format

Definition: (1) Noun: shape and dimensions of image on a film as defined by the shape and dimensions of the film gate of the camera in use. (2) Noun: orientation of image: landscape (if image orientated with the long axis horizontal), portrait (if image is oriented with the long axis upright). * The convention is to quote depth i.e. vertical dimension followed by width e.g. A4 upright is 297mm x 210mm. (3) Verb: to arrange data or text following a design, grid or outline. (4) Verb: to set out the layout of tracks and sectors in a magnetic medium prior to recording or writing data. Noun: the specifict layout of tracks, sectors, etc. in a storage medium. (5) Dimensions of paper stock, hence also publication size, usually the final, trimmed size.
Rounding off
Standard formats e.g. 6x6 or five-four indicates the image size plus or minus a nominal margin. Even within an established format like 35mm, there are small variations of format: precise size of image varies with individual cameras and for a given camera and may also vary slightly with focal length or focus of lens in use. Note, in contrast, the actual dimensions of the film material itself are extremely precisely controlled. Even with digital cameras there may be small variations - one or two pixels - in the size of an image.

Related Terms: film gate

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