Best Aspect Ratio 16:9 or 21:9

[Panzer Platform]

Q: What is Aspect Ratio, and why is it important?
A: Width, and height of an image.

16:9 (3840 x 2160)
The standard size for high definition widescreen televisions and most computer monitors, 16:9 is the most common aspect ratio used today.
It is generally associated with video shot for TV, and Internet since film aspect ratios are typically wider in order to achieve a more cinematic look.
Outside of movie theaters, most viewers watch content on 16:9 screens, so unless you're shooting content that will be shown theatrically, shooting in the 16:9 ratio is a wise decision.
Source: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-aspect-ratios

21:9 (3840 x 1600)
Most monitors, and TV’s today have an aspect ratio of 16:9 (Widescreen), and we are seeing more gaming monitors getting a 21:9 aspect ratio, also referred to as (UltraWide).
Source: https://www.displayninja.com/what-is-aspect-ratio/

Q: What Aspect Ratio is better for capturing license plates?
A: I’m going to test that.
Q: Are most smartphones 16:9 or 21:9?
A: Back in the day I remember they were 16:9, but nowaday I think most are “ultra wide”.

What Aspect Ratio do you guys prefer for dash cam use?

 

[Vortex Radar]

Since I make 16:9 YouTube videos, I record in 16:9, lol.

I can appreciate the argument of "why waste pixels/data on recording your hood and the sky?" but are there any models that measurably increase the detail when focusing in on just the central part of the frame? Maybe same bitrate overall, but less surface area to cover and thus more detail for the central part of the frame?

 

[Panzer Platform]

Since I make 16:9 YouTube videos, I record in 16:9, lol.

Correct! lol

"why waste pixels/data on recording your hood and the sky?"

Whenever we have a full moon I love capturing it on my night drives.

 

[Panzer Platform]

why waste pixels/data on recording your hood and the sky?

What about 70mai's 4:3 for maximum dashboard, and sky coverage? lol

 

[Vortex Radar]

What about 70mai's 4:3 for maximum dashboard, and sky coverage? lol

Feels like watching TV in 1996, lol.

I wonder how long this thread is gonna turn into all the arguments of if you need to record higher to record traffic lights or lower to capture in case someone crashes into you from the side and all.

 

[Panzer Platform]

1996

This is why I've always disliked TikTok & YouTube Shorts, (vertical video).
I blame Stanley Kubric. lol

 

[Nigel]

What about 70mai's 4:3 for maximum dashboard, and sky coverage? lol

That is designed for the windshields of European goods vehicles and buses. With only 16:9 you would miss the licence plate in front of you.

 

[Nigel]

but are there any models that measurably increase the detail when focusing in on just the central part of the frame?

Are there any models where it is worth increasing the bitrate setting from high to maximum?

High bitrate at 21:9 is about the same quality as Maximum bitrate at 16:9. 21:9 either gives you an extra step in quality, or a longer record loop time with similar quality.

 

[Vortex Radar]

Are there any models where it is worth increasing the bitrate setting from high to maximum?

High bitrate at 21:9 is about the same quality as Maximum bitrate at 16:9. 21:9 either gives you an extra step in quality, or a longer record loop time with similar quality.

Do you happen to have a link handy showing the quality differences? I’m sure there’s been testing done.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Do you happen to have a link handy showing the quality differences?

He means theoretically silly. lol
Nigel does not provide hands on evidence based on personal experience.
His last testing thread was the original A229 Duo (2022).
Btw that was the such a gentle burn, you're such a gentlemen. lol

 

[Panzer Platform]

That is designed for the windshields of European goods vehicles and buses. With only 16:9 you would miss the licence plate in front of you.

Can they not adjust the lens downward?

 

[Nigel]

Can they not adjust the lens downward?

Then you loose the traffic lights off the top!
I think 4:3 is actually preferable in vehicles with flat fronts, especially taller vehicles.

 

[Nigel]

Do you happen to have a link handy showing the quality differences? I’m sure there’s been testing done.

I've done some testing, but the results are rather subjective, same as going from High to Maximum bitrate. Not something you can show on a low bitrate Youtube video, and not something you can easily see on a single frame image. It is enough that if I want best quality then I do use Maximum bitrate and I do use 21:9.

21:9 is definitely better quality, not worse quality, but it is a small difference, a bit like going from a recent iPhone camera to a recent Canon camera . (A lot of people will choose the iPhone photo as the best.)

 

[Panzer Platform]

I think 4:3 is actually preferable in vehicles with flat fronts, especially taller vehicles.

I've done some testing

21:9 is definitely better quality

Objection your Honor.
Counsel refuses to provide the requested evidence.
Talk is cheap, prove it. lol

 

[Nigel]

Talk is cheap, prove it. lol

It would be good to have a demonstration, but I don't have two A329 to run next to each other, and without that, nobody is going to accept the result, and I suspect many wouldn't anyway!

The logic is quite clear, 16:9 has 35% more pixels than 21:9, so to keep the same image quality with the 35% larger image, you will need 35% more bitrate. Not quite true, because if the bottom consists of your dash, then it may not have much movement in it, and the sky is often easier to compress than average, unless you are driving under trees, in which case the top will use more than average, and the dash may be covered in moving shadows.