ProRes was created by Apple Inc. in 2007. The format was introduced with the release of Final Cut Studio 2, which included Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Compressor 3, and DVD Studio Pro 4. ProRes was designed as a high-quality, high-performance video codec that would allow video professionals to work with high-resolution video files without sacrificing image quality or performance. Since its introduction, ProRes has become a widely used format in the professional video industry, and is supported by a range of software and hardware products from a variety of vendors. Xdynamics has this CODEC built in our Astra Micro 4/3 Camera system.

Evolve2 has ProRes already included in any package

Fact 1 – Apple ProRes – Low Compression = High Image Quality

ProRes is a family of high-quality, lossy video codecs developed by Apple for use in professional video editing applications. The ProRes codecs use a variable bitrate compression scheme that is designed to preserve image quality while minimizing file size. ProRes codecs support a range of resolutions, from SD up to 8K, and can be used for a variety of workflows, including acquisition, post-production, and delivery.

The ProRes codecs use intra-frame compression, which means that each video frame is compressed independently of the frames before and after it. This helps to ensure that image quality is not degraded over time, and makes the codec well-suited for editing and post-production workflows.

ProRes codecs come in several variants, including ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422 LT, ProRes 422 Proxy, ProRes 4444, and ProRes 4444 XQ. Each variant has different data rates, image quality, and other characteristics, allowing video professionals to choose the codec that best suits their needs.

In general, ProRes codecs offer very high-quality image compression with minimal loss of quality, making them a popular choice for professional video workflows. However, because they are lossy codecs, some degree of quality loss is inevitable, particularly if the video has been through multiple encoding and decoding cycles. As with any video codec, it is important to balance the need for high-quality output with the need for manageable file sizes and efficient processing.

The Evolve2 from Xdynamics has three versions of this CODEC and they are ProRes422, ProRess 422LT and ProRes422 Proxy.

Fact 2 – Color Grading Process is considered easier and perfect if used with our X-log Profile.

Color grading is an important part of the post-production process for ProRes video, as it allows video editors to enhance or adjust the colors in their footage to achieve the desired look and feel for their project. Here are the general steps for color grading ProRes footage:

1. Import the ProRes footage into a video editing software: You can use video editing software such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or others to import your ProRes footage into your project.
2. Create a new color grading project: Many video editing software includes built-in color grading tools or can be used in conjunction with external color grading software. Create a new project specifically for color grading and ensure the color settings match the color space and bit-depth of your ProRes footage.
3. Set the desired look: The next step is to set the desired look and feel of your footage. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, and other color properties to create the desired look. You may use color grading presets or make manual adjustments.
4. Use color grading tools: Many video editing software comes with built-in color grading tools that can be used to modify the colors of your footage. Some popular color grading tools include the three-way color corrector, curves, LUTs, and color wheels.
5. Fine-tune the color grading: Once you’ve made initial color grading adjustments, it’s important to fine-tune the results to achieve the best possible look for your footage. You may need to make additional adjustments to individual clips, refine the color grading settings, or use color grading tools to target specific areas of your footage.
6. Preview your final result: Before exporting your final color graded ProRes footage, make sure to preview it to ensure that it looks the way you intended. You can preview your color graded footage in your video editing software, on an external monitor, or in a color grading suite.
7. Export your final color graded footage: After you’re satisfied with the color grading of your ProRes footage, you can export it in the desired format and resolution for your intended delivery platform. It is recommended to export a high-quality, uncompressed or minimally compressed format to avoid further degradation of the image quality.

When used in conjunction with Xdynamics X-log profiles the Dynamics Range is extended and your shadows and mid tones will become truthfull to reality. You can check this video out to see how they work together.

Fact 3 – ProRes required gear to efficiently edit your productions

If you’re looking for a computer to edit ProRes videos, you’ll need a system with sufficient processing power and graphics capability to handle the high-resolution and bit-rate demands of the format. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Mac Pro: The Mac Pro is a powerful workstation that is designed to handle demanding video editing tasks, including ProRes video. It has a range of configurable options, including up to a 28-core Intel Xeon processor and up to 1.5TB of RAM, and can be equipped with powerful graphics cards.
2. iMac Pro: The iMac Pro is a powerful all-in-one computer that is specifically designed for professional video editing. It features a 27-inch 5K display, up to an 18-core Intel Xeon processor, up to 256GB of RAM, and can be equipped with a powerful Radeon Pro Vega graphics card.
3. MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro is a high-performance laptop that is capable of handling ProRes video editing. It features powerful Intel Core processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and can be equipped with a discrete AMD Radeon Pro graphics card.
4. PC Workstation: A high-end PC workstation is also a viable option for ProRes video editing. You’ll want to look for a system with a powerful processor (such as an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen Threadripper), at least 32GB of RAM, and a high-end graphics card (such as an Nvidia GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon Pro).

Ultimately, the best computer for editing ProRes videos will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to consider the processing power, graphics capability, and storage capacity when making your decision.

Find other interesting information about ProRes at Apple’s Website here