ProRes RAW is Apple’s compressed raw video format, while Blackmagic RAW is Blackmagic Design’s own raw format built for its cameras and DaVinci Resolve. In most cases the decision is made by your camera and editing software rather than by preference, because each format works best where it is natively supported. Check your camera’s manual for the formats it records.
What Raw Video Gives You
Raw video stores sensor data with little processing baked in. That means more freedom to adjust exposure, white balance and color after the shoot. The tradeoff is larger files and more computing power during editing, so both formats use compression to keep sizes practical.
Key Differences
| Area | ProRes RAW | Blackmagic RAW |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple | Blackmagic Design |
| Typical sources | Selected cameras and external recorders | Blackmagic cameras and some others |
| Best editing fit | Final Cut Pro, also supported elsewhere | DaVinci Resolve, with free tools |
| Quality control | Choices of compression level | Constant quality or constant bitrate options |
| Metadata handling | Camera settings carried in file | Camera settings stored and adjustable in post |
How to Choose
- Look at what your camera records. If it offers only one of the two, the choice is already made.
- Think about external recorders. Some cameras send raw to a recorder that writes ProRes RAW.
- Consider your editor. Resolve users gain most from Blackmagic RAW, and Final Cut users from ProRes RAW.
- Estimate storage. Record a minute of each setting you plan to use and measure the file size.
- Check that your computer plays the footage smoothly, using proxies if it does not.
Practical Recording Tips
- Expose carefully for highlights, since raw clipping cannot be fully recovered.
- Use a middle compression setting first, then step up only if you see a need.
- Keep a log of card names and clips on every shoot day.
- Back up footage to two drives before editing begins.
- Lock your white balance to a sensible value for the scene to speed up grading.
Remember that a recording format is only one link in a chain. Lenses, lighting and exposure discipline affect the picture far more than the choice between two good raw formats, so avoid delaying a project over this decision.
FAQ
Is raw always better than regular video formats?
No. Raw gives flexibility, but it costs storage and time. For quick turnaround work, a good compressed format may suit you better.
Can I convert one to the other?
Not in a way that returns raw data to its original form. You can transcode to an editing format, but the raw flexibility is lost once it is processed.
The Short Version
Choose the format your camera and editing program support best. Blackmagic RAW makes sense in a Resolve-centered workflow, while ProRes RAW fits Apple-centered setups and recorders. Test a short clip from your own camera to see file sizes and playback before a big shoot.
