X Series: Color Bit Depth and Chroma Subsampling

X Series: Color Bit Depth and Chroma Subsampling

Applicable Models: ONE X, X2, X3, X4, X4 Air, X5, and X6

This article provides information about the camera's color bit depth and chroma subsampling parameters, and answers frequently asked questions to help you achieve more professional image creation.

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Specifications

Color bit depth (color depth)

The color bit depth refers to the number of binary bits used for each color channel (red, green, blue). The higher the bit depth, the more grayscale levels a single channel can represent, resulting in smoother color transitions.

Parameter	X6	X5	X4 Air	X4	X3	X2	ONE X
Video	10-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit
INSP/JPG photos	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	8-bit	N/A	N/A
DNG photos	16-bit	16-bit	16-bit	16-bit	14-bit	N/A	N/A

Color model

A color model is a system that uses a set of numbers to describe colors; for example, RGB/YUV use triplets, while CMYK uses quadruplets.

All X Series cameras use the YUV color model.

Color gamut (color space)

Color gamut refers to the range of colors that a device can display or record. A wider gamut allows for richer color reproduction.

Camera Model	X6	X5	X4 Air	X4	X3	X2	ONE X
Parameter	Video: Rec.709 Dolby Vision: BT.2020 Photo: P3 Wide Gamut I‑Log: ITU‑R BT.2020	Video: Rec.709 Photo: sRGB I‑Log: ITU‑R BT.2020	Video: Rec.709 Photo: sRGB	BT.709	BT.709	SMPTE 170M	SMPTE 170M

Chroma sampling (Chroma subsampling)

Chroma sampling is an image processing technique that reduces file size by decreasing the amount of color information in an image while preserving the quality of luminance (brightness) information. This effectively compresses image files with minimal visual quality loss. Common sampling formats include:

• 4:4:4: No chroma sampling; chrominance and luminance are stored at the same resolution.
• 4:2:2 and 4:2:0: Progressively reduce the horizontal and vertical resolution of chroma information.

All X Series cameras use 4:2:0 chroma sampling. This method significantly reduces data volume, making it easier to store and transmit images and videos.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Flat and Log? What color modes does the camera support?

Flat and Log are both color profiles designed for similar purposes, differing mainly in intensity. Under these profiles, the camera performs basic internal processing on noise, color, sharpness, and contrast, minimizing image quality loss and preserving the raw information captured by the image sensor. This provides greater flexibility for adjusting color, contrast, and other parameters during post‑production.

Color Mode	Description	X6	X5	X4 Air	X4	X3	X2	ONE X
Flat	A color profile with flatter colors and a slightly wider dynamic range than the Standard option, providing flexibility for color grading during post‑production.	Not supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	N/A	N/A
Log (I‑Log)	Offers a wider dynamic range, providing greater color space for post‑production grading.	Supported	Supported	Not supported	Not supported	Supported	Supported	Supported

2. What is LUT? Does the camera support using LUT?

A LUT (Look‑Up Table) is a preset color mapping file used to quickly convert Log video to standard colors or a specific stylistic tone. A LUT can be loaded in software such as After Effects, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and Lightroom.

• Models supporting LUT: X6, X5, X3, X2, and ONE X
• Models not supporting LUT (no Log mode; applying a LUT will not produce correct results): X4 Air and X4

3. What color filter array (CFA) layout is used on sensors of X4 Air and X4? What is the pixel size on the camera sensor? What is the usage and arrangement of the RGB color filters?

The cameras use an RGGB pixel arrangement. Each pixel measures 1.6 microns (µm).

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