File Format

Use File Format to select the format that the camera uses to record image files.

When you change the file format, a message warns you that the camera must be rebooted to complete the change:

R3D REDCODE File Format

The RED R3D file format records images in a compressed RAW format. In comparison to Apple ProRes, REDCODE RAW data does not bake in image settings like ISO, saturation, or LUTs, allowing more flexibility in post-processing workflows without reducing image quality or dynamic range. Instead R3D files store the image settings as Metadata. You can open and process R3D files with REDCINE-X PRO or with non-linear editing (NLE) software that supports the RED SDK.

R3D is the camera's default file format.

Apple ProRes Format

This section provides general information about recording Apple ProRes files with the camera, including:

  • The maximum recording frame rate in ProRes is 120 frames per second (FPS).
  • QuickTime files have the same metadata as the REDCODE RAW files. The metadata is per clip, and not per frame.
  • You can select a Sensor Format from the Project Settings Menu and the camera will scale it to the target resolution you select in ProRes Resolution.
  • Recording 4K ProRes files requires 4K and above formats in 17:9. When in ProRes, formats below 4K will automatically be recorded as 2K or HD.
  • ProRes Proxy files are recorded in 2K for 17:9 formats and in HD for all others.
  • For more information about Apple ProRes, including the data rates for each codec, refer to the Apple ProRes White Paper.
Apple ProRes Description

The table below describes each supported Apple ProRes codec.

Name

 

Chroma Sampling

 

Data Rate

ProRes 4444 XQ

 

Y' Cb Cr +α 4:4:4:4

 

1697 Mbps at 4K 17:9 and 24 FPS

ProRes 4444

 

Y' Cb Cr +α 4:4:4:4

 

1131 Mbps at 4K 17:9 and 24 FPS

ProRes 422 HQ

 

Y' Cb Cr 4:2:2

 

754 Mbps at 4K 17:9 and 24 FPS

ProRes 422

 

Y' Cb Cr 4:2:2

 

503 Mbps at 4K 17:9 and 24 FPS

ProRes 422 LT

 

Y' Cb Cr 4:2:2

 

350 Mbps at 4K 17:9 and 24 FPS
File Structure of Recorded Apple ProRes Files

When you record using R3D + ProRes Proxy, this is the file structure of the recorded files on the media:

  • .RDM Folder
    • .RDC Folder
      • .mov
      • .R3D
      • .rtn (RED Thumbnail file)

File Structure

When you record using ProRes format, this is the file structure of the recorded files on the media:

  • .RDM Folder
    • .RDC Folder
      • .mov

File Structure