Vaakakuormat

Vaakakuormat, in Finnish, refer to image, video or print formats that are oriented horizontally, meaning their width is greater than their height. They are the opposite of pystykuormat (portrait formats), where height exceeds width. Vaakakuormat are described by their kuvasuhde (aspect ratio), which is typically greater than 1. They are widely used in photography, cinema, television, and printing because they fit human horizontal viewing habits and common display devices.

Common vaakakuormat include aspect ratios such as 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 21:9. Some media also use wider ratios like 2.39:1 or 2.35:1 for cinematic presentation. Digital cameras often offer native formats like 3:2, while video and television commonly employ 16:9, with ultrawide formats used for certain films and monitors. The choice of format affects composition and framing, and it is usually selected to suit subject matter and viewing context.

In practice, vaakakuormat are favored for landscapes, cityscapes, wide group scenes, and cinematic storytelling, where a broad field of view is desirable. They are also standard for many computer monitors, televisions, and most printed posters or panoramas. When planning shoots or designs, editors consider the target medium, potential cropping, and resolution to preserve detail and composition across different displays and print sizes.

Notes: The term is primarily used to distinguish horizontal formats from vertical ones in Finnish media discussions. It encompasses a range of specific aspect ratios rather than a single fixed size.