How far along is Hollywood with 8K? At NAB 2025, Warner Bros revealed that it has scanned approximately 20 films in 8K to date.
Before 8K can go mainstream, content creators must step up by producing and distributing titles in 8K resolution.
That includes Hollywood studios, which have so far been slow to adopt 8K and are still largely focused on 4K. However, there are now signs of movement, even if 8K is still in its early stages.
Warner Bros prepares for 8K
At NAB 2025, the 8K Association hosted a panel to share updates on 8K content production.
One notable update was that Warner Bros has started scanning older titles originally shot on film, including 70mm, in 8K resolution, giving the studio the option to release them in 8K in the future.
- "Warner Bros said that it has scanned around 20 films in 8K in recent years. Each film is scanned at 4K or 8K depending on the visible difference," wrote the 8K Association.
The studio is using the Lasergraphics Director scanner, which supports resolutions up to 13.5K and can handle film formats up to 70mm.
No specific titles were confirmed but Warner has previously partnered with Samsung to showcase 8K movie trailers for Creed III, Barbie, Blue Beetle, Dune: Part Two, Wonka and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, most, if all of these, were shot digitally. FlatpanelsHD has previously seen an 8K scene from Warner's and Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk.
Apple has begun producing content in 8K and released its first titles in 180-degree 3D 8K for Apple Vision Pro in early 2024.
The state of 8K digital cameras
For new movies shot digitally, cameras must support native 8K recording. At NAB 2025, the 8K Association also provided a status update on the landscape.
A key highlight was the Pyxis, a new camera from Blackmagic Design that inherits the 12K sensor from the existing Ursa camera. Previously limited to 6K, the upgraded Pyxis can now record 8K at up to 112fps. It is priced at $5500.
Blackmagic's new Pyxis 12K camera. Photo: 8K Association
- "Elsewhere on the booth, there was a long line of visitors who wanted to try the Apple Vision Pro headsets, which were being used to showcase content from the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera. Developed in collaboration with Apple, the camera uses a 17K sensor to capture dual 8K-per-eye footage," the 8K Association added.
Sony unveiled a new 8K sensor for its Venice II camera, which supports stereo 3D filming with two remote sensors positioned just 64 mm (2.52 inches) apart.
Japan’s AstroDesign presented a camera built on NHK's 8K x 8K sensor aimed at VR content, along with the new AB-4815 portable 8K 120Hz camera designed specifically for sports coverage.
- Source: 8K Association
