BRAW knowledge base
Better media decisions, from camera to backup.
Original, task-focused guides for planning Blackmagic RAW acquisition and post-production. Every estimate states its assumptions; every article points back to the calculator or a concrete production decision.
Fundamentals
Understand the codec.
BRAW Compression Ratios Explained: 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1
Compare BRAW 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, and 12:1 by data rate, image-detail risk, card time, and practical use case—not just by file size.
10 min read · Read guide → FundamentalsHow Frame Rate Changes BRAW Storage and Recording Time
Calculate the storage cost of 24, 30, 50, 60, and 120fps BRAW, distinguish capture fps from timeline fps, and budget slow-motion shoots.
8 min read · Read guide → FundamentalsWhat Is BRAW? A Production Guide to Blackmagic RAW
Understand what Blackmagic RAW records, how its 12-bit metadata workflow differs from conventional video, and where BRAW fits from camera through post.
9 min read · Read guide →Storage
Plan cards and drives.
How Long Can 1TB Record BRAW? A Practical Capacity Guide
Estimate 1TB BRAW recording time across resolutions and compression settings, understand 1TB versus 931GiB, and reserve realistic capacity.
9 min read · Read guide → StorageHow to Choose an SSD for BRAW Recording and Editing
Choose BRAW SSDs by sustained write speed, approved-media status, thermals, capacity, cable reliability, and workflow—not headline benchmark speed.
11 min read · Read guide → StorageBRAW Data Rate Guide: MB/s, Mbps and Drive Speed
Read BRAW data rates correctly, convert MB/s to Mbps, choose sustained media speed with headroom, and avoid burst-speed marketing traps.
10 min read · Read guide → StorageBRAW File Size Guide: GB per Minute and TB per Shoot
Learn how resolution, frame rate, compression, duration, and production buffers determine BRAW file size, with formulas and worked examples.
10 min read · Read guide → StorageBRAW Recording Time: How Long Will Your Card or SSD Last?
Estimate BRAW recording time from card capacity, data rate, compression, frame rate, and reserved space, then build a reliable media rotation plan.
10 min read · Read guide →Workflow
Move footage safely.
BRAW Offload and Backup Workflow: From Card to Verified Copies
Build a safe BRAW data workflow with checksum copies, card logs, two-destination verification, throughput planning, and clear media-release rules.
12 min read · Read guide → WorkflowBRAW Proxy Workflow: When, How and How Much Storage
Design a BRAW proxy workflow for multicam, remote editing, laptops, and VFX while preserving relink reliability, color intent, and storage estimates.
11 min read · Read guide → WorkflowBRAW Multi-Camera Storage Planning Without Surprises
Calculate aggregate BRAW storage, simultaneous card turnover, offload throughput, backups, and naming for two- to eight-camera productions.
11 min read · Read guide →Comparisons
Choose with context.
BRAW Constant Bitrate vs Constant Quality: Which Should You Use?
Choose between BRAW 3:1–12:1 and Q0–Q5 by understanding predictability, scene complexity, peak media speed, and storage risk.
9 min read · Read guide → ComparisonsBRAW vs ProRes: Storage, Flexibility and Workflow Tradeoffs
Compare BRAW and ProRes by RAW control, data rate, editing support, media needs, post pipeline, and delivery rather than choosing by name alone.
12 min read · Read guide →