What is RAW Video Footage [and How Do You Use it?]

The tools we use in video production shape the story we’re able to tell. One of the most powerful tools at a videographer’s disposal is RAW footage. Whether you’re planning a brand video, documentary, or promotional piece, understanding the basics of RAW filming can help you feel more confident in the video production process. Below, we’re breaking down exactly what RAW video footage is, and why it matters.

What is RAW Video Footage?

RAW footage is the unprocessed video data captured directly from a camera’s sensor. Think of it as a digital negative. It hasn’t been color corrected or compressed, and no in-camera filters have been applied. Instead, it offers the most natural and complete version of the image, giving video editors and colorists maximum creative control in post-production.

Because of this, RAW files are often incredibly large, requiring more storage and processing power than typical video files. But they also deliver exceptional detail, flexibility, and professional-quality results.

RAW vs. Log: What’s the Difference?

LOG is a video format that flattens the color and contrast to preserve detail. It has been white balanced but still gives editors more flexibility than standard video files. They clean up beautifully during editing.

RAW footage, on the other hand, skips that processing step entirely. It captures more detail, especially in shadows and highlights. While LOG is a helpful tool, RAW offers the highest level of image quality and editing flexibility.

What are the Main Characteristics of RAW Film?

RAW video stands out because it preserves the full quality and richness of what the camera captures, without applying any automatic adjustments. This gives video editors significantly more creative freedom in the post-production process. Instead of working with footage that’s already been altered by the camera’s internal settings, they start with a clean, unprocessed foundation that allows for more precise control over the final look and feel of the video.

Key characteristics that set RAW filming apart include:

Unprocessed image data

Nothing is baked in, which means full creative freedom during editing. This allows editors to shape the footage to perfectly match your brand, tone, and message without limitations.

Large file sizes

More detail means more data, and that takes up space! These files require more storage and computing power, but the payoff is worth it in higher-quality visuals.

Neutral appearance

Your RAW footage may look flat at first glance, but that’s intentional. This gives editors a blank canvas. Once color grading is applied, that flat look transforms into a vibrant, polished final product.

High bit depth

This allows for smoother color transitions and more subtle detail, which is especially useful for skin tones, gradients, and more nuanced lighting situations.

Exceptional dynamic range

This helps to capture both bright highlights and deep shadows clearly, ensuring that important visual information is preserved, even in tricky lighting conditions.

What are the Advantages to Shooting RAW?

There are several key benefits to shooting RAW footage, especially for projects that demand high-quality visuals and flexibility in post-production. While it does require more time, storage, and technical expertise, the creative control and image quality you gain are often well worth the investment.

The top advantages to shooting in RAW:

1. RAW footage gives editors much more control. If a shot is slightly overexposed or the white balance is off, those details can be adjusted without sacrificing image quality. RAW also makes it easier to maintain visual consistency across multiple scenes or camera setups.
2. RAW supports high-end color grading. If your project requires a specific mood, brand tone, or cinematic look, shooting in RAW provides the best foundation for that work.
3. It creates a more future-proof asset. If you need to re-edit or repurpose footage down the road, having high-resolution RAW files ensures the original quality is still available.

How do You Use RAW Footage in Projects?

Capturing RAW footage is just the first step in a carefully planned post-production workflow that starts the moment filming wraps:

Step 1: Importing the Footage

The first step is importing the footage into professional editing software, such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. RAW files are large and data-rich, so they require robust systems to handle them efficiently.

Step 2: Color Correction and Grading

Once the footage is in the editing timeline, the editor and colorist work closely to color correct, balance, and grade the visuals based on the project’s goals. This is where the neutral, flat look of RAW footage is transformed into a vibrant, polished final product.

Step 3: Fine-Tuning the Details

Because RAW retains more information than other formats, video editing teams have more flexibility to refine every frame. Whether they’re adjusting skin tones, evening out lighting between shots, or building a consistent visual style, RAW gives them the precision they need to do it well.

Step 4: Exporting for Final Delivery

After editing and color grading are complete, the video is exported in a format suited to its final use. Whether it’s destined for social media, a website, a conference screen, or television broadcast, the final product is optimized for clarity, quality, and impact.

Professional Videographer in Charlotte, North Carolina

At Kim Brattain Media, we believe that every story deserves to be told with clarity and care. That’s why we invest in tools and techniques to elevate your message and reflect your vision at its highest quality. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to start planning your next video project!