Apple’s ProRes Codec: Formats & Uses Explained

The ProRes Family

• ProRes 4444 XQ and ProRes 4444 are the highest quality of the ProRes formats. They support 4:4:4:4 image sources and alpha channels, offering the best quality and flexibility for high-end video production.
• ProRes 422 HQ is a higher-data-rate version of ProRes 422, preserving the quality of 4:2:2 image sources. It’s ideal for professional productions that require high-quality footage.
• ProRes 422 is a balanced codec that offers good quality and manageable file sizes. It’s a popular choice for many video editors and content creators.
• ProRes 422 LT is a more compressed version of the 422 format, perfect for projects that require smaller file sizes but still demand good quality.
• ProRes 422 Proxy is the most highly compressed of the six codecs. It’s used for proxy editing, where the goal is to create small, easily manageable files for editing before finalizing the project with higher-quality footage.

[snippet]

ProRes RAW

Pin

In 2018, Apple unveiled ProRes RAW, applying its ProRes compression technology to the raw images captured by your camera. It comes in two formats: ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes RAW, with the HQ version offering higher data rates than the standard ProRes RAW.

[snippet]

ProRES RAW vs ProRES HQ

ProRes RAW HQ

ProRes RAW HQ is a higher bitrate version of ProRes RAW, designed to keep even more quality from the sensor, ideal for high-end productions and workflows where quality cannot be compromised. It offers:

• Superior Quality: ProRes RAW HQ captures every bit of data from the camera sensor, resulting in exceptional image quality with full dynamic range and color accuracy. This ensures your videos have the highest visual aesthetics.
• Optimized Performance: Even though it handles more data, ProRes RAW HQ is designed for top performance. It lets you conduct real-time editing, without causing your system to lag or stutter. This makes your workflow smooth and efficient.
• Greater Flexibility: Like ProRes RAW, ProRes RAW HQ gives you the ability to tweak key parameters like exposure, color balance, and tone mapping in post-production. This allows for ultimate creative control.
• Efficient Storage: ProRes RAW HQ is an efficient codec that selectively captures necessary data. Despite the higher quality, the files aren’t excessively large, making it a practical choice for filmmakers who need higher quality without the storage headache.

ProRes RAW

ProRes RAW is a more accessible variant of ProRes RAW HQ. It still provides excellent quality but at smaller file sizes. Key features include:

• High Quality: ProRes RAW captures most of the data from your camera sensor, maintaining high dynamic range and color accuracy. This ensures your videos have top-notch visual aesthetics, though not as pristine as ProRes RAW HQ.
• Efficient Performance: ProRes RAW provides excellent real-time editing performance. You can work on multiple RAW files without experiencing system lag, enhancing your workflow’s efficiency.
• Flexibility: ProRes RAW offers the flexibility of adjusting key image parameters during post-production. This level of creative control enables you to produce better end results.
• Space Efficient: Unlike traditional RAW formats, ProRes RAW is more storage-efficient. It doesn’t capture an overwhelming amount of data, leading to manageable file sizes and effective resource management.