What camera does Netflix use?

There are actually quite a few different cameras that are accepted by Netflix like the Canon C-300 Mk II and III, The Panasonic BS1H, BGH1, and the S1H. The Red Komodo 6k and the Panavision DXL2 to name just a few. This post focused on the ARRI Alexa 65.

The ARRI Alexa 65, at 54.12 x 25.88 mm, is the largest sensor from ARRI. More than a few huge Hollywood movies have been shot using this camera. The ARRI Alexa 65 is a Netflix-approved camera and this post is sprinkled with some useful information about understanding some of Netflix's guidelines. The Alexa 65 has been approved for anamorphic capture. When using the Alexa 65 the following setting is preferred by Netflix 6k (6560 x 3100) in ARRIRAW which is another way to ensure that your footage can be used on Netflix, which by the way has some fairly strict image capture requirements.

The sensor has to be able to capture a resolution of 3840 pixels per width so you want to make sure that your camera will be able to shoot a minimum of 4k UHD. As mentioned above your camera should be able to record in a Raw format like ARRIRAW, REDCODE, X-OCN, or in compressed format with intra-recording and a high bit rate like ProresHQ or XAVC. The minimum data rate should be 240Mbs at 10bits UHD 2398. All files should contain Timecode, ISO, Frame rate, WB, etc., metadata. You will also need at least 10bit of log processing or a minimum 16bit linear recording.

You'll want to use as wide a color space as possible, capture as much shadow, and highlight information as possible with the log profile. I don't recommend this camera for the beginner. For the student, or beginner creating a low-budget creative film shooting with a mirrorless camera will do. Some of them can be even better than a camcorder when it comes to low light. The compact system of the mirrorless camera can shoot stills and great-looking 4k video and can fit different lenses.

Cameras capable of being acceptable by Netflix don't come cheap in most cases to rent, or to buy, but the quality you need is there.