Apple introduces new ProRes RAW video format with Final Cut Pro X update



In a surprise update ahead of NAB, Apple has introduced a brand new video format called ProRes RAW. The format was introduced alongside an update to Final Cut Pro X, which also added advanced closed captioning tools for professional filmmakers.
The captioning tools are neat—they allow video editors to more easily create, view, edit, and deliver captions, with support for both the CEA-608 and iTT formats—but this feature will no doubt be overshadowed by the much bigger news: the introduction of ProRes RAW.
As the name suggests, ProRes RAW is an evolution of the Apple ProRes video codec. Apple claims that ProRes RAW "combines the visual and workflow benefits of RAW video with the stunning performance of ProRes." By pulling RAW data from the sensor, video editors will have a lot more dynamic range flexibility—important as more and more displays, including Apple's own iPhone X, become capable of displaying true HDR—all while taking advantage of the space and performance benefits of a compressed ProRes file.
In fact, Apple claims that ProRes RAW files take up less space than ProRes 4444. And since it's Apple's format, it has been performance optimized for macOS so that you can play full-quality 4K ProRes RAW files on your current MacBook Pro or iMac in real time without rendering.

The format drops today, and already Apple has made inroads into the professional community with Atomos and DJI. ProRes RAW compatibility will be made available as a free update for Atomos Shogun Inferno and Sumo19 users, and as "a free update for users with the RAW activation package" for the DJI Inspire 2 Drone and Zenmuse X7 camera.
Once updated, Final Cut Pro users will be able to work natively with ProRes RAW and the ProRes RAW HQ files created by the two Atomos external recorders mentioned above.
To learn more, check out the full press release below; or, if you're feeling exceptionally brave and nerdy, you can read Apple's full white paper on the new format here. Final Cut Pro X version 10.4.1 will be available as a free update to current users ($300 USD for new users) starting April 9th.

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