How to set picture size and video size for Galaxy Note 4 camera?

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.