Switching to 16:9 photos from 4:3

If you've read my blog before, you know I take lots of photos.  I'd describe myself as an amateur photographer.  However, a number of photos I take do end up on the TV show so maybe that makes me better than amateur.  The jury is still out.

I have two still photo cameras: a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ35 DSLR and a Sony DSC-T99 digital pocket camera.  Both shoot 4:3 as well as 16:9 photos.  If you don't know the difference, basically the 4:3 is nearly square and the type of photos that have been around for decades.  They make 4x6 and 8x10 prints (and a variety of other related sizes).  16:9 is the rectangle ratio used on HD TV's and in movies.  Think of it like this:  4:3 is what your standard definition television is, and 16:9 is what your HD television is.  One is more square-ish, the other a rectangle.

Both cameras also shoot HD video at 16:9.  I also have two pocket video cameras (a Kodak Playsport and a Sony Bloggie Duo).

I've decided this week its time to start shooting photos in 16:9.  I think it'll be beneficial for a couple of reasons.  I don't print photos I take, I put them on the internet.  So having the photos in standard photo sizes isn't really important.  The other is that I want to create video regularly for YouTube and if the photo size matches the video size for HD I can use them without wasting editing time in the videos.

I've been developing a content strategy for the videos and being able to use still photos will be an important part in their creation.  And, we're moving into an HD world.

I wanted to share all of that so if you notice that the photos look a little different on this blog its because I made the switch.  And, if I didn't tell you I'd worry that you wouldn't be sleeping well.

Here are two photos that show the difference: (Note: if you click on the photos, you'll really be able to see the difference between the two... because they'll show full screen).

4:3

16:9