1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. What is the most popular aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3

What is the most popular aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3


4 years 1 month ago #679124 by TGonzo
Which aspect ratio are you using most of the time?  If you alter that, what for?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago - 4 years 1 month ago #679129 by Nikon Shooter
I work a lot for the publishing industry and they like
to do what they want. To get together, I keep the ar-
bitrary for horizontal frames but I give them 2x3 or
4x5 for vertical crops.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #679164 by garyrhook
Not sure why "popular" would be relevant in any way.

What matters (arguably) is
  • your aesthetics
  • what the image wants
  • usage
Then there's what the camera produces. SLR/DSLRs produce 3:2 images; micro 4/3 produce 4:3 images. And so on. Many folks leave that alone.

That said, 16:9 for an image is generally not used. That's almost 2:1, which is fairly uncommon. Except for screen backgrounds.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #679179 by TGonzo
Thanks for commenting, I was just reading about aspect ratios and curious what others are using.  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #679387 by Tim Giertz
I never play with the aspect ratio. Hell, my camera is set up just like default.  
,
4 years 1 month ago #679396 by garyrhook

TGonzo wrote: Thanks for commenting, I was just reading about aspect ratios and curious what others are using.  


Understood. My 2nd bullet, above, is the point that matters for those that are not averse to cropping. At least in the discussions I've been involved in on this subject.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #679400 by clippingphotoexperts
The two most common aspect ratios are 4:3, also known as 1.33:1 or fullscreen, and 16:9, also known as 1.78:1 or widescreen. (Larger aspect ratio formats are used in the motion picture industry.) All the older TV's and computer monitors you grew up with had the squarish 4:3 shape-- 33 percent wider than it was high
The following user(s) said Thank You: simexseo
,
4 years 1 month ago #680337 by Steve Zahra
This is so important above all else: "what the image wants"

Good tip Gary
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #680338 by Piechura
16:9 and 4:3 are mainly video aspect ratios. 3:2 is more common for photography.

What is common in all of them is that they are determined by technology. People say it depends on the image, but in most cases, people let the technology dictate. 4:5 is extremely popular now because Instagram uses it, for example. Although for Instagram stories, you switch back to 16:9. Print in anything other than 3:2 and you might have to buy a specially-made frame, so most people don't bother, because it's easier to go to Ikea.
,
4 years 1 month ago #680363 by garyrhook

Piechura wrote: 16:9 and 4:3 are mainly video aspect ratios. 3:2 is more common for photography.

What is common in all of them is that they are determined by technology. People say it depends on the image, but in most cases, people let the technology dictate. 4:5 is extremely popular now because Instagram uses it, for example. Although for Instagram stories, you switch back to 16:9. Print in anything other than 3:2 and you might have to buy a specially-made frame, so most people don't bother, because it's easier to go to Ikea.


I think we have a some young folks here, with no knowledge of ancient history.

Fact: a 3x2 aspect ratio for prints is historically rare. Even though 35mm cameras (film) is 3x2, prints have, for a very long time, been typically

3.5x5 (as best I can recall from my youth)
5x7
8x10
9x13
11x14

4x6 got added along the way, but that was only about 30-odd years ago, IIRC.

16x9 is relatively recent, and applies to video. Not prints. As stated above.

Please, go to Hobby Lobby and look for frames with a 3x2 aspect ratio. You'll have trouble finding a variety of sizes. Everything except 3x2 is readily available.

Finally, IG has contraints based on orientation. It's not possible to post a 3x2 portrait without it getting cropped. Go ahead, try it.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 1 month ago #680413 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day all

Gary - you are quite correct with your listing of formats - and some from 100 years ago

I was using 4" x 5" sheet film back in the 1960s - and it's where the 8" x 10" and 16" x 20" print formats came from.

With Oscar Barnack devising the Leica 35mm camera back in the 1920s, it started the 2:3 format that continued through all 35mm film and gave us the 4" x 6" prints of the 60s thru to the 90s. This morphs into the 20" x 30" poster prints we see on many lounge room walls

Other formats - 4:3 and 16:9 are modern formats coming from computer screens and TV screens

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
,

  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. What is the most popular aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1
Sponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/sony.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/canon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Fill the Frame: An Easy Photography Technique With Lots of Impact

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024
Four Simple Beginner Photography Tips

With these simple yet effective beginner photography tips, you can avoid some of the common mistakes beginners make and get improved results with your images.

May 06, 2024
Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
More Articles