Video
RAW Video
Video recorded with minimal in-camera processing, preserving the raw sensor data or a very close approximation of it. Provides maximum latitude for colour grading and post-production at the cost of very large file sizes and significant processing requirements.
RAW video captures the image data from the sensor before the camera applies demosaicing, noise reduction, colour matrix transforms, or other image processing. Because the data is minimally processed, it retains the maximum amount of information the sensor captured, giving the colourist the most possible latitude in post-production. Highlights that would be clipped in a processed video file may be recoverable in RAW. Shadows that would be crushed may contain usable detail. Colour casts can be corrected without introducing artefacts.
True RAW video is extremely data-intensive and requires dedicated hardware to write and process. Blackmagic Design's BRAW (Blackmagic RAW) format, used in the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, is a partially debayered RAW format that uses compression to reduce file sizes while retaining most of the RAW latitude. Panasonic's GH7 can record Apple ProRes RAW internally, which is another compressed RAW format. Both formats require compatible software — DaVinci Resolve for BRAW, Final Cut Pro or compatible apps for ProRes RAW — to edit natively.
For most M43 shooters, RAW video is not necessary. High-bitrate 10-bit log video on the GH7 or G9 II provides adequate grading latitude for most professional work. RAW video becomes relevant in cinema and commercial production contexts where maximum image quality is the priority, or in situations with very demanding colour and exposure conditions where even well-exposed log footage lacks sufficient recovery latitude.