Are you looking to rent or purchase a camera for film? If so, you may want to ensure that your footage can be used on Netflix if the situations calls. You need to be a bit careful considering Netflix has fairly strict image capture requirements. This article will guide you through the first step of trying to get your show ready to be on Netflix. This first step includes knowing the Netflix-approved cameras and guidelines that will allow you to be considered in the first place.
Netflix has a specific set of requirements which includes resolution, format, bit rate, color space, and picture profile. The below is a breakdown of these, as well as the cameras that are currently accepted by Netflix.
Capture Requirements
Image Resolution
First things first, your camera must shoot a minimum of 4K UHD. This means the sensor has to capture a resolution of at least 3840 pixels wide. And if you’re shooting anamorphic, buckle up—your camera might need an even higher resolution sensor to stay Netflix-approved.
For 2024, the list of Netflix approved cameras by price includes options for every budget, but remember, 4K resolution is non-negotiable. Got your eyes on a particular camera? Check below to see if it fits the bill.
Format
For Netflix, it’s not just about resolution — it’s about how your camera handles data. Your camera should record in a RAW format like ARRIRAW, REDCODE, or X-OCN. If you’re using a compressed format, it must support all-intra recording with a high bit rate, like XAVC or ProRes HQ.
Oh, and a heads-up: You’ll need a data rate of at least 240 Mbps at 10-bit UHD 23.98fps. Netflix wants the cleanest and sharpest footage possible.
Bit Rate
Speaking of quality, you’ll also need to meet specific bit rate standards. Netflix-approved cameras require 16-bit linear recording or at the very least 10-bit log processing. Basically, the higher the bit rate, the more detail and dynamic range you can squeeze into your shots. More bits, more cinematic goodness.
Color Space
To achieve Netflix’s signature look, your camera must shoot in a wide color space. Examples include S-Gamut3.cine, RED Wide Gamut RGB, or Alexa Wide Gamut.
The goal here is to capture the most vibrant and true-to-life colors without “baking in” any looks to the original footage. The wider the color space, the more flexibility you’ll have in post-production to work your magic.
Picture Profile
You should use a log profile to capture as much highlight and shadow information as possible. S-Log3, Log-C, V-Log are some recommended ones for cameras.
Netflix-Approved Cameras
The list of cameras below have been approved for Netflix productions, as of July 2022. You’ll see some of these cameras are currently available for purchase at Adorama, or available to rent through Adorama Rental Company.
Netflix Approved ARRI Cameras
ARRI Alexa Mini LF
This is the smaller version of the ARRI Alexa LF. It took on the form factor and most of the features of the Alexa Mini while still being able to squeeze in a large format sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.5K (4448×3096) in ARRIRAW or ProRes 4444. This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Netflix Approved Canon Cameras
Canon C300 Mk III
The most recent update of the C300 line, the Mk III added the ability to shoot 120 frames per second at 4K in RAW or XF-AVC. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in Cinema RAW Light or XF-AVC (4K).
Canon C500 Mk II
The C500 Mk II is a high-level production camera that has a stabilized full-frame sensor which can record to RAW light. It has a modular design that allows you to strip it down for minimalistic use or build it up for full production work. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 5.9K (5952×3140) in Cinema RAW Light or XF-AVC (4K). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Canon C500
Canon released the C500 back in 2012 and this camera is still a workhorse in the industry. When it was released, it had industry leading specs, shooting up to 120 frames per second at 4K, and outputting Cinema RAW. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in Canon RAW.
Canon EOS C70
Newly release in 2020, the C70 is a cross between Canon’s mirrorless line of camera and the upper level cinema line. It has the RF mount, which is the new Canon mount with many lens options. This is a purely video capturing device and there is no photographic features. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in XF-AVC (4K).
Netflix Approved Panasonic Cameras
Panasonic AU-EVA1
The Panasonic EVA1 has a dual native ISO of 800 and 2500, an ALL-INTRA, 4K, 4:2:2, and a 10-bit sensor that can record up to 400 mbs. It also does all this in a body that weighs only 2.6 lb (1.2kg). Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in 4:2:2 All-I and 400mbs which means you have to make sure you are on at least firmware 2.02.
Panasonic LUMIX BGH1
This is basically a GH5S in a smaller, more modular cube format. This style of body is ideal for people who need maximum flexibility. You can keep this body small and fly it on a gimbal or you can build it up and use it in a standard production. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in 422 All-I 400Mb/s.
Netflix Approved RED Cameras
RED DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV
With both the Monstro 8K VV and the monochrome version of this camera, you get interchangeable OLPF’s and lens mounts. You also get an extremely high resolution 8K Vista Vision sensor, which is 40.96×21.60mm. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8192×4320) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
RED DSMC2 / EPIC-W GEMINI 5K S35
The Gemini 5K S35 sensor has two shooting modes, one is standard mode with a native ISO of 800, and the other is low-light mode with a native ISO of 3200. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 5K (5120×3000) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
RED RANGER GEMINI 5K S35
If you want to have the most impressive body yet, save some money for all the very expensive accessories you will need when getting a RED camera. This Gemini sensor is the way to go. You are also getting their best low-light sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 5K (5120×3000) in REDCODE RAW (up to 8:1). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
RED KOMODO 6K
The RED Komodo is one of the newest offerings from RED. It shrinks both the body and the price to where it can be flown on smaller gimbals and be affordable like other mid-level cinema cameras. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 6K (6144×3240) in REDCODE RAW (HQ or MQ). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Netflix Approved Sony Cameras
Sony BURANO
The new Sony BURANO has a full-frame 8.6K sensor and a great rendition with wide latitude and a rich color gamut. A little more about it: its 8K image quality has a max resolution of 8632 x 4856. Plus, through oversampling, it can create phenomenal-looking 4K content. Enjoy the internal recording of X-OCN LT* as well as the new XAVC H and proven industry standard XAVC-I format.
Sony Venice
The original Sony Venice uses a full-frame sensor with dual native ISO of 500 and 2500 for great low-light performance. The body is made for professional cinema work with all the necessary ports. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 6K (6048×4032) in either RAW (up to 4096×2160), X-OCN, or XAVC-I ( 4K). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Sony Venice 2 8K
There’s an excellent dynamic range of 16 stops, 8.6K of resolution, and the ability to change out sensors and an improved dual ISO of 800 and 3200 on this newer sensor. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 8K (8640×5760) in either X-OCN RAW or ProRes 422HQ (4K). This camera has also been approved for anamorphic capture.
Sony FX9
The successor to the FS7II, this is a full-frame workhorse of a camera. With its new oversampled 6k Exmor R CMOS, dual native ISO of 800 and 4000, and amazing 16-bit RAW via the optional External XDCA, you can get incredible detail with excellent colors. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in XAVC-I (4K).
Sony FS7 / FS7 II
This camera remains a popular choice for ENG shooting as well as for cinema shooting. Likely one of the most popular offerings from Sony in recent memory, this camera has a lot going for it. With 4K 12bit RAW, 60 frames per second and 180 frames per second at HD it is still a force to be reckoned with. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in XAVC-I (4K).
This is one of the cheapest Netflix-approved cameras to rent!
Sony FX6
This is the third camera from Sony on the FX cinema line. The FX6 hit the sweet spot at its release and was widely adopted. It is a very compact production camera with a ton of great features that make it hard to find a clear winner in the ever-growing mid-priced cinema camera segment. 4K UHD up to 120 frames per second, 15 stops of dynamic range, excellent auto-focus, and an electronic variable ND are just a few of the benefits of this camera. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4K (4096×2160) in XAVC-I (4K). This camera is not approved for anamorphic capture.
Sony PXW-Z450
This was the world’s first 4K shoulder-mounted camera. It is a full ENG style camera made for capturing the news or live events. It has a B4 mount allowing for the standard B4 ENG style lenses to be used. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: UHD (3840×2160) in XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode.
Sony PXW-Z750
This camera completely innovated the ENG market by being the first shoulder mounted CMOS camera with a global shutter. Also using the B4 mount and a 3-chip 2/3-inch 4K CMOS image array. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: UHD (3840×2160) in XAVC-I QFHD 300 mode.
Netflix Approved Blackmagic Cameras
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K
This now 6-year-old camera shows how Blackmagic has had an influence on the cinema camera market. At the time, they were offering a 4.6K RAW 16bit at around $5,000.00 — which is still a good price for those features. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.6K (4608×2592) in Cinema DNG RAW (up to 4:1)
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
The next evolution in the URSA lineup, the URSA Mini Pro, uses the same great sensor and adds more ENG style switches, a new switchable lens mount, and internal ND. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.6K (4608×2592) in Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 4.6K G2
At a price point that was about half of the competition, Blackmagic disrupted the market with the URSA Mini Pro 4.6 G2. With a new Super 35mm 4.6K sensor and the ability to capture up to 120 frames per second in 4.6K, 150fps in 4K DCI, and a whopping 300 fps when filming in a cropped HD this camera is a beast. Netflix prefers that you use the following settings when using this camera: 4.6K (4608×2592) in Blackmagic RAW (up to 5:1)
Using Non-Approved Cameras
When working on a Netflix show or movie, there are certain exceptions for non-approved cameras.
In the event that you need to use a camera as a crash camera — which means putting the camera in a dangerous situation such as attaching it to the outside of a fast-moving car — you may use a camera that is not on the approved list, but only for limited use. There is a certain amount of time that is allowed to be used by non-authorized cameras. This is no more than 10 percent of the runtime.
Other exceptions are for POV cams which, by necessity, have to be very small. This includes drone shots, underwater work, or robot cams that move the camera in a very specific way.
Best Practices for Netflix Content
While using a camera from the approved list and following the preferred capture method is a good beginning, there are other steps you should take to ensure you are staying within the good graces of Netflix.
For example, black balancing should be performed regularly. Black balancing is when you set the cameras black point. This can shift when the camera undergoes changes in temperature. This can happen simply from the camera running intensely for a significant time, or moving from one location to another. Many high-end cinema cameras have this feature, but it is not universally present.
You should also do some testing before shooting. This should include testing the color space transformation of each camera format into the working color space in order to ensure compatibility with the project’s color pipeline. This Netflix’s website to find more information about the color pipeline.
If you plan on shooting on film, it’s asked that you talk to a Netflix project representative to make sure that everything is handled correctly.
You should also shoot a framing chart. This is a very specific and technical chart that communicates which area of the captured image is meant to end up on screen in the final product. This shows the exact captured resolution, aspect ratio, as well as a focus chart, and the maximum allowable crop that will still be considered for 4K/UHD. For full information about framing chart guidelines — as well as for information about anamorphic framing charts — check the full info here.
Netflix is also asking that cameras not use spanned clips. This is where one continuous take is broken up over several different files or camera cards.
Conclusion
While there are many steps to getting your content on Netflix, it’s good to start with the technical knowledge needed to ensure your footage is right for the platform. The information in this guide has given you the information needed to choose the correct camera for your needs.
You can find more filmmaking products available for purchase at Adorama, or available to rent through Adorama Rental Company.
