Filming with Blackmagic RAW, enhancing our video quality
I think choice of codec is really important particularly if the footage is going to used in a number of ways and needs to work with footage shot by different production companies.
That said, this is just my personal opinion having started to edit more footage shot in Blackmagic RAW from other production companies, and finding I really liked it.
I’m now shooting Blackmagic RAW on two cameras for interviews, studio based, with a third on order. I’m still shooting Apple Pro Res for run and gun scenarios.
So with the hope of giving some explanation of the various benefits, completely free of my personal bias, I’ve produced an AI generated article comparing the two.
The conclusion seems to be that both are brilliant and I’d agree but personally, I do like Blackmagic RAW.
I appreciate that there is a little inconsistency in the lighting on my recent videos, it is just me playing around to find a look I really like for me.
Blackmagic RAW vs. Apple ProRes: Which is Best for Your Filming Needs?
When it comes to capturing high-quality video, two popular options for filmmakers and videographers are Blackmagic RAW and Apple ProRes. Both offer advantages in terms of image quality and post-production flexibility, but they cater to different needs and workflows.Â
Blackmagic RAW: The Flexible Alternative
Developed by Blackmagic Design, Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) is a semi-compressed RAW format designed to strike a balance between high image quality and manageable file sizes. Key features of Blackmagic RAW include:
- Visually Lossless Images: BRAW delivers visually lossless images, ideal for high-resolution, high frame rate, and high dynamic range workflows.
- Advanced De-mosaic Algorithm: BRAW utilizes an advanced de-mosaic algorithm that splits the processing workload between the camera and the computer, resulting in efficient encoding and faster playback.
- Extensive Metadata Support: BRAW supports extensive metadata, allowing for greater control over image parameters like ISO, white balance, exposure, contrast, and saturation in post-production.
- Blackmagic Design Generation 5 Color Science: BRAW leverages Blackmagic Design’s Generation 5 Color Science for accurate skin tones and lifelike colors.
- Constant Bitrate and Constant Quality Options: BRAW offers both constant bitrate and constant quality encoding options, providing flexibility in managing file sizes and image quality.
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Filming Scenarios for Blackmagic RAW:
- Feature Films and Commercials: The pristine quality of BRAW (especially at Q0 or 3:1 settings) is ideal for effects-heavy projects where the highest possible image quality is essential.
- Broadcast News, Live Sports, and Events: BRAW’s high quality and speed, along with smaller file sizes (at settings like 8:1 or 12:1), make it suitable for fast-paced productions.
- Independent Films and Documentaries: The portable design of cameras that support BRAW and its ability to deliver cinematic quality images make it a great choice for various filmmaking styles.
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Apple ProRes: Apple’s Innovation
Apple ProRes is a video codec family that provides a combination of multistream, real-time editing performance, impressive image quality, and reduced storage rates. Key features of Apple ProRes include:
- High Image Quality: ProRes codecs offer visually lossless preservation of image quality, with various versions tailored to different needs.
- Real-time Editing Performance: ProRes is designed for efficient editing workflows, taking advantage of multicore processing and featuring fast decoding modes.
- Versatile Codec Options: The ProRes family includes various codecs, such as ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 422, each with different data rates and suitability for specific applications.
- Wide Adoption: Apple ProRes has widespread adoption across the video post-production industry, ensuring compatibility with various software and hardware.
- Log Support: Apple ProRes Log captures more data when shooting, resulting in better quality footage.
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Filming Scenarios for Apple ProRes:
- High-End Productions: Apple ProRes 4444 XQ is the highest-quality version, suitable for 4:4:4:4 image sources and high-dynamic-range imagery, often used in high-end productions and visual effects work.
- Motion Graphics and Compositing: Apple ProRes 4444 is ideal for storing and exchanging motion graphics, offering excellent multi-generation performance and a lossless alpha channel.
- Professional HD Video: Apple ProRes 422 HQ is widely used for professional HD video, offering visually lossless quality at a manageable data rate.
- Offline Workflows: Apple ProRes 422 Proxy is designed for offline editing, providing low data rates while maintaining full-resolution video.
- Smartphone Filmmaking: Apple ProRes Log is now offered on iPhones, enabling filmmakers to capture cinematic video with more dynamic range and flexibility in post-production.
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