Let’s cut to the chase: talking about codecs may not be the most exciting topic for everyone, but when it comes to optimizing your workflow, you can’t afford to ignore them. And while we’d rather be debating Walter Murch’s “Rule of 6,” understanding tools like Apple ProRes gives you an edge in post-production. So, yes, today we’re talking about ProRes: the codec that, despite the years, still dominates the scene in 2024.
What is Apple ProRes?
Since its release in 2007, Apple ProRes has been the gold standard in post-production. Built for Final Cut Pro , ProRes offers a perfect balance of quality and file size, making it a favorite of everyone from independent producers to film studios .
Its secret lies in intra-frame compression , which makes it easier for each frame to be treated independently. This, in simple terms, means that you can edit in real time without having to deal with eternal delays or playback skips.
The different versions of ProRes and their uses
ProRes comes in several different versions, each tailored to different needs. Here's a quick rundown:
ProRes 422 Proxy: Perfect for offline editing, where low resolution is sufficient for making initial adjustments.
ProRes 422 LT – My favorite for dailies . It offers very decent quality with light file sizes, which is great for dailies . You don’t need to carry around heavy files and you can watch them without any problems.
ProRes 422: Excellent for most professional productions, with outstanding quality and manageable file sizes.
ProRes 422 HQ: For projects that require high quality, such as documentaries or television series.
ProRes 4444: Fantastic for motion graphics and VFX, as it handles alpha channels (transparency).
ProRes 4444 XQ: The most powerful of all, used in high-end VFX and film production, especially for HDR content.
ProRes as a capture codec
ProRes doesn't just shine in post-production, it's also an excellent codec for video capture . Cameras like the ARRI Alexa and Atomos recorders record directly to ProRes, allowing you to skip unnecessary steps in the post-production process.
Plus, it's a perfect choice for low-budget productions , since you don't need massive, high-speed hard drives. With ProRes, you can capture high-quality video without breaking the bank buying specialized storage.
Why ProRes is still the standard in post-production?
The success of ProRes lies in its versatility and performance . It is easy to handle, fast and allows you to work with multiple video streams in real time without the software crashing.
Plus, its compression doesn't compromise visual quality, something other codecs often do. ProRes manages to retain every detail, making it a must-have choice for both large and small productions.
Compression vs. Quality: The Advantage of ProRes
What makes ProRes so special is how it balances compression and quality . With ProRes, you can have smaller files without losing the visual quality you worked so hard to capture.
With versions like ProRes 422 LT , you save space, while with ProRes 4444 XQ you can ensure that every pixel of your footage looks just as you imagined.
ProRes in the era of high-resolution formats
In 2024, we’re in the era of 4K, 6K, and 8K , and ProRes is still the codec of choice for handling these resolutions without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s ideal for HDR content, where every detail counts to achieve stunning dynamic range.
Performance in real-world workflows
If you're a Mac user, particularly with the M1, M2, or M3 chips, ProRes works like a charm. These chips are designed to speed up ProRes processing , allowing for smooth playback even with multiple video streams.
ProRes RAW: The Natural Evolution
If you're all about absolute control in post-production, ProRes RAW is the answer. This format captures RAW data directly from the camera sensor, giving you endless flexibility to adjust parameters like exposure and white balance in post. It's especially useful when you're working with HDR content and need to preserve as much information as possible.
Disadvantages of ProRes: Compatibility on Windows
Although ProRes is widely used, it does have some drawbacks, especially in terms of Windows compatibility . For example, DaVinci Resolve on Windows does not natively handle ProRes files, forcing some users to convert files to other formats before beginning editing.
Case Study: ProRes on “Moonlight” (2013)
An excellent example of the power of ProRes can be found in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight . The post-production team leveraged ProRes to capture and preserve the film’s unique visual aesthetic. ProRes allowed for an efficient, lossless workflow, resulting in a visually stunning film .
ProRes as a delivery format for Disney+ in Mexico
This is where things get interesting. Disney+ in Mexico has been asking for ProRes as a delivery format for a while now, rather than IMF. The reason? ProRes is easier to generate and run through quality control (QC) . That means less back and forth between post teams. Sure, these are just rumors , but apparently, Disney takes that ProRes file, runs it through its own QC, and generates the IMF at some lab in Culver City, California .
ProRes in the future of post-production
With the growing demand for virtual production, artificial intelligence and cloud workflows, ProRes is ready to meet the future. Its flexibility and ability to handle high resolutions and complex colors ensure that it will remain the codec of choice for many years to come.
Conclusion: Why ProRes is still king in 2024?
ProRes remains the post-production darling for a number of reasons: quality, flexibility, ease of use, and compatibility . Whether you’re working on a small project or a blockbuster, ProRes can easily adapt to your needs. Plus, if you’re looking for something easy to use that doesn’t require a steep learning curve, ProRes is still the go-to choice in 2024.
And if you want to dive deeper into the technical details and check out the bitrate tables, here are Apple's official white papers :
If you require advice on the design or optimization of your workflow or if you simply want to chat for a while about codecs, do not hesitate to write to me.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes ProRes different from other codecs like IMF?
• ProRes is more flexible and easier to generate, with a less complicated QC process than IMF, reducing back and forth in delivery.
2. What advantages does ProRes RAW have over other RAW formats?
• ProRes RAW gives you complete control over the post-production process, preserving quality and offering flexibility without compromising workflow.
3. Why does Disney+ in Mexico prefer ProRes as a delivery format?
• ProRes is easier to QC and less complicated to generate than IMF. Plus, Disney typically takes that ProRes, runs it through their own QC, and then generates the IMF from a lab in Culver City, California.
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