CineD Camera Database Update – Improved Rankings, Better Accessibility, and More

AnnouncementDatabases

by Florian MilzMarch 30^th, 2026

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It’s been a while since we launched the CineD Databases. Since then, we’ve tested a wide range of newly released cameras. They’ve become much more capable and complex, which is also why we conduct more thorough Lab Tests, yielding more test results than ever. This added complexity has uncovered some shortcomings in the original database’s design. We decided that now was a good time to re-evaluate what works and what doesn’t.

Some areas of the Camera Database needed attention in order to be more streamlined. With the help of user feedback, we discovered that the data in the Camera Database was a bit too technical for many users. This led us to make the Lab Test results more easily digestible for a larger audience.

Improved dynamic range and rolling shutter rankings

Over time, we started testing additional camera recording modes, including sensor crop and high-frame-rate modes, which usually rank higher than the standard frame-rate results. From a scientific standpoint, you always want to compare apples to apples, though. That’s why we decided not to include high-frame-rate results in the dynamic range and rolling-shutter rankings anymore, which makes comparing results more straightforward.

Internal video RAW recording is no longer a novelty, so we also added the ability to filter test results to show only RAW dynamic range results.

There is also more information available about the tested camera, including all results, in the ranking tables. This makes comparing results a lot more convenient.

It’s also easier than ever to identify which test results were obtained in sensor crop mode or at high frame rate, with additional data points in the dynamic range and rolling shutter tables.

Dynamic range and rolling shutter summaries

Recent trends have uncovered the benefits of providing short summaries for those of us who don’t want to spend time diving deeply into the complex data.

We decided to develop our own algorithm to give you a smart summary of the best test results.

The new summary texts are now available for dynamic range and rolling shutter test results. You can quickly get a sense of the maximum achievable result before diving into the detailed results and the ranking table.

Lab Test explanation popups

We understand that not everybody is an expert in our Lab Tests. We still offer a dedicated article that explains how we conduct and evaluate our Lab Tests in detail. Additionally, we now provide a brief explanation for every metric that we test and display in the Camera Database.

This feature makes it easier to understand what we actually test for and how we do most of the testing, without becoming too technical. Look for the question mark button next to each section title in the Camera Database.

Recording formats in the Camera Database

A popular feature of the Lens Coverage Tool, which was somewhat hidden, was the ability to compare how much sensor crop is used when selecting specific recording formats. We’ve had this feature since the beginning, but it was hidden in plain sight.

Now you can see and compare all possible recording formats directly in the Camera Database. If you still want more detailed information about recording modes, crop factors, lens coverage information from thousands of lenses, and more, you can jump directly into the Lens Coverage Tool.

Monthly updates in your inbox

Did you know we offer a monthly Databases Update newsletter that includes all of the CineD Databases additions, updates, and new features?

If you want to stay up to date on what’s new, be sure to subscribe to the Databases Update newsletter!

What do you think about this Camera Database update? Are you already using the CineD Databases? Do you have any ideas to further improve the Databases? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments below!