Best Cameras For Prores Raw Footage

ProRes RAW is a video format that combines the benefits of RAW video with the performance of ProRes, a codec technology developed by Apple for high-quality, high-performance editing in Final Cut Pro. ProRes RAW allows users to record RAW video in resolutions of up to 8K while maintaining a small, edit-friendly file size. It also unlocks enhanced metadata for exposure, white balance, ISO, shutter speed/angle, and lens information.

ProRes RAW is supported by over 50 cameras from leading manufacturers such as Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, Z CAM, Olympus, Fujifilm, Leica, and Sigma. These include:

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

- Panasonic Lumix S1H

- Nikon Z6

- Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K

- iPhone (with Filmic Pro, select models)

- Panasonic Lumix S5

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

- Canon EOS R5

- Canon EOS R6 Mark II

- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

- Sony Alpha 7S III

Cameras that shoot ProRes RAW

ProRes RAW is a video format that combines the benefits of RAW video with the performance of ProRes, delivering high-quality content ideal for high-dynamic-range (HDR) content creation. It allows users to increase resolution, frame rate, and bit depth without increasing file size, and is supported by several cameras on the market. Here is a list of cameras that shoot ProRes RAW:

Blackmagic

• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
• Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
• Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2
• Blackmagic URSA Broadcast
• Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

Panasonic

• Panasonic Lumix DC-BGH1
• Panasonic VariCam LT
• Panasonic Lumix S1H
• Panasonic Lumix S5 (with Atomos Ninja V)

Sony

• Sony Alpha a1 (ILCE-1)
• Sony Alpha 7CR (ILCE-7CR)
• Sony Alpha a7S III (ILCE-7SM3)
• Sony PXW-FX9 with XDCA-FX9

Canon

• Canon EOS C300 Mark II
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Olympus

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Fujifilm

• Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera
• Fujifilm GFX 100 Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Z CAM

• Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera
• Z CAM E2-S6 Super 35 6K Cinema Camera
• Z CAM E2-F6 Full-Frame 6K Cinema Camera
• Z CAM E2C Professional 4K Cinema Camera
• Z CAM E2 Professional 4K Cinema Camera
• Z CAM E2-F8 Full-Frame 8K Cinema Camera

Nikon

• Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera
• Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera

Sigma

Sigma fp Mirrorless Camera

IPhone

ProRes RAW is also supported on select iPhone models with Filmic Pro.

Cameras that shoot ProRes externally

ProRes RAW was introduced by Apple in 2018 as a codec technology for high-quality, high-performance editing in Final Cut Pro. It applies ProRes compression technology to RAW image data from the camera sensor, delivering the flexibility of RAW video with the performance of ProRes.

While there are several cameras that can shoot ProRes RAW internally, there are currently more than 25 cameras that can shoot ProRes RAW externally. These cameras require the use of supported Atomos recorders, as Atomos has a legal agreement with RED Digital Cinema to record ProRes RAW.

• Canon EOS C300 Mark II
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
• Panasonic VariCam LT
• Sony Alpha a1 (ILCE-1)
• Sony ILCE-7SM3 (Alpha a7S III)
• Sony NEX-FS700 / FS700R
• Sony PXW-FS5 / FS5M2
• Sony PXW-FS7 with XDCA-FX7
• Sony PXW-FX9 with XDCA-FX9

Additionally, the following cameras can also shoot ProRes RAW externally:

• Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera
• Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera
• Panasonic Lumix S1H Mirrorless Camera
• Panasonic Lumix S5 Mirrorless Camera
• Sigma fp Mirrorless Camera
• Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera (Micro Four Thirds)
• Z CAM E2-F6 Full-Frame 6K Cinema Camera (EF Mount)
• Z CAM E2C Professional 4K Cinema Camera

It is important to note that while these cameras can shoot ProRes RAW externally, they may have different specifications and capabilities. Be sure to research the specific camera you are interested in to ensure it meets your technical needs.

Cameras that shoot ProRes internally

Recording ProRes internally, or straight to the memory card in the camera, can be an essential feature for filmmakers. It streamlines the workflow both on set and in post-production. While almost any camera with a clean HDMI/SDI output can record to ProRes externally, very few can record ProRes internally.

Blackmagic Cameras

Blackmagic offers a wide range of cameras that support internal ProRes recording. Here are some of them:

• Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5K
• Blackmagic Cinema Camera 4K
• Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 1080p
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
• Blackmagic URSA Broadcast
• Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
• Blackmagic URSA Mini
• Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
• Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2

Other Cameras

In addition to Blackmagic, several other manufacturers offer cameras that record ProRes internally:

• IPhone (with Filmic Pro, select models)
• Kinefinity Mavo Edge 6K and 8K
• Panasonic Cinema VariCam S35 and VariCam LT S35
• RED Gemini, Helium, Komodo, Monstro, Raven, and V-Raptor (all models)
• Panasonic Lumix S1H
• Nikon Z6 and Z7 II
• Sigma fp
• Sony A7S III
• Z CAM E2-M4, E2-S6, E2-F6, E2C, and E2
• Panasonic AU-EVA1
• Fujifilm GFX 100 and GFX 100S
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and OM-D E-M1X
• Canon EOS R5, EOS R5 C, and EOS R6 Mark II

Monitors and Recorders

While not cameras themselves, it is worth noting that Atomos monitor/recorders like the Ninja and Shogun series also support ProRes recording when used with compatible cameras.

Cameras that shoot ProRes 4444 XQ

ProRes 4444 XQ is a codec designed for pro cameras that record High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. It is currently in use as a camera-codec, for example in the ARRI ALEXA camera. It is designed for the highest possible quality while still providing a reduced file size when compared to an uncompressed source file.

ProRes 4444 XQ is supported by the following cameras:

• Kinefinity TERRA 4K: This camera can shoot in ProRes 4444 and 4444 XQ, thanks to the KineOS 6.4 firmware update.
• ARRI Alexa: Alexa XT and Classic cameras with the XR Module will be able to encode ProRes 4444 XQ with ARRI’s Software Update Packet SUP 10.
• Blackmagic URSA: According to a user on Reddit, the Blackmagic URSA can shoot in ProRes XQ.

Other camera options that support ProRes RAW, which is based on the ProRes codec, include:

• Canon EOS R5 and EOS R5 C: These full-frame mirrorless cameras can capture 8K ProRes RAW up to 30fps.
• Canon EOS R6 Mark II: This camera enables 6K ProRes RAW up to 60fps.
• Panasonic LUMIX S1H
• Sony FX3

Cameras that shoot ProRes RAW at 8K

ProRes RAW combines the benefits of RAW video with the performance of ProRes, allowing users to work with increased resolutions, frame rates, and bit depths without increasing file size. Here are some cameras that can shoot ProRes RAW at 8K:

Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 is a flagship camera designed for professionals. It can shoot 8K RAW video at 24, 25, or 30fps and 4K videos at 120fps. It features a full-frame sensor and internal 8K RAW recording capabilities.

Canon EOS R5 C

The Canon EOS R5 C is another option that can record ProRes RAW with the Ninja V+. It offers the following resolutions and frame rates:

• 8K at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, or 29.97p
• 6K at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, or 59.94p
• 3K at 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, or 59.94p

Panasonic Lumix S1H

The Panasonic Lumix S1H is a premium camera used to shoot many Netflix movies. It features a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot 6K videos. With a firmware upgrade, it can also shoot ProRes RAW.

Nikon Z7 II

The Nikon Z7 II is a mirrorless camera with a 45.7-megapixel sensor. It can shoot ProRes RAW at 4K resolution and 60fps, as well as FHD at 120fps.

Sony a1

The Sony a1 is a mirrorless camera with a 50-megapixel sensor. It can shoot 8K 30p and 4K 120p video in 10-bit, as well as 4.3K 16-bit RAW video output.

Z CAM E2-F8

The Z CAM E2-F8 is a Super 35 8K cinema camera with an EF mount. It can record up to 8K30 video and 12-bit ZRAW.

Panasonic AU-EVA1

The Panasonic AU-EVA1 is a compact Super 35mm cinema camera. It features a 5.7K Super 35mm sensor and can record 4K video at up to 60 fps.

Atomos Ninja V+

The Atomos Ninja V+ is an external recorder that can capture 8K ProRes RAW video when paired with cameras like the Canon R5. It offers increased recording times and improved data transfer speeds.

These cameras and recorders provide the capability to shoot ProRes RAW at 8K, offering flexibility and high-quality video production.

Frequently asked questions