How to Get Raw Video Formats Right
Camera formats that record sensor data with minimal processing, such as Blackmagic RAW, ProRes RAW and REDCODE RAW.
Tomas Lindqvist
Where most projects go wrong
The usual mistakes:
- Shooting raw without a post plan
- Assuming raw fixes bad exposure
- Unsupported formats in the edit
- Deleting originals after transcoding
What good looks like instead
- Confirm software support before shooting
- Plan storage for larger files
- Create proxies for editing
- Set consistent raw settings in grading
- Back up camera originals
Why it matters
Raw video gives more flexibility in color and exposure, but it requires more storage, processing and careful workflows.
The specs that matter
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Blackmagic RAW | Blackmagic Design's raw format |
| ProRes RAW | Apple's raw version of ProRes |
| REDCODE RAW | RED's raw format |
| Flexibility | white balance and ISO can often be adjusted in post |
Knowing when to hand it over
Tip: Bring in help when choosing camera formats for high-end productions.
Where this comes from
- Blackmagic Design — Blackmagic RAW
- Blackmagic Design — DaVinci Resolve Reference Manual
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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