When you hire a video production company, one of the key components you will hear about is “raw footage.” But what exactly does this term mean, and what should you know about receiving it after your shoot? In this article, we’ll break down the concept of raw footage, discuss the different types you may encounter, and explain how we deliver it to you.
What is Raw Footage?
Raw footage refers to the unedited video files that are captured during a shoot. These files can vary significantly based on the camera used, the recording format, and the settings.
The Problem
While professionally recorded raw footage offers exceptional quality and flexibility for post-production, it comes with several challenges that can be daunting for many clients. Here’s a closer look at the issues associated with raw footage:
1. Heavy File Sizes
Raw footage can be extremely large, consuming significant storage space. This can pose a problem for individuals and small businesses that may not have access to high-capacity storage solutions. The larger the file, the more difficult it becomes to manage and organise.
To give you a real-world example, a full day of filming with us using a top-end mirrorless camera and shooting in 4K, 10-bit 4:2:2—our preferred resolution and settings—will typically result in about 200 GB of raw footage. If the shoot involves multiple cameras, such as for multicam interviews or additional shooters, the file size will be significantly larger.
2. Time-Consuming Uploads and Downloads
Uploading and downloading raw footage can take a considerable amount of time, especially if you’re working with high-resolution files. Slow internet connections can further exacerbate this issue, leading to frustrating delays that can disrupt your workflow.
3. Storage Requirements
Storing raw footage requires adequate disk space, which can quickly add up. Many clients may not have sufficient storage solutions in place to accommodate these hefty files. This can lead to added costs for external drives or cloud storage services, not to mention the need for regular backups to prevent data loss.
4. Technical Challenges
Working with raw footage often necessitates powerful computers and professional editing software. For clients who are not well-versed in video editing, this can create a steep learning curve and lead to difficulties in handling the footage effectively.
Our Raw Footage Delivery Workflow as of 2025
We’ve developed a workflow that helps the process of storing and transferring raw footage, ensuring that keeping this material isn’t a big hassle. Our goal is to enable you to retain the footage you paid for, so you can pass it onto your editor, or use it in the future should you need to.
Original vs. Processed Raw Footage
Original, Straight-Out-of-Camera Raw Footage
This is the original footage as captured by the camera, without any enhancements or adjustments. While this footage is rich in data, it can be challenging to handle due to its size, format, and codec. Original raw files often require powerful computers and advanced editing software to manage effectively.
Processed Raw Footage
Processed raw footage is the same footage, but it has been passed through an encoder to make it more manageable. This processing reduces file size and converts it into a format that’s easier to work with, allowing for quicker transfers and easier editing.
Please note that we don’t store footage indefinitely; we typically delete it 90 days after the shoot. This is why it’s important for us to deliver the raw footage to you, so you can retain it for your needs.
- After the shoot, you will receive either the Original Raw Footage or the Processed Raw Footage—just let us know which option you prefer. The footage is usually delivered within 5 to 10 business days via Dropbox, along with a link for download and clear instructions. If you prefer physical delivery, we can prepare a hard drive and send it to you at an additional cost.
- Regardless of whether we handle your post-production, we keep your raw footage for a specified period, as outlined in our terms of service.
- Once this period has passed, we will send you an email notification that your raw footage will be deleted. If you need a copy, this is your last chance to request it before deletion.
- If we don’t hear from you, or if you confirm that everything is okay, we will proceed with deleting the raw footage.
Which Type of Raw Footage Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing the right type of raw footage for your needs, we have some tailored recommendations:
- Original Raw Footage: If you plan to pass the footage on to a professional video editor or if you have in-house professional editing capabilities, we recommend receiving the original raw footage. This format provides the highest quality and maximum flexibility for advanced editing, color grading, and post-production work.
- Processed Raw Footage: For clients who are not video editing savvy and wish to handle the editing themselves without the hassle, we recommend opting for processed raw footage. This version is more user-friendly, with reduced file sizes and simplified formats, making it easier to work with, even if you’re using basic editing software.
By selecting the right type of raw footage based on your editing capabilities and preferences, you can ensure a smoother workflow and a better overall experience with your video project. If you have any questions about which option is best for you, feel free to reach out!
Things to Consider Before the Shoot
In this section, we’ll explore some key technical decisions to consider when planning your shoot. These considerations will help ensure that the raw footage you receive is tailored to your specific needs and delivers the best possible results.
1. Start with Your Final Video Specifications in Mind
When planning your video project, it’s crucial to start with your final product specifications in mind. Understanding how and where your video will be used can significantly influence the way it’s filmed, ensuring the best results for your intended platform. Here are a few real-world scenarios to consider:
Social Media Videos
If you’re creating videos for social media platforms like Instagram, you’ll want to capture footage natively in a vertical format. Instagram videos typically require a maximum resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. In this case, the videographer will shoot in portrait mode by rotating the camera 90 degrees. This ensures that the footage is optimised for viewing on mobile devices, which are primarily used to access social media.
Mixed Usage
If you need to use the same footage for multiple platforms and various cropping ratios, like this project example, we will most likely shoot everything in landscape while keeping in mind that some of this footage may be cropped for vertical or square videos during editing. In this case, shooting in 4K is especially important; when we crop the 3840 x 2160 raw footage into a 1080 x 1920 vertical video, the final deliverable will still meet the highest standards for vertical formats.
Specific Cropping Ratios
If you have a specific aspect ratio in mind, such as 1.85:1, the framing of your video should be adjusted accordingly during the shoot. Here’s an example of one of our productions where we used this technique.
This means planning your shots and compositions with the final crop in mind, allowing for a more seamless editing process. By setting the correct framing upfront, you can avoid losing important visual elements in post-production and ensure that the final product meets your specifications.
Common Final Edits Deliverables
When considering your final product specifications, here are some common scenarios that can help guide your decisions:
- 4K Video (3840 x 2160): This resolution is ideal for high-definition content and is becoming increasingly popular for platforms like YouTube. The 4K format offers exceptional clarity and detail, making it perfect for showcasing products, landscapes, or any visually rich content.
- 1080p Video (1920 x 1080): Another standard resolution for online content, 1080p is a widely accepted landscape format (16:9) suitable for YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. It strikes a balance between quality and file size, ensuring smooth playback on most devices.
- Cinematic Ratios: If you’re aiming for a more cinematic look, consider using aspect ratios like 2.39:1 or 1.85:1. These ratios can enhance the visual storytelling of your project, providing a more dramatic and immersive experience. Proper framing is essential here, as these ratios often require specific compositions to maintain visual impact.
- Vertical Video (1080 x 1920): Perfect for social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, vertical videos are optimised for mobile viewing. This format is ideal for capturing attention quickly and is especially effective for short, engaging content.
- Square Videos (1080 x 1080): Square videos work well on various social media platforms, offering a versatile option for feeds on Instagram and Facebook. This format allows for a more balanced presentation of your content and is suitable for many types of engagement.
2. Understanding Video File Formats and Codecs
When you receive raw footage, it’s essential to understand the different file formats and codecs that can impact your editing experience. The most common formats you’ll encounter are MP4 and MOV, both of which can be opened on PCs and Macs.
Common File Formats
MP4
MP4 is one of the most widely used video formats. It’s known for its efficient compression and high compatibility across various devices and platforms. Most video editing software can easily handle MP4 files, making it a go-to choice for many videographers. The versatility of MP4 makes it suitable for online sharing and playback on various media players.
MOV
MOV is another popular video format, originally developed by Apple for QuickTime. Like MP4, MOV files can also hold high-quality video but may have larger file sizes depending on the codec used. While MOV files are compatible with Mac systems, they can also be played on Windows with the right software. They often retain more quality and support advanced features, making them a preferred choice for professional editing.
Codecs
The codec is not the file format; it refers to the method used to compress and decompress video data. While file formats are visible through the file extension (like .mp4 or .mov), the codec details are often hidden but can be viewed using software like VLC. The codec used to generate your video files plays a critical role in their performance and ease of use during editing.
H.264
H.264 is the most common codec for video compression. It strikes an excellent balance between quality and file size, making it ideal for streaming and sharing online. Most devices can easily decode H.264 files, allowing for smooth playback without demanding extensive system resources.
H.265 (HEVC)
H.265, or High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), is a more advanced codec that offers better compression than H.264. While it can deliver similar quality at about half the file size, H.265 can be more challenging to work with due to its increased processing requirements. Not all devices and editing software support H.265 natively, which can complicate playback and editing for users with less powerful systems.
Codecs We Avoid
We generally try to avoid codecs that result in extremely large file sizes, such as ProRes and DNxHD/DNxHR. While these codecs are widely used in professional and cinematic productions, their high file sizes can significantly impact both our operations and your delivery process, and we think these formats are an overkill for the majority of our customers. The increased storage and delivery times, along with higher associated costs, make these codecs less practical for most corporate and social media video production projects.
By choosing the right codec, we can ensure a smoother workflow and better overall experience for our clients. If you have specific codec preferences or concerns, feel free to reach out!
3. Understanding Resolution, Bitrate, Bit Depth, and Chroma Subsampling
When working with video, several technical specifications can greatly affect the quality and flexibility of your footage during post-production. Let’s break down key concepts like resolution, bitrate, bit depth, and chroma subsampling, especially in the context of our top mirrorless and mid-range cameras.
Video Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in your video image, typically expressed as width x height (e.g., 3840 x 2160 for 4K). Higher resolution means more detail, which is particularly important for professional projects that require high-quality visuals. Shooting in 4k means we can deliver 4k videos to you if you wish, or if your final delivery is 1080p, it means we can zoom and crop into the footage without losing quality.
Bitrate
Bitrate indicates the amount of data processed per second in a video file. Higher bitrates usually result in better quality but also larger file sizes. Our cameras can capture footage at an average bitrate of around 200 Mbps in 4K, providing excellent detail and clarity for your projects.
Bit Depth
Bit depth refers to the amount of colour information stored in each pixel. A 10-bit video can display over a billion colours, compared to just 16 million in an 8-bit video. This increased colour depth allows for smoother gradients and better colour grading capabilities in post-production.
Chroma Subsampling
Chroma subsampling reduces the amount of colour information in a video to save space while retaining the essential brightness details. The common formats include 4:2:2 and 4:2:0:
- 4:2:2 retains more colour detail than 4:2:0, making it ideal for professional workflows.
- 4:2:0 reduces colour information further, often resulting in lower file sizes but potentially sacrificing some detail.
Monitors and phones display video in 4:2:0, which means your final video will be exported in this format. While starting with 4:2:0 is perfectly fine, beginning with 4:2:2 provides you with greater flexibility in post-production. The higher colour detail of 4:2:2 allows for more nuanced colour grading and adjustments, ensuring the best possible quality for your final output.
4. Considerations When Booking Video Services
When choosing a videographer and planning your project, there are several important questions to consider:
Do You Need 4K Footage?
Is 4K resolution necessary for your project, or will 1080p suffice?
Landscape or Portrait Orientation?
Do you want the footage shot in landscape or portrait format? This is essential for how the final video will be viewed.
Log Footage Needs
Are you interested in receiving footage in log format? Log footage has a washed-out look, which offers increased dynamic range but requires more work in post-production for colour grading.
What to Expect from Us and Final Tips
Capturing High-Quality Footage
With our top mirrorless and mid-range cameras, we can capture footage in 4K 10-bit 4:2:2. This combination provides great flexibility in post-production, especially for colour grading. By receiving the straight out of camera raw footage, you have access to the highest quality file, allowing your colour grading process to start with the best possible material.
That said, we recommend that if you choose to work with our straight out of camera raw footage, you use a high-end machine along with professional editing software such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro. Additionally, we suggest creating proxies to ensure a smoother workflow, making it easier to edit without overwhelming your system.
Processed Raw Footage
When we prepare processed raw footage, we often reduce the bitrate to 8-bit, change the chroma subsampling to 4:2:0, and lower the resolution to 1080p. However, if we encode the footage from 4K to 4K, we can still achieve a significant reduction in file size, dropping the bitrate from an average of 200 Mbps to around 60 Mbps without noticeable reduction in quality.
Most of these adjustments will be nearly invisible to the untrained eye, especially if your footage is not captured in log format. The processed raw footage will still maintain excellent quality for post-production and grading while reducing file size significantly—often by a factor of ten.
This careful balance between quality and efficiency allows us to deliver footage that meets your needs without overwhelming you with large files. If you have any questions about how these technical details impact your project, feel free to ask!
Why This Matters for Your Project
When choosing your videographer or discussing your project requirements, consider how these formats and codecs will affect your workflow. If you’re using non-professional editing software or if your system isn’t equipped to handle more demanding codecs like H.265, opting for H.264 in an MP4 format may provide a smoother experience.
By understanding these technical aspects, you can make informed decisions about the raw footage you’ll receive and how best to manage it post-shoot. If you have specific needs regarding formats or codecs, let us know—we’re here to help tailor the footage to your preferences!
Why We Choose Mirrorless Cameras
At our video production company, we primarily use mirrorless and mid-range cameras for most projects. While professional cinema cameras offer stunning video quality, they typically produce SoC raw footage that can be cumbersome to handle due to their large file sizes.
Modern mirrorless cameras, like the Sony A7S III, deliver excellent image quality without the hefty file sizes associated with high-end cinema cameras. The A7S III produces H.265 MP4 files, which are less demanding on storage and processing power while maintaining exceptional quality. This allows us to transfer files more efficiently via cloud systems, making it easier for our clients to manage the footage without dealing with overwhelming data storage needs.
Delivering Raw Footage
For clients who are less familiar with video editing or prefer a more user-friendly format, we offer processing services as part of our videography services. After the shoot, we can process the raw footage, ensuring that it’s ready for use, even with simpler editing tools like Canva or other online editors. This service is included in our pricing, giving you peace of mind and simplifying your post-production experience.
