6K

6K refers to a class of digital image resolutions defined by approximately six thousand horizontal pixels. The term is used in digital cinematography, imaging, and video production to describe sources that exceed 4K but are not yet at 8K. There is no universally codified standard for 6K, but a commonly cited specification in professional cinema is 6144 × 3240, yielding about 19.9 megapixels and an aspect ratio near 1.89:1. This resolution is associated with certain high-end cameras and sensors, including some RED models, and is used to capture detail that can be downsampled for higher quality 4K or kept for archival purposes.

In production workflows, 6K video can provide several benefits. Downsampling 6K to 4K can improve image sharpness, color accuracy, and dynamic range, while still allowing for reframing and stabilization in postproduction. 6K RAW or wide-bit-rate formats require substantial storage, bandwidth, and processing power, influencing camera choice, editing hardware, and data-management strategies.

In terms of display and delivery, 6K monitors or projectors are not common in consumer markets, and most broadcasts and streaming services target 4K or 8K delivery. Many 6K productions are mastered for 4K distribution, with 6K serving as an intermediate capture and storage format to preserve detail or to facilitate future upscaling. The use of 6K reflects broader trends toward higher-resolution acquisition to improve postproduction flexibility and image quality.

Other contexts for 6K include still photography and film-scanning workflows, where six-thousand-pixel scales are used to capture or digitize imagery with substantial detail before final presentation.