Netflix is the streaming service. Many others have challenged it and many are doing well. Still, no one compares to the size of Netflix, or comes close in terms of outputting original content. As such, the camera technology decisions they make matter if you want to get a strong deal with the streaming giant for the new film or television series you’re shooting.
“Netflix approved” means that cameras have the minimum specs required to ensure the expected quality of a Netflix Original. While it shouldn’t be your only guide when purchasing a camera, seeing Netflix’s approval as a feature on a certain model might be something to consider, especially since many cinema cameras are a serious investment.
We are going to run through Netflix's published information, give a bit of our own context, and hopefully you can make a more informed decision as you shop for your next cinema camera.
This article was created by B&H's content team and does not reflect the opinions of Netflix nor is it an endorsement of the opinions shared here.
What Specs = Netflix Approved?
Fortunately, Netflix publishes the key specs it mandates for a camera to gain its approval. However, Netflix also states that just because a camera meets the minimum requirements doesn’t mean it will be approved. Netflix takes a more holistic look at each camera, examining aspects such as dynamic range, form factor, workflow, and more.
In any case, here are the minimum requirements for approval.
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True UHD 4K sensor with a minimum of 3840 photosites across
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High-quality capture format, such as raw or an intra-frame compressed codec
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16-bit linear or 10-bit log processing
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Capture transfer function (e.g., S-Log3, Canon Log 2)
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Capture color science (e.g., S-Gamut3.cine, RED Wide Gamut RGB)
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No looks or corrections baked into the original files
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Files maintain all metadata (i.e., tape name, timecode, frame rate, ISO, etc.)
Netflix also makes some optional, operational requests for using the cameras. These include:
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Daily black balancing of camera sensor
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Avoiding spanned clips (i.e., single takes spread out on multiple cards) -
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Extra resolution for anamorphic imaging
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Use of aspect ratios less than or equal to 2:1
Again, these are just the baseline specs and I could easily find a dozen cameras that appear to meet them that don’t make the cut. Netflix also doesn’t seem to consider features unlocked through optional third-party accessories, such as raw via an external recorder. That is a solid list of requirements if you are shopping for your next cinema camera. Adhering to Netflix’s conditions ensures your camera is up to spec for contemporary productions.
Why Being Netflix Approved Matters
Among the more obvious reasons is that Netflix serves as a third-party verification for a camera’s quality. If Netflix says it’s a good camera, it must be a good camera. This is supported by Netflix’s reputation for demanding high-quality original footage to create its own original content. And despite what you may think about any story, the movies and shows Netflix has created look good.
A second part of the equation is that many of these cameras are an investment for owners or operators. The last thing you want is to be close to snagging a job and then realize the equipment you use and are comfortable with isn’t going to cut it for a potential Netflix gig. If you are working with an independent production, Netflix approval helps futureproof the work so that if you are hoping for an acquisition, you are at least fulfilling the expectations of the distributor.
Finally, if you aren’t a super techie producer or cinematographer, having a basic list of solid cameras to choose from simplifies a part of the process. Instead of spending time researching all the different features of video cameras and codecs and sensors and aspect ratios, you can head over to Netflix and just select what makes sense for your production.
Should You Buy Only Netflix-Approved Cameras?
No. Netflix-approved is a good start, especially if you are a professional. However, there are tons of amazing cameras capable of producing images that are as good, if not better, than many on the list.
Netflix’s approval process assumes there will be some form of production happening and, therefore, demands certain capabilities that not everyone needs, like very specific metadata requirements. If you are working mostly for yourself or on small YouTube projects, you don’t need all those extras.
Another simple reason not to worry about Netflix approval is if you are looking for a B camera. Sometimes, this may need to be a crash cam or another sort of weird form factor. It can be hard to find something that hits the Netflix requirements and the needs of the shoot. GoPros aren’t approved, for example, but many films still use them for an odd take or two. Netflix even allows limited use of unapproved cameras in these circumstances.
You could also decide you want to shoot film. Then all this just goes out the window.
If you are looking for a new camera and have some questions, please feel free to contact our sales team or write in the Comments section, below. If you want to check out all the Netflix-approved cameras available at B&H today, just scroll down.
Netflix Approved Current Camera List
Arri
Blackmagic Design
Canon
Panasonic
Red Digital Cinema
Sony
42 Comments
Can Panasonic GH6 get Netflix approved? It matches all the requirements
It meets the bare minimum listed requirements, but that is not to say it meets all of Netflix's standards. There is additional testing performed and limits are tested before a camera becomes approved. That's not to say the GH6 couldn't become approved in the future, it does not seem like that is in the cards for right now.
Any chance Nikon Z9 will be on a list of Netflix approved cameras? Nikon Z9 specs outperformed many those on the Netflix list.
While the image quality is not the concern with the Z9 there are likely other limitations. However, one of the bigger limitations (timecode support) just came in some form in V3.0 where they added wireless timecode via UltraSync devices. It's possible it is coming, but it is near impossible to tell if that will happen. Maybe? But it shouldn't keep you from using it unless Netflix just hired you.
One good thing about a "certification" like this from a "broadcaster" large enough to make it relevant, is that it becomes a motivation for a company like Sony to equip their cameras with things that many of us wish they had all along, but often seem to leave out. For instance, timecode sync! In the YouTube generation, so many content creators completely overlook the value of a set master clock and having all footage and audio being in frame sync each day, as it seems mysterious to so many. It just wasn't that long ago when SMPTE timecode was a standard on any production's workflow, but with the wave of social media creators, most manufacturers leave out these features since they can sell gear without the little things we really need for a full production. Even most edit suites don't include a way to easily drop footage onto a timeline by timecode anymore. Anyway, all that to say, thank you Netflix for motivating Sony to put TC sync inputs and outputs on their entire line of Cinema cameras, even down to the FX3. This was my frustration shooting on FS7 and FS5 cameras in the field, with the FS7 requiring an added piece with added size and weight to get TC into the camera, and no TC option at all on the FS5. That kept some great cameras out of many serious productions, I think. But now, thanks to Netflix, even the small cameras are able to be driven and locked in sync with every camera on the production, without jumping through any hoops like audio-channel-TC. :)
Cannot agree more! I’ve been asking Sony for many, many years for time code, even engineers, but they never listened. I was surprised and thankful with the FX6/FX3 line.
Does Canon R5 C not meet the cut?
Unfortunately the R5 C still hasn't received Netflix approval. It could, but it is hard to guess whether it will at this point.
Seems everyone forgot about the F55!
Hi, Willem V. We haven't really forgotten the F55. We only listed cameras that are currently available. Thanks for reading and posting your comment!
I love the look of the F55! But man, those menus. I love the look of the F65 a little more. Unfortunately, no one requests these cameras anymore, it’s Venice, Arri or RED these days.
I was into Video Production for over 20-years - Retired now. Buying the "Approved Cameras" is not the end all it seems to be. That is just the beginning. You also have to have Triple Redundant backups located in Separate / Discrete locations. They also want White Level / Black Level / Exposure / Color Matching checks done daily. Up to last year - when I left Video Production - Netflix preferred BT2020 / HDR preferably edited with DaVinci Resolve. AND! Then you have to submit yourself to a review from a Netflix Engineer to verify your capabilities. Then after approval you can do NETFLIX SPONSORED PROJECTS. That still has nothing to do with Netflix accepting your non-Netflix sponsored movie. They will accept your own projects readily. So Netflix Approval is only needed when Netflix employs you as a project provider. Spend your money on Cranes / Steadi-Cams / Rails. You will get accepted more readily with better capabilities.
You are absolutely correct about all of this. There is a lot more to filmmaking and image creation than simply getting a camera with the right certifications. Plus yea if you make the next best picture on an iPhone and win at some huge festivals Netflix will still pick it up. For a lot of people working as owner/operators it is still helpful to consider picking up a camera with additional verifications just in case you get called in to work a job that requires it. Definitely not the whole story, but worth talking about. Thanks for chiming in!
I am curious if the Panasonic DC S5 would be able to sneak onto that list when shooting raw to an external recorder like the ninja v?
I wish. I definitely hits all the image quality figures in that configuration. It is unlikely that Netflix would officially approve it though as it doesn't check all the workflow boxes they expect from approved models.
S5 has basically everything the S1H has...same exact sensor anyway.
In terms of image quality you are very close. However, the S1H does have some key additional features. Examples being Timecode sync via the included PC sync to BNC cable (that connection not even being available on the S5) and a fan for guaranteed sustained performance.
It would seem that this list of requirements is some kind of attempt to "weed out" a lot of small-scale filmmakers by requiring the use of what is mostly fairly expensive gear. As others have said, if you're delivering an finished, edited, color-corrected, etc., production to them and it looks good, they really shouldn't care what gear was used to shoot it.
On the other hand, -and this is probably not the comment to make on a site that's mainly here to sell video/digital cinema gear, pretty much all this stuff can be rented instead of bought. Most production companies I've seen don't own all their gear, but instead they rent most if of it.
That's true, but I think there is confusion about what Netflix approved means. It doesn't mean that all content available on Netflix has to be shot with these cameras. It means that all content made Netflix's production arm (The Crown, Stranger Things, Bird Box, etc.) needs to be shot on these cameras, or receive special approval. But just because a pilot or film is shot on an A7Siii doesn't mean it could never appear on Netflix.
What now makes ones movie to appear on Netflix?
It still seems a little silly that the Blackmagic 6k is not on the list.
There are a lot of cameras that have the image quality requirements met for sure. I have some others on my list that I think are very good, if not better, than some of the options on the list already. But if you are being supported by Netflix going with one of the approved picks is the route. Though the unapproved cameras can usually serve as B or C cameras in limited roles even on Netflix sets.
Time code can be rigged, but without black balance, using multiple P6k’s could produce inconsistent results per their requirements (I know, shoot raw with a color card to match cameras or plug-in, but their requirements are intended to “simplify the workflow.” I love the P6k btw.
This list has always struck me as odd - the camera/codec, no baked-in looks, no spanned clips, all clips have full metadata; but if you submit a film or pilot to Netflix, it's going to be a 4K final edit, color corrected and mixed - how do they even know what it was shot on? You don't hand over terrabytes of unedited takes, do you? I'm absolutely certain a current mirrorless camera with good glass in good hands, recording ProRes HQ 4K with a profile that allows good grading control - Netflix would bounce that if you didn't lie and say "it was shot on an Arri"? Or is this list only to be able to work as a camera op for an existing show? It's always seemed weird to me.
From what I understand, Netflix will buy anything shot on anything if they want. If it's a film, it doesn't matter if it was shot on an iPhone. If it's a pilot, you will have to shoot the rest of the season on approved cameras or reshoot the pilot.
That is correct. If you produced a film already, potentially for another studio, Netflix will pick them up regardless of capture format. It is mainly for Netflix productions where they require these cameras and even then there is potential for some exceptions.
Netflix approved cameras are only for Netflix Original (and funded) pictures. You can use any camera and still be able to sell your pictures to Netflix via a third-party distributor. Although Netflix can impose such requirements for their projects, I completely disagree with the premise that "Netflix Approved" labeled are cameras to seriously be contended and considered. That is a seriously wrong assessment and a mistake especially for professionals, but unfortunately production executives and decision makers who knows less than the Directors of Photography and Directors takes list like this as gospel. That's a very uninform and bad move. Sad.
Correct. If Netflix commissions you for a project you have to follow their guidelines. That being said, they will buy good content regardless of the camera specs if it is already produced.
Just as it was in the 3 network days, most are priced out of participation. Camera makers are always upping the ante on gear to force constant product/profit flow. The message is be rich or be gone... Like the "big club" George Carlin warned about. Elitist nonsense.
there seem to be a lot of affordable cameras on this list including the sub 2k panasonic box cinema and the black magic isnt entirely out of most serious indie film makers pocket book. Additionally, I would suggest, if you are short on cash, saving for the project and then renting the gear...unless you are going for something in the Pani or BM range as they are so affordable you should buy them
You must be new.
Aside from ARRI, who have never been shy about their insanely high pricing, most manufacturers are selling cameras that are ridiculously cheap for the features you get. A decent lens costs ten or more times what a decent camera body costs these days.
Cinematography stopped being the "big club" you claim when the first Red shipped years ago, and that company was determined to 'democratize' the biz by letting any inexperienced wannabe with a high enough credit card limit to buy one and claim cinematographer status. The resulting tsunami of trash images nearly drowned quality production.
Yes, it's true, Netflix won't let you use the garbage that passes for a camera in phones on their original productions. I'm glad of that.
If you don't like Netflix's push for higher standards and quality, shoot stuff for the industry's 'remainder' pile - YouTube.
im new.. i like the look of old film classics but cant get my hands on arriflex IIC.
what camera do you think i should get instead. i have lots of money but they dont sell arriflex iic and i cant develop my own film but could probably learn somehow.. Any cameras that can get me a similar look.. ?
Hi Jeff -
Consider the:
Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera (Body Only)B&H # SOFX6
Key Features:
Says the company that is loosing subscribers faster than a sinking ship. I don't know about you, but these companies dictating specs, censoring content.... just all of it is enough to make you scream. I get they want content to look good but discounting a great story because someone doesn't have an "approved" camera is just plain stupid. Good riddance Netflix.
There are plenty of great cameras and lenses that looking fantastic but are not NETFLIX approved. They mainly need to be approved because they are touting true 4k delivery and if the cameras, such as the Alexa classic, don't capture in 4k or above, then legally they leave themselves open to disputes and potentially law suites.
It is interesting point on the ARRI, I suspect the new 4.6K sensor of the ALEXA 35 will get them that approval.
Seems like this article forgot to mention all the Sony approved cameras such as FX9 and FX6
Thanks for the heads-up, Amadeo. We have rectified the situation and added those cameras to the article.
The FS7 (MK1 and MKII) are also on the approved list. I shot with mine on a Netflix original series…
We stuck with currently available products in our current listing, but you are correct about the FS7 series being approved. We will add a note saying these are only the current options.
As said in the very first post. Only films Netflix is funding. If Netflix thinks that a film they’l buy will make them millions of bucks. They won’t care if its shot on VHS.
You might be on to something. A retro shoot.