A 4K video file typically ranges from 15 GB to 30 GB per hour of footage. This substantial size is due to the high resolution of 4K, which measures 3840 x 2160 pixels, offering four times the detail of Full HD (1080p).
Understanding video file sizes can be complex, as several factors influence the final output. Here's a general overview of common video resolutions and their approximate file sizes per hour:
Approximate Video File Sizes Per Hour
| Resolution Name | Pixel Dimensions | Approximate File Size Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 1920 x 1080 | 4 GB to 8 GB |
| 2K | 2048 x 1080 | 8 GB to 15 GB |
| 4K | 3840 x 2160 | 15 GB to 30 GB |
| 8K | 7680 x 4320 | 60 GB to 200 GB |
Factors Influencing 4K Video File Size
While the 15-30 GB per hour range provides a good estimate, the exact size of a 4K video file can vary significantly based on several technical aspects:
- Bitrate: This is the amount of data processed per second. A higher bitrate generally means better video quality but results in a larger file size. For example, a 4K video recorded at 100 Mbps (megabits per second) will be much larger than one recorded at 50 Mbps, even if both are 4K resolution.
- Video Codec: The compression algorithm used to encode the video plays a crucial role.
- H.264 (AVC): A widely used and mature codec, but it's less efficient for very high resolutions like 4K.
- H.265 (HEVC): This newer codec is designed for higher resolutions and can achieve similar quality to H.264 at roughly half the file size, making it increasingly popular for 4K and 8K content.
- Frame Rate (FPS): The number of frames displayed per second. A 4K video recorded at 60 frames per second (fps) will have twice as much data as one recorded at 30 fps, leading to a larger file.
- Color Depth and Chroma Subsampling: Higher color depth (e.g., 10-bit vs. 8-bit) and less aggressive chroma subsampling (e.g., 4:4:4 vs. 4:2:0) capture more color information, increasing file size.
- Audio Tracks: The number and quality of audio tracks embedded in the video file also contribute to the overall size, though typically to a lesser extent than the video itself.
Practical Implications
The large file sizes of 4K video have several practical implications:
- Storage Requirements: You'll need significant storage capacity on your devices, whether it's an external hard drive, SSD, or cloud storage. For instance, a two-hour 4K movie could easily consume 30-60 GB.
- Editing Performance: Editing 4K footage requires a powerful computer with ample RAM and a fast processor to ensure smooth playback and rendering.
- Uploading and Downloading Times: Sharing or downloading 4K video files can take a considerable amount of time, depending on your internet speed.
- Streaming Bandwidth: Streaming 4K content consumes much more bandwidth than 1080p, requiring a robust internet connection to avoid buffering.
For more detailed information on video file sizes and resolutions, you can refer to resources like Overcast HQ's guide on how big video files are.
