What is 21:9 Aspect Ratio?
“21:9” describes the ultra-wide cinematic aspect ratio, when compared to the more common 16:9 aspect ratio of an HD/FHD/4K TV or video monitor. The resolution is more accurately described as 64:27 (4³:3³) (2.37:1), which is similar to the cinematic aspect ratio used for movie recording and cinema screens.
What are the Advantages of 21:9 Aspect Ratio?
It gives a more cinematic viewing experience.
When viewed on an Ultra-wide screen, the image will be a perfect fit with no black bars at the sides, and will give you more visible resolution than when displaying a 16:9 video on an ultra-wide or normal 16:9 screen.
For dashcam video, it can avoid wasting storage space by not recording your dashboard and clouds high in the sky, allowing more video to fit on the memory card before looping and giving longer memory card lifetime. If recording at the same bitrate then it allows more bits to be used for recording the road and so gives improved image quality.
Since sky tends to be very bright and the dashboard is often very dark, not recording these allows for an improved exposure range for the recorded image which can then give an improved image quality experience when viewed.
Application of 21:9 Video in Dash cameras
Let’s take a look at a comparison of ultra-wide vs normal aspect ratio video recorded by the dashcam:
In the picture we compare 2560 x 1080P (Ultra-wide) and 1920 x 1080P (Full HD) resolution to give you an idea of how the Full HD field of view compares with the higher resolution 21:9 ultra-wide recording.
As shown in the picture above, the vertical resolution of the images is the same, both are 1080. The horizontal resolution is higher on the ultra-wide image, 2560 instead of 1920. This gives a wider horizontal field of view but less vertical field of view. When using 21:9 aspect ratio for dash camera video recording, you can see more of the road, while at the same time, you see less sky and dashboard which can give improved image exposure for the road and vehicles.
The normal aspect ratio of a Full HD (1920×1080) dashcam is 16:9. The Viofo A119 V3 and A129 Plus dash cameras can record in ultra-wide 21:9 (2560×1080), which can bring improved recording quality for the road and vehicles.
The A119 V3 and A129 Plus dash cameras are equipped with Sony STARVIS CMOS sensors that support ultra-wide 21:9 video recording and which will securely record a wide field of view when passing through an intersection or when alongside a motorbike. These two dash cameras can record in high-definition 2560 x 1080P resolution at both 30fps & 60 fps, and support 21:9 aspect ratio recording, giving enhanced video quality when driving. You can also record beautiful scenery during your travels and share your interesting moments with your friends in cinematic style.
