Apple Adds ProRes RAW to Final Cut Pro X with Support in DJI Drones and Atomos Recorders

Apple’s latest update for Final Cut Pro X is coming in a few days and the most notable new feature is the introduction of ProRes RAW. Apple’s new video format allegedly offers users the same quality as other RAW files but takes up half the space. Apple said that creatives will be able to use the the update through DJI drones and Atomos recorders.

What are the benefits of ProRes RAW?

RAW is the go-to file format for those shooting with professional cinema cameras because shooting RAW retains much more detail than using other formats. While editing, you can push the shadows and highlights in a RAW video much further than in other formats. The problem, however, is that RAW video takes up a load of space and often requires expensive external storage devices.

With ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ, Apple says that users will receive the same “quality and workflow advantages of RAW” with “the stunning performance of ProRes.”

"With ProRes RAW, editors can import, edit and grade pristine footage with RAW data from the camera sensor, providing ultimate flexibility when adjusting highlights and shadows — ideal for HDR workflows," said Apple in reference to ProRes RAW being added to Final Cut Pro X.

Apple believes that they’ve reduced the space issues with RAW video for those who have a Mac.

“With performance optimized for macOS, editors can play full-quality 4K ProRes RAW files on MacBook Pro and iMac systems in real time without rendering," Apple said. "ProRes RAW files are even smaller than ProRes 4444 files, allowing editors to make better use of storage while providing an excellent format for archiving."

Atomos and DJI are amoung the first to support ProRes RAW.

Atomos has announced a firmware update for their Shogun Inferno and Sumo monitor/recorders that will add support for ProRes RAW, making Atomos the first brand to support the new format.

Alongside Atomos, DJI has said that they will be releasing a firmware update later this spring that will give the Zenmuse X7 and Inspire 2 drones support for ProRes RAW. DJI will be releasing an additional firmware update that will add 14-bit RAW recording to the Zenmuse X7.

Panasonic’s AU-EVA1 Compact S35 and VariCAM LT receives ProRes RAW support, too.

Panasonic also announced that the AU-EVA1 Compact S35 and VariCAM LT cinema cameras will support RAW data outputs in the ProRes RAW recording codecs through firmware updates.With the new EVA2.0 firmware, the EVA1 can output 10-bit Log-encoded RAW data in 5.7K up to 30fps, 4K up to 60fps, and 2K up to 240fps to Atomos Shogun Inferno and Sumo recorders.

“Panasonic, Atomos and Apple have combined to deliver an astonishing set of features for end-to-end RAW production – 5.7K30p, 4K60p, 2K240p in 10-bit V-Log recorded on SATA SSDs in ProRes RAW on our Shogun Inferno or Sumo 19,” said Jeromy Young, CEO of Atomos. “We primarily used the EVA1 for ProRes RAW launch testing – it’s the best RAW solution for the price point on the market today,” said Panasonic.

https://youtu.be/3MaHkzgyCWA

Other cameras supported by the Atomos update include the Sony FS5 and FS7 and Canon EOS C300 Mark II and C500, with more to come.

Availability

The new Final Cut Pro 10.4.1 will be released April 9, along with the Atom OS9 update that adds ProRes RAW support in Atomos recorders. The 14-bit firmware update from DJI will be coming in late April and the second firmware update for ProRes RAW support will be available in late May.

Panasonic’s EVA 2.0 and VariCam LT v6.0 firmware updates are currently available for download.

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's Managing Editor.

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