As a filmmaker or videographer, you’re constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of your footage and give yourself more flexibility in post-production. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by shooting RAW video on your Canon camera. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of shooting RAW, the different types of RAW formats available on Canon cameras, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to shoot RAW video on your Canon camera.
What Is RAW Video And Why Should You Shoot It?
RAW video is a type of video file that captures the raw data from your camera’s sensor, without any in-camera processing or compression. This means that the footage is not processed or altered in any way, giving you maximum flexibility in post-production. Shooting RAW video offers several benefits, including:
- Improved image quality: RAW video captures more data than traditional video formats, resulting in a higher quality image with more detail and dynamic range.
- Greater flexibility in post-production: With RAW video, you have more control over the look and feel of your footage, as you can adjust exposure, color, and other settings in post-production.
- Better color grading: RAW video captures a wider color gamut, making it ideal for color grading and achieving a specific look or aesthetic.
Types Of RAW Formats Available On Canon Cameras
Canon cameras offer several types of RAW formats, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. The most common RAW formats available on Canon cameras are:
- Canon RAW (CR2): This is the standard RAW format used by most Canon cameras. It captures 14-bit data and is compatible with most image editing software.
- Canon RAW Light (CR3): This is a newer RAW format introduced by Canon, which captures 14-bit data and is designed to be more efficient and smaller in size than traditional RAW files.
- Canon Cinema RAW (CRM): This is a RAW format specifically designed for video production, which captures 12-bit data and is optimized for cinematic applications.
Canon Cameras That Support RAW Video
Not all Canon cameras support RAW video, so it’s essential to check your camera’s specifications before attempting to shoot RAW. Some of the most popular Canon cameras that support RAW video include:
- Canon EOS C200: This is a popular cinema camera that supports Canon Cinema RAW (CRM) and is designed for high-end video production.
- Canon EOS C300 Mark III: This is a professional cinema camera that supports Canon Cinema RAW (CRM) and is designed for high-end video production.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: This is a popular DSLR camera that supports Canon RAW (CR2) and is designed for stills and video production.
How To Shoot RAW Video On Your Canon Camera
Shooting RAW video on your Canon camera is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some setup and configuration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Check Your Camera’s Specifications
Before you start shooting RAW video, make sure your camera supports it. Check your camera’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm that it supports RAW video.
Step 2: Set Up Your Camera
To shoot RAW video on your Canon camera, you’ll need to set up your camera to capture RAW files. This typically involves going into your camera’s menu and selecting the RAW format you want to use. For example, on the Canon EOS C200, you’ll need to go into the menu and select “Canon Cinema RAW” as the recording format.
Step 3: Choose Your Resolution And Frame Rate
Once you’ve set up your camera to capture RAW files, you’ll need to choose your resolution and frame rate. The resolution and frame rate you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type of project you’re working on. For example, if you’re shooting a cinematic project, you may want to choose a higher resolution and frame rate, such as 4K at 24fps.
Step 4: Set Up Your External Recorder (Optional)
If you’re using an external recorder, such as an Atomos Ninja or a Blackmagic Design Video Assist, you’ll need to set it up to capture RAW files. This typically involves connecting your camera to the recorder via an HDMI or SDI cable and configuring the recorder to capture RAW files.
Step 5: Start Shooting
Once you’ve set up your camera and external recorder (if using), you’re ready to start shooting. Make sure to monitor your footage as you shoot to ensure that it’s being captured correctly.
Post-Production Workflow For RAW Video
Once you’ve captured your RAW video footage, you’ll need to import it into your editing software and start working with it. Here’s a general overview of the post-production workflow for RAW video:
Step 1: Import Your Footage
The first step in working with RAW video is to import it into your editing software. This typically involves using a software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve, or Avid Media Composer.
Step 2: Apply A Color Grade
One of the benefits of shooting RAW video is that it allows you to apply a color grade in post-production. This involves using software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve to adjust the color and look of your footage.
Step 3: Adjust Exposure And Contrast
In addition to applying a color grade, you can also adjust the exposure and contrast of your footage in post-production. This involves using software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve to adjust the brightness and contrast of your footage.
Step 4: Add Visual Effects
If you need to add visual effects to your footage, such as titles or motion graphics, you can do so in post-production. This involves using software such as Adobe After Effects or Blackmagic Design Fusion.
Conclusion
Shooting RAW video on your Canon camera can be a powerful way to improve the quality of your footage and give yourself more flexibility in post-production. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start shooting RAW video and taking your filmmaking and videography skills to the next level. Remember to always check your camera’s specifications and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shooting RAW video.
What Is RAW Video And How Does It Differ From Other Video Formats?
RAW video is a type of video format that captures the raw data from the camera’s sensor, without any in-camera processing or compression. This means that the video file contains all the data that the camera captured, without any loss of quality or detail. In contrast, other video formats such as MP4 or AVCHD are compressed and processed in-camera, which can result in a loss of detail and dynamic range.
Shooting in RAW video format gives you more flexibility and control in post-production, as you can adjust the exposure, color, and other settings without degrading the image quality. Additionally, RAW video files can be edited and graded in a non-destructive way, meaning that you can make changes to the video without altering the original file.
What Are The Benefits Of Shooting RAW Video On My Canon Camera?
Shooting RAW video on your Canon camera offers several benefits, including improved image quality, increased dynamic range, and greater flexibility in post-production. RAW video files contain more data than compressed video formats, which means that you can capture more detail in both bright and dark areas of the image. Additionally, RAW video files can be edited and graded in a non-destructive way, giving you more control over the final look of your video.
Another benefit of shooting RAW video is that it allows you to capture a wider color gamut, which means that you can capture more vivid and accurate colors. This is especially useful for applications such as film and television production, where color accuracy is critical. Overall, shooting RAW video on your Canon camera can help you to achieve professional-looking results and give you more creative control in post-production.
What Canon Cameras Are Capable Of Shooting RAW Video?
Several Canon cameras are capable of shooting RAW video, including the Canon C200, C300, and C500. These cameras are all part of Canon’s Cinema EOS line and are designed for professional film and television production. Additionally, some of Canon’s mirrorless cameras, such as the EOS R5 and R6, also offer RAW video recording capabilities.
It’s worth noting that not all Canon cameras are capable of shooting RAW video, so it’s essential to check your camera’s specifications before attempting to shoot in RAW. Additionally, some cameras may require a firmware update or a specific lens to enable RAW video recording.
What Are The System Requirements For Shooting RAW Video On My Canon Camera?
To shoot RAW video on your Canon camera, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment, including a camera that is capable of shooting RAW video, a compatible lens, and a memory card that is fast enough to handle the high data rates of RAW video. You’ll also need a computer with a compatible operating system and video editing software that can handle RAW video files.
In terms of specific system requirements, you’ll need a computer with a multi-core processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a fast storage drive such as an SSD. You’ll also need video editing software that is compatible with RAW video files, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve.
How Do I Set Up My Canon Camera To Shoot RAW Video?
To set up your Canon camera to shoot RAW video, you’ll need to access the camera’s menu system and select the RAW video recording option. This option is usually found in the camera’s video settings menu, and may be labeled as “RAW” or “Cinema RAW.” Once you’ve selected the RAW video recording option, you’ll need to choose the resolution and frame rate that you want to use.
You’ll also need to make sure that your camera is set to the correct mode for RAW video recording. This may involve selecting a specific mode, such as “Cinema” or “RAW,” and adjusting the camera’s settings to optimize the image quality. It’s also a good idea to check the camera’s manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to set up RAW video recording.
What Are The Best Practices For Shooting RAW Video On My Canon Camera?
When shooting RAW video on your Canon camera, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. First, make sure that you’re using a high-quality lens that is capable of resolving the high resolution of RAW video. You should also use a tripod or other stabilizer to minimize camera shake and ensure smooth footage.
Another best practice is to shoot in a log format, which allows you to capture a wider dynamic range and more detail in both bright and dark areas of the image. You should also make sure that your camera is set to the correct white balance and exposure settings, as these can affect the final image quality.
How Do I Edit And Grade RAW Video Files From My Canon Camera?
To edit and grade RAW video files from your Canon camera, you’ll need video editing software that is compatible with RAW video files. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer. Once you’ve imported your RAW video files into your editing software, you can adjust the exposure, color, and other settings to achieve the desired look.
When grading RAW video files, it’s essential to work in a color-managed environment to ensure that the colors are accurate and consistent. You should also use a high-quality monitor that is capable of displaying the full range of colors in the RAW video file. Additionally, you may want to use LUTs (look-up tables) or other color grading tools to achieve a specific look or style.