

CAPTURE REQUIREMENTS

In order to meet image capture standards required by Netflix, the following capture attributes must be adhered to.  

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

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.)

Transfer Function

Scene-referred Transfer Function 

(Slog3, Log C, Log3G10, VLog etc.)

Timecode

System is capable of jamming to an external source.
Timecode should be written as metadata.

 

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.

 


 

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.

 

ARRI

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

ARRI Alexa LF

Camera Guide

alexa-lf-introduction-image.jpeg 4.5K: 4448x3096

- ARRIRAW

- ProRes 4444 XQ

- ProRes 4444

- Approved for anamorphic capture

ARRI Alexa Mini LF

Camera Guide

Alexa_Mini_LF.jpeg 4.5K: 4448x3096

- ARRIRAW

- ProRes 4444 XQ

- ProRes 4444

- Approved for anamorphic capture

ARRI Alexa 65

Camera Guide

ARRI_Alexa_65.jpeg 6K:6560x3100

- ARRIRAW

- Approved for anamorphic capture

ARRI Alexa 35

Camera Guide

alexa35.jpeg 4.6K: 4608x3164

- ARRIRAW

- ProRes 4444 XQ

- ProRes 4444

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

Canon

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

Canon C300 Mk II

Camera Guide

Canon_C300_Mk_II.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- Canon RAW

- XF-AVC (4K)

Canon C300 Mk III

Camera Guide

C300_and_Sumire.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- Cinema RAW Light

- XF-AVC (4K)

Canon C500 Mk II

Camera Guide

EOSR2322.jpeg 5.9K: 5952x3140

- Cinema RAW Light

- XF-AVC (4K)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

Canon C500

Camera Guide

Canon_C500.png 4K: 4096x2160

- Canon RAW

Canon C700

Camera Guide

Canon_C700.jpeg

4K: 4096x2160

4.5K: 4512x2376

- Canon RAW 

- XF-AVC (4K)

- ProRes HQ (4K)

Canon C700 FF

Camera Guide

Canon_C700.jpeg

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

Canon EOS C70

Camera Guide

 

unnamed.jpg

4K: 4096x2160

- Cinema RAW Light

- XF-AVC (4K)

Canon EOS R5 C

Camera Guide

R5C_Transparent.png

4K: 4096x2160

- XF-AVC (4K)

 

Panasonic

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

Panasonic
VariCam 35

Camera Guide

varicam_35_with_expressp2_card_side_sep2014_low.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- V-RAW

- AVC-Intra4K

Panasonic
VariCam LT

Camera Guide

Panasonic_VariCam_LT.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- V-RAW

- AVC-Intra4K

Panasonic
VariCam Pure

Camera Guide

Panasonic_VariCam_Pure.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- V-RAW

Panasonic AU-EVA1

Camera Guide

panasonic-au-eva1.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- 422 All-I 400Mb/s*

*Firmware 2.02 or higher required

Panasonic S1H

Camera Guide

S1H_S-E2470_slant_K__1_.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- 422 All-I 400Mb/s

Panasonic BGH1

Camera Guide

 

BGH1.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- 422 All-I 400Mb/s

Panasonic BS1H

Camera Guide

 

bs1h-gallery-2.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- 422 All-I 400Mb/s

Panasonic
AK-UC4000

img_uc4000_06.jpeg UHD: 3840x2160

- Baseband Video

 

RED

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

RED DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV

Camera Guide

Red_8k_VV_Monstro.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED WEAPON DRAGON 8K VV

Camera Guide

Red_8k_VV_Monstro.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED DSMC2 / WEAPON HELIUM 8K S35

Camera Guide

Red_8K_S35_Helium.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED EPIC-W HELIUM 8K S35

Camera Guide

Red_8K_S35_Helium.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED WEAPON DRAGON 6K S35

Camera Guide

Red_6K_Dragon.jpeg 6K: 6144x3160

- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED EPIC DRAGON 6K S35

Camera Guide

Red_6K_Dragon_epic.jpeg 6K: 6144x3160

- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED DSMC2 / EPIC-W GEMINI 5K S35

Camera Guide

Red_5K_Gemini.jpeg 5K: 5120x3000

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED SCARLET-W DRAGON 5K S35

Camera Guide

Red_5K_Scarlet-W_Dragon.jpeg 5K: 5120x2700 - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

RED RAVEN 4.5K

Camera Guide

Red_4.5K_Raven_Dragon.jpg 4.5K: 4608x2160 - REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

RED RANGER MONSTRO 8K VV

Camera Guide

RED_RANGER.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED RANGER HELIUM 8K S35

Camera Guide

RED_RANGER.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED RANGER GEMINI 5K S35

Camera Guide

RED_RANGER.jpeg 5K: 5120x3000

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED DSMC2 DRAGON-X 6K S35

Camera Guide

dragon-x_5k.jpeg 6K: 6144x3160

- REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED KOMODO 6K

Camera Guide

unnamed.png 6K: 6144x3240

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV

Camera Guide

redraptor.png 8K: 8192x4320

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV

Camera Guide

V-RAPTORXL8KVV.jpg 8K: 8192x4320

 

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

RED V-RAPTOR 8K S35

Camera Guide

Raptor8KS35.jpg 8K: 8192x4320

 

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

RED V-RAPTOR XL 8K S35

Camera Guide

VRaptorXL8KS35.png 8K: 8192x4320

 

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

RED KOMODO-X 6K S35

Camera Guide

IMG_4912.jpeg 6K: 6144x3240

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

RED V-RAPTOR [X]  8K VV

Camera Guide

vraptorx.png 8K: 8192x4320

 

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

RED V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV

Camera Guide

710-0394_1.png 8K: 8192x4320

 

- RECODE RAW (HQ or MQ)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

 

Panavision

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

Panavision DXL2

Camera Guide 

Panavision_DXL.jpeg 8K: 8192x4320

- REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

 

Sony

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

Sony Venice

Camera Guide

Sony_Venice.jpeg 6K: 6048x4032

- RAW (up to 4096x2160)

- X-OCN

- XAVC-I (4K)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

Sony Venice 2 6K

Camera Guide

Venice2.jpeg 6K: 6048x4032

- X-OCN RAW

- ProRes 422HQ (4K)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

Sony Venice 2 8K

Camera Guide

Venice2.jpeg 8.6K: 8640x5760

- X-OCN RAW

- ProRes 422HQ (4K)

- Approved for anamorphic capture

Sony Burano

Camera Guide

Sony Burano 8.6K: 8632x4856

- X-OCN RAW

- Approved for anamorphic capture

Sony FX9

Camera Guide

fx9.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- XAVC-I (4K)

Sony F55

Camera Guide

Sony_F55.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- F55RAW

- X-OCN

- XAVC-I (4K)

Sony F65

Sony_F65.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- F65RAW

- F65RAW-LITE

- XAVC-I (4K)

Sony FS7 / FS7 II

Camera Guide

Sony_F7.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160 - XAVC-I (4K) 

Sony F5

Camera Guide

Sony_F5.jpeg 4K: 4096x2160

- XAVC-I (4K)*

*4K upgrade license required

Sony FX6

Camera Guide
ilmefx6_3q_44062_01-Mid_-_Copy.png 4K: 4096x2160

- XAVC-I (4K)

 

Sony FR7

Camera Guide

FR7.png 4K: 4096x2160

- XAVC-I (4K)

Sony PXW-Z450

Camera Guide

Sony_PXW-Z450.jpeg UHD: 3840x2160

- XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode

Sony PXW-Z750

Camera Guide

Z750.png UHD: 3840x2160

- XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode

Sony FX3

Camera Guide

05-ilme-fx3_right_handle.jpg UHD: 3840x2160

- XAVC S-I (4K)

Sony HDC-F5500

Camera Guide

HDC-F5500.jpg UHD: 3840x2160

-  Baseband Video 

 

Blackmagic

Camera   Effective Pixels Preferred Recording Format

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K

Camera Guide

Blackmagic_Design_URSA_Mini_4.6K.jpg 4.6K: 4608x2592

- CinemaDNG RAW (up to 4:1)

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K

Camera Guide

URSA_Mini_Pro.jpeg 4.6K: 4608x2592 - Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1) 

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 4.6K G2

Camera Guide

URSA_Mini_Pro.jpeg 4.6K: 4608x2592 - Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1) 

Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 12K OLPF

Camera Guide

Blackmagic-URSA-Mini-Pro-12K.jpg 12K: 12288x6480 - Blackmagic RAW (up to 8:1)


 


 

IMAGE CAPTURE BEST PRACTICES

While not required for Netflix productions, the following best practices will help productions avoid common pitfalls and workflow errors that can lead to added costs, lost time, or creative compromises. 

Black Balancing / Black Shading

Black balancing, sometimes referred to as black shading, of a camera’s sensor should be performed regularly in accordance with manufacturer provided guidance. For optimal results, please allow the camera to reach its normal operating temperature prior to performing the sensor calibration. The black balancing/shading procedure defines an imaging system’s proper black level given its current operating state and may reduce the visibility of misbehaving pixels while operating under fluctuating temperature ranges. To ensure this process is performed correctly, please refer to the instructions in your camera’s operating manual.

Framing Charts

To ensure on-set framing meets the creative and technical needs of your production, a framing chart should be shot before principal photography begins and processed through the dailies, editorial, and VFX pipelines.

For Best Practices involving Framing Charts and Dailies Workflows see:

Choosing an Aspect Ratio

Choosing an aspect ratio for the active image area of your production is a creative decision; however, aspect ratio can affect your workflow. “Aspect Ratio - An Overview” from our foundational video series demonstrates how aspect ratios may be used for story purposes and outlines technical considerations. 

We’ve also designed a Framing & Working Resolution Calculator which can determine if your capture and framing method is Netflix approved.

Aspect ratio choices should be discussed with Netflix for approval.

Anamorphic Lenses

When using anamorphic lenses, extra resolution may be required for capture. Camera selection should take this additional need into account. Cameras that meet this resolution requirement and are approved for anamorphic capture are designated in the list above. If you are unsure if your desired camera system has the necessary resolution or have questions about anamorphic capture, Netflix is here to help. Please contact your Netflix project lead to discuss implications or concerns.

Color Management

In order to ensure compatibility with your project’s color pipeline, productions should test each camera format’s color space transformation into the working color space. “The Benefits of Color Management” from our foundational video series explains why color management is important to Netflix and provides an introduction to the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES).

To explore color management further see: "What is Color Management?"

Spanned Clips

Recording single takes across multiple camera cards, also known as “spanning clips,” should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Spanning clips across camera cards increases the likelihood of downstream workflow issues. 

Film Capture

For productions seeking to shoot any photochemical film, please contact your relevant Netflix project lead.

External Recorders

In some instances, productions may require the use of approved cameras with external recorders. The recording format should be in line with minimum requirements outlined at the head of this document, and should be discussed with your Netflix point of contact.



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Change Log:

2022-12-01

  • Sony FR7 added.

2022-08-01

  • Sony FX3 & Sony HDC-F5500 added.

2022-06-27

  • Updated introduction & best practices content.

2022-04-19

  • Red V-Raptor 8K VV added.

2022-04-17

  • Sony Venice 2 6K added.

2022-03-21

  • Sony Venice 2 8k added.

 

2022-01-04

  • Panasonic BS1H added.

2022-01-04

  • Aspect Ratio foundational video added.

2021-04-23

  • Sony HDC-4300 removed 

2021-01-29

  • Language changed around aspect ratios to clarify that choice of aspect ratio is not a technical decision but a creative one. Removed words "primary" and "secondary" when used to describe approved and non-approved cameras. Clarified that allowed use of non-approved cameras on one title does not constitute blanket approval of that camera for other projects.

2020-06-29

  • Approved Cameras: Canon C300 MKIII has been added.

2020-01-21

  • Approved Cameras: The following cameras were added to the "Approved Cameras" list.
    • Canon C500 MKII
    • Sony FX9

2019-11-08

  • Approved Cameras: Updated the acceptable "Recording Formats" for both the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K and Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 to "Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)".

2019-10-23

  • Approved Cameras: Added Panasonic S1H.

2019-10-15

  • Approved Cameras: The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 had previously been added to the list September 4th 2019, however table image was not updated correctly. This issue has been addressed and the table updated.

2019-10-14

  • Approved Cameras: Added the RED RANGER GEMINI and RED RANGER HELIUM.

2019-10-10

  • Approved Cameras: Added the ARRI Alexa Mini LF.

2019-09-30

  • Explicitly listed "AVC-Intra" as an option within the "Capture Requirements" section in order to provide additional clarity.
  • Removed the 80% hard limit for nonfiction content on unapproved cameras however any exceptions must be discussed with the relevant Netflix project lead.

2019-04-24

  • Rearranged article so that "Approved Cameras" are listed first.
  • Updated guidance listed under "Film Cameras".

2019-04-02

  • Approved Cameras: Added wording outlining minimum thresholds for content amount captured on approved cameras.
  • Minor editoral changes.

2019-04-01

  • Panasonic: Panasonic UC4000 added.

2019-03-05

  • Approved Cameras: Wording added to clarify the distinction between a camera being able to meet the capture requirements vs being an approved primary camera.

2019-02-25

  • RED: RED Dragon-X and RED Ranger added.

2019-02-15

  • Sony Venice Firmware Advisory has been removed.

2018-12-18

  • Recording Format: Renamed to Capture Requirements and reformatted for clarity.
  • Anamorphic Lenses: Added section covering use of anamorphic lenses.
  • Secondary Cameras: Added additional information relating to their use.
  • Spanned Clips: Section moved, no change in information.
  • Approved Cameras: Added new language around use of broadcast cameras.

2018-11-29

  • Film Cameras: Added new language around use of photochemical film.

2018-10-15

  • Camera Requirements: Added information regarding "Spanned Clips" and how this recording method should be avoided.

2018-08-30

  • Canon: Canon C700 FF has been added.

2018-08-17

  • Sony: Production Technology Advisory has been issued for the Sony Venice.
  • Panavision: Added link to detailed camera production guide for the DXL2.

2018-07-30

  • Canon: C500 - XF-AVC has been removed as a "Recording Format".

2018-07-03

  • Camera Requirements: Instances of "4K" updated to "4K UHD"
  • Sony: With the release of v2.0 firmware for Sony Venice the previously referenced PDF listing v1.0 limitations has been deprecated and removed from this article.

2018-06-06

  • Panavision: Updated camera name from Panavision DXL to Panavision DXL2. Recording Format changed from REDCODE RAW (up to 6:1) to - REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1)
  • Sony: Updated camera name from FS7 to FS7 / FS7 II
  • Added links to detailed camera production guides under each table.

2018-05-24

  • RED: All approved RED cameras are now on the list.
  • Sony: PDF has been made available relating to firmware limitations (which are significant) on the Sony Venice.

2018-04-06

  • Panasonic AU-EVA1 added to list.

2018-04-02

  • Recording Format: Updated "Log color space (i.e. S-Log3..." to "COMPRESSED (Log Gamma - i.e. S-Log3..." for clarity.

2018-03-26

  • Black Balancing: Changed "Black balancing of camera sensors..." to "If applicable, black balancing of camera sensors..."
  • ARRI Alexa LF: Updated Recording Format from "ProRes 4444 XQ" to "ProRes 422 HQ (or higher)"
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