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What is RAW video?
CinemaKit · Updated:
RAW video records sensor measurements before they become a finished color image. In a Bayer RAW workflow, each photosite measures one color component; a later demosaicing step reconstructs the full-color frame. RAW keeps that development step available for post-production.
What changes when you shoot RAW?
You can revisit white balance and the way the sensor data is developed without relying only on corrections to an already rendered image. This is useful when lighting changes between shots or you want to match several takes. Exposure and noise still depend on the original capture: RAW cannot recover clipped sensor highlights or make a poorly lit shot noise-free.
RAW, Log and codecs are different concepts
RAW describes the stage of image processing. Log describes a tonal encoding curve. ProRes and HEVC are codec families used to store video. A flat-looking preview is not proof that a recording is RAW, and choosing a Log curve does not turn a processed video into Bayer sensor data.
Plan the whole workflow
Uncompressed RAW produces large files. Before a long take, check sustained storage speed, free space and playback on the computer you will use. Start with a short clip, develop it and export an edit-ready file. Keep your original RAW if you may need to change the grade later.
CinemaKit records true Bayer RAW in MLV or CinemaDNG on supported phone hardware. You can review and grade on the phone or transfer footage to CinemaKit Studio. Available cameras, resolutions and bit depths depend on the device rather than on a universal RAW specification.
Frequently asked questions
Does RAW automatically look better?
No. It gives you more control over image development. Lighting, exposure, lens quality and the grade still determine the result.
Related pages
RAW vs Log: what is the difference?
Compare RAW sensor data and Log tonal encoding. Understand white balance, demosaicing, codecs and when to choose each workflow.
What is MLV (Magic Lantern Video)?
Understand the MLV RAW video container, how CinemaKit uses it, and how to open, transfer and export MLV footage.
What is CinemaDNG?
Learn what a CinemaDNG RAW image sequence contains, how it differs from MLV and how to manage CinemaDNG footage from CinemaKit.
True Bayer RAW video with CinemaKit
Record Bayer RAW in MLV or CinemaDNG with CinemaKit, preview on your phone and continue grading in CinemaKit Studio.
Getting started with CinemaKit
Your first CinemaKit RAW workflow: choose a supported camera, record a test take, review, transfer and export on phone or in Studio.