This Galaxy Note 4 guide shows you how to set the suitable picture size and video size for both of the main (rear facing) and front cameras.
Galaxy Note 4 has a decent camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). The 16MP main camera can take very sharp and high quality photos.
But sometimes, it is not necessary to take the photos in the maximum resolution.
For different usages or purposes of photos or videos taken with Galaxy Note 4 camera, you may want to change the picture size (and video size) to a suitable number.
What aspect ratio should I choose 16:9 or 4:3?
The first parameter you need consider is the picture aspect ratio. Galaxy Note 4 camera allows 3 different aspect ratios:
- 16:9. This aspect ratio is identical to that of the screen of your Galaxy Note 4 and most modern HD TVs. This means if you mainly view photos on the phone or TVs, 16:9 is a good aspect ratio. When you view photos in these devices, screen will be filled exactly and there is no black area. Also, the 16M resolution of Galaxy Note 4 camera is only achievable at this aspect ratio.
- 4:3. This ratio is consistent with most digital cameras. Old computer monitor, iPad, Nexus 9 also have this aspect ratio. When you print the photo in a 4R photo paper (which has an aspect ratio of 3:2), 4:3 usually is considered to be better than 16:9 because of less cropped area. Most photo processing machines are also optimized for this aspect ratio. The drawback of 4:3 aspect ratio is that if you view the photos in the Galaxy Note 4, some area cannot be filled and therefore there are some black areas in each side.
- 1:1. This aspect ratio is only popular with some web designers. For most Galaxy Note 4 owners, you probably never need this 1:1 aspect ratio.
So, in short, if you plan to get hard copies with photo papers, 4:3 is a good aspect ratio. If you have no intention to print the photos, 16:9 is the best for TVs and Galaxy Note 4.
What are the suitable picture sizes (resolutions)?
If storage is not a concern, you can always opt for the maximum size (maximum resolution) for your photos.
Photos with higher resolution can scale down to lower resolution easily. But if you try to scale up a lower resolution photo to a higher resolution, the final photo will usually be grainy.
In simple words, higher resolution photos can be used when lower resolution photos are required. But the reverse is not true.
However, if you have to consider your available storage space, here are the general guidelines:
- If you mainly view the photo on a 4K UHD TV (2160p), choose 16M (5312×2988, 16:9).
- If you mainly view the photo on a full HD TV (1080p) or on your Galaxy Note 4, 6M (3264×1836, 16:9) is a good option.
- If you plan to print some photos on a 8R or larger photo papers, choose 12M (3984×2988, 4:3)
- If you plan to print some photos on a 4R or smaller photo papers, choose 8M (3264×2448, 4:3)
- If you just want to share the photos with friends online, 2.4M is usually sufficient.
What are the suitable video sizes?
Videos can take considerable storage. So, you do not want to waste the storage in the phone or SD card.
Here are the general guidelines:
- Don’t choose UHD unless you have a 4K UHD TV (2160p).
- Full HD is the best option for most scenarios.
- If you need record a long video, you may consider 720p.
- If your videos are mainly for sharing online, 720p or VGA is usually sufficient.
- If you just want to share the video through MMS, VGA is more than enough. You can also choose recording mode as “limited for MMS”.
How to set picture size for Galaxy Note 4 main (rear) camera?
To set picture size for Galaxy Note 4 main (rear) camera, please follow these steps.
Step 1: Start camera app.
Step 2: Tap Settings–16M (as shown below).
Step 3: Select the suitable picture size (as shown below).
For Galaxy Note 4 rear camera, the available picture sizes are:
- 16M, 5312×2988, 16:9
- 12M, 3984×2988, 4:3
- 8.9M, 2976×2976, 1:1
- 8M, 3264×2448, 4:3
- 6M, 3264×1836, 16:9
- 2.4M, 2048×1152, 16:9
Step 4: Tap anywhere on the screen to return.
From now on, the selected picture size will be used unless you change it manually. In other words, the picture size settings will be used even after you reboot the phone.
How to set video size for Galaxy Note 4 main (rear) camera?
To set video size for Galaxy Note 4 main (rear) camera, you may follow these steps.
Step 1: Start camera app.
Step 2: Tap Settings–More (as shown below).
Step 3: Tap Video size as shown below.
Step 4: Select the suitable video size as shown below.
For Galaxy Note 4 main (rear facing) camera, the available video sizes are:
- UHD, 3840×2160, 16:9 (aka 4K video)
- WQ HD, 2560×1440, 16:9
- Full HD, 1920×1080, 16:9
- HD, 1280×720, 16:9
- VGA, 640×480, 4:3
Step 5: Tap anywhere to save the settings.
How to set picture size for Galaxy Note 4 front camera?
Galaxy Note 4 front camera has a resolution up to 3.7M. It has many advanced features for selfie.
To set picture size for Galaxy Note 4 front camera, you need follow these steps.
Step 1: Start Camera app.
Step 2: Switch to front camera by tapping the switch icon as shown below.
You may refer to this guide on Galaxy Note 4 camera interface.
Step 3: Tap 3.7M icon.
Step 4: Choose suitable picture size for front camera.
The available picture size of Galaxy Note 4 front camera includes:
- 3.7M, 2560×1440, 16:9 (identical resolution to Galaxy Note 4 display)
- 2.8M, 1920×1440, 4:3
- 2.1M, 1920×1080, 16:9
- 2.1M, 1440×1440, 1:1
- 0.3M, 640×480, 4:3 (aka VGA)
Step 5: Tap anywhere to save the settings.
How to set video size for Galaxy Note 4 front camera?
To set video size for Galaxy Note 4 front camera, please follow these steps.
Step 1: Start Camera app.
Step 2: Switch to front camera by tapping the switch icon as shown below.
You may refer to this guide on Galaxy Note 4 camera interface.
Step 3: Tap More icon (…) as shown below.
Step 4: Tap video size as shown below.
Step 5: Choose suitable video size for front camera.
The available video sizes of Galaxy Note 4 front camera are:
- WQ HD, 2560×1440, 16:9 (identical resolution to Galaxy Note 4 display)
- Full HD, 1920×1080, 16:9
- HD, 1280×720, 16:9
- VGA, 640×480, 4:3
Step 6: Tap anywhere on the screen to save the video size settings.
Can you set picture size and video size for Galaxy Note 4 camera?
If you have any problems or questions on how to set picture size and video size for Galaxy Note 4 camera, please post them in the comment box below.
We will try to help you find a solution.
More how-to guides , tips and tricks for using Samsung Galaxy Note 4 are available at Galaxy Note 4 how-to guides page.
Natsu says
Can the full HD photos from my Samsung Note phone 4 be displayed clearly on the full HD monitor? I know that such photos can be displayed clearly from the laptop but I do not know whether this can be done from my Samsung Note 4 phone. If yes, then I will need to purchase the Mirrorcast/Chromecast device to connect from my Samsung Note 4 to the full HD monitor. Appreciate your assistance on this matter.
Simon says
Of course, you can. The photos, once taken, are saved as image files. You can use these files anywhere you want. Galaxy Note 4 surely cam handle such photos.
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Rolly Povadora says
I’ve been using my Note 4 for 1 year. Taking pictures with 16mp setting, i got almost 10mb size pictures before. But now i got only 5mb sizes pictures though im using 16mp setting with goodlight places. Why is it so?
Galaxy Note says
Did you check photo details? The size of the file depends on many factors including picture size (which you can set), complexity of the picture and compress ratio. So the difference of 1 or 2MB in file size is normal with identical number of pixels.
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Cat says
So for the rear facing camera, what would be the best size for a distance shot? And at night? Say you wanted to take a picture of the moon for example…
Simon says
You need a real camera. No smartphone camera can give good results.
The size does not matter. it depends how you will use the photo.
The problem is the low-light condition. Your photo will be noisy.
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Pat says
When I change the picture ratio to 4:3 on the rear camera as soon as the camera is set to Easy Mode the ratio reverts to the default 16:9. How do I prevent this ?
Galaxy Note says
You cannot. Easy mode forces some settings. You should use normal mode. Easy mode is mainly for first time users. One you get used to Android, you can switch to normal mode to get more benefits of Android.
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Eileen Nicholson says
I have my camera set to the largest size yet when I download pics via Dropbox to my pc they only measure at 78dpi. That’s a very low resolution for a 16mp camera.
What am I doing wrong?
Simon says
You should check the actual number of pixels. Dpi is for printing and can be set as any number.
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Ali says
My selfie (front) video camera gets darker immediately after i run it. it is bothering me and wasting my time. how to get rid of this darkness. thanx
Simon says
Are you in selfie mode? Did you try to apply effects?
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olga says
Hi there. There is a round border on my selfie mode on my note 4. How do I get rid of this?
Simon says
What round boarder? You can share a sample in our Facebook page.
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