Right now, Netflix has more than 238 million subscribers in 190 countries, making it one of the biggest streaming services in the world. With so many people wanting high-quality shows and movies, Netflix has made strict rules for the technology used to film content on its platform.
Over 70% of Netflix users watch on 4K devices, and almost half of Netflix's new original shows and movies are filmed in HDR. This shows why Netflix cares so much about the technical quality of the cameras used to film its productions.
These cameras were used to film popular shows like Elite, Ozark, Money Heist, The Witcher, and others.
Before choosing a video camera for a Netflix production, it's important to know the specific technical rules that must be followed.
Netflix has set certain minimum standards to guarantee that the shows and movies look great for their viewers. So, I’ve put together a simple guide of the main features a camera needs to have to be approved by Netflix.
| Capture Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Resolution
|
Minimum of 3840 photosites capture width (Spherical) |
|
Codec |
Lightly Compressed or Uncompressed RAW |
|
|
Intraframe Based Codec with 4:2:2 Chroma-subsampling or Greater
|
|
Bit Depth |
10-Bit or Greater
|
|
Data Rate |
Minimum 240 Mbps at 24 FPS
|
|
Color Space |
Scene-referred Color Space (e.g., S.Gamut3, ALEXA Wide Gamut, REDWideGamut) |
|
Transfer Function |
Scene-referred Transfer Function (e.g., Slog3, Log C, Log3G10, VLog)
|
|
Timecode
|
The system should be able to sync with an external source, and the timecode needs to be saved as metadata. |
Netflix has approved a list of cameras that provide amazing picture quality, great dynamic range, and flexibility. These cameras are the newest models from top brands and meet Netflix's standards for high-quality production.
ARRI is famous for its high-quality cinema cameras, which offer excellent image quality and flexibility. Here are the ARRI models that are on the Netflix approved camera list:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
Alexa LF |
Large format sensor, 4.5K resolution, 14+ stops of dynamic range, native 800 ISO
|
Alexa Mini LF
|
Compact design, large format sensor, 4.5K resolution, 14+ stops of dynamic range
|
Alexa 65 |
65mm digital cinema format, 6.5K resolution, high dynamic range
|
Alexa 35
|
Super 35 format, 4.6K resolution, 17 stops of dynamic range, ARRI Textures feature |
Canon cameras are well-known for being reliable and producing great image quality, making them a good choice for different types of filmmaking. Here are some of the models that are on the list of cameras approved by Netflix:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
C300 Mark II |
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, 15 stops of dynamic range, Dual Pixel CMOS AF
|
C300 Mark III |
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, Dual Gain Output (DGO), 16 stops of dynamic range
|
C500 Mark II |
Full-frame sensor, 5.9K resolution, 15+ stops of dynamic range, modular design
|
C500 |
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, 12-bit recording, Canon Log
|
C700
|
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, 15 stops of dynamic range, PL and EF mount options
|
C700 FF
|
Full-frame sensor, 5.9K resolution, 15 stops of dynamic range, Global Shutter
|
|
4K Super 35 DGO sensor, RF mount, 16 stops of dynamic range |
|
Full-frame sensor, 8K resolution, Dual Pixel AF, compact mirrorless form factor |
Panasonic cameras are great for their picture quality and how flexible they are to use. Here are some Panasonic camera models that Netflix has approved:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
VariCam 35
|
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, dual native ISO (800/5000), 14+ stops of dynamic range
|
VariCam LT |
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, dual native ISO (800/5000), lightweight body
|
VariCam Pure |
4K resolution, RAW recording, designed for pure RAW workflows |
AU-EVA1
|
Super 35 sensor, 5.7K resolution, dual native ISO (800/2500), lightweight form
|
S1H |
Full-frame sensor, 6K resolution, V-Log, 14+ stops of dynamic range
|
BGH1
|
Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K resolution, compact design, dual native ISO |
BS1H |
Full-frame sensor, 6K resolution, compact box-style camera |
AK-UC4000
|
4K broadcast camera, 2/3" sensor, high dynamic range, high frame rates
|
RED is famous for its cameras with high-resolution sensors and customizable parts, making them perfect for big movie productions. Here are the RED models that Netflix has approved:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
DSMC2 / WEAPON MONSTRO 8K VV
|
8K Vista Vision sensor, 35.4MP resolution, high dynamic range
|
WEAPON DRAGON 8K VV |
8K Vista Vision sensor, high dynamic range, low-light capabilities
|
DSMC2 / WEAPON HELIUM 8K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 8K resolution, high frame rate capabilities
|
EPIC-W HELIUM 8K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 8K resolution, 16.5 stops of dynamic range
|
WEAPON DRAGON 6K S35 |
Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, high frame rates
|
EPIC DRAGON 6K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, modular design
|
DSMC2 / EPIC-W GEMINI 5K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 5K resolution, dual ISO sensitivity
|
SCARLET-W DRAGON 5K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 5K resolution, 16.5 stops of dynamic range
|
RANGER MONSTRO 8K VV
|
8K Vista Vision sensor, all-in-one design, high dynamic range
|
RANGER HELIUM 8K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 8K resolution, integrated I/O
|
RANGER GEMINI 5K S35 |
Super 35 sensor, 5K resolution, dual ISO
|
DSMC2 DRAGON-X 6K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, high frame rates
|
KOMODO 6K
|
Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, compact form factor
|
V-RAPTOR 8K VV |
8K Vista Vision sensor, 120 fps at 8K, 17+ stops of dynamic range
|
V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV |
8K Vista Vision sensor, advanced internal ND filters, integrated I/O
|
V-RAPTOR 8K S35 |
Super 35 sensor, 8K resolution, high dynamic range |
V-RAPTOR XL 8K S35 |
Super 35 sensor, 8K resolution, advanced ND filters, modular design
|
KOMODO-X 6K S35
|
Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, compact body with advanced features
|
Panavision makes high-quality 8K cameras with the latest technology, perfect for top-level film projects. Here’s their top camera model that is on the Netflix camera approved list:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
DXL2
|
Large format sensor, 8K resolution, RED Monstro sensor, Light Iron Color science
|
Sony cameras are great for different types of filmmaking, offering features like full-frame sensors and high frame rates. Here are some of the Sony camera models that Netflix has approved:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
Venice |
Full-frame sensor, 6K resolution, dual base ISO, 15+ stops of dynamic range
|
Venice 2 6K |
Full-frame sensor, 6K resolution, high frame rates, dual base ISO
|
Venice 2 8K |
Full-frame sensor, 8K resolution, high dynamic range
|
Burano
|
Full-frame sensor, compact cinema camera, high dynamic range
|
|
Full-frame sensor, 6K oversampling, Fast Hybrid AF, dual base ISO
|
F55 |
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, global shutter
|
F65 |
8K sensor, 16-bit RAW recording, high dynamic range
|
FS7 / FS7 II
|
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, high frame rates, compact design |
F5
|
Super 35 sensor, 4K resolution, high dynamic range
|
|
Full-frame sensor, 4K resolution, fast AF, dual base ISO |
FR7
|
Full-frame PTZ camera, 4K resolution, cinematic depth of field
|
PXW-Z450 |
4K resolution, 2/3" sensor, lightweight camcorder design |
PXW-Z750 |
4K resolution, 3-chip 2/3" sensor, global shutter |
FX3 |
Full-frame sensor, 4K resolution, compact design, Fast Hybrid AF
|
HDC-F5500 |
4K HDR system camera, Super 35 sensor, global shutter, cinematic look |
Blackmagic Design makes a variety of top-quality cameras known for their great image quality and advanced features. Here are some of the camera models that are on the list of Netflix approved cameras for 2025:
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
|
Super 35 sensor, 4.6K resolution, 15 stops of dynamic range
|
|
Super 35 sensor, 4.6K resolution, high frame rates, dual native ISO
|
|
Super 35 sensor, 12K resolution, 14 stops of dynamic range |
"Netflix Approved" means that cameras, including camcorders, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras for videos, meet Netflix’s strict technical standards for making videos. These cameras must take high-quality images and have features that match Netflix’s needs for streaming and original shows. Being approved means the camera’s videos meet Netflix’s quality expectations.
Netflix updates its list of approved cameras regularly to include the newest and best technology. This way, content creators can use the latest and most effective cameras. The list gets updated whenever new cameras are tested and approved.
For a camera to become Netflix Approved, it has to go through a testing process. Netflix checks the camera’s quality by testing things like image resolution, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Camera makers need to submit their cameras for testing and certification to get approved.
Netflix Approved cameras have several important features, just like streaming cameras. They include high resolution, a wide range of colors and brightness, accurate color reproduction, and professional connections. They also support industry standards like RAW recording and high frame rates.
Using Netflix Approved cameras is important because they meet the high standards needed for quality streaming and broadcasting. For filmmakers, this means they can make content that meets Netflix’s technical and visual requirements, which increases the chances of their work being accepted and shown on Netflix.
Yes, these cameras are built to meet high industry standards, so they are also great for other video streaming services and broadcast networks. Their high resolution and excellent image quality make them useful for different types of media production.
You can technically use a camera that isn’t on the list of cameras approved by Netflix , but it’s strongly recommended to use an approved one to meet Netflix’s technical standards. Non-approved cameras might not produce the quality needed for Netflix shows, which could affect how your content looks and whether it gets accepted by Netflix.
You can find the list of Netflix Approved cameras on Netflix’s official website in the technology and production section. This information can help you make sure your content meets their high standards, whether you're making something for Netflix or watching Netflix outside the US with the best quality. Camera stores and manufacturers may also share which of their cameras are Netflix Approved.
To make sure your camera meets Netflix's technical standards, check the specific rules they list, like resolution, dynamic range, and color accuracy. You can ask camera makers or experts for help with these standards. Also, if you need to change your Netflix region to watch in another country, knowing these requirements helps your content look good and make sure it is compatible with Netflix.
