What Are Raw Video Files? Insight into Unedited Footage and Videography

Introduction

Raw video files are often misunderstood by clients hiring videographers. Many expect to receive the original, unaltered footage after events like weddings or productions. However, the reality of raw files and what can practically be delivered is more complex. This article explains what raw video files are, why they may not be what you think, and what to expect when requesting these files from professional videographers.

Understanding Raw Video Files

What Does “Raw” Mean in Videography?

In videography, “raw” means footage that comes directly from the camera sensor with minimal to no in-camera processing. It contains the most image information possible, which gives videographers significant flexibility in post-production adjustments like color grading and exposure correction. However, raw files are often large, unwieldy, and require specialized software to view and edit.

Common Misconceptions About Raw Footage

Clients often believe raw files are simply unedited video files that can be played anywhere. In reality, the raw footage straight from the camera usually requires conversion or transcoding to be viewable on standard devices without professional software. For example, Sony cameras might shoot in formats like SLOG3 with 10-bit 4:2:2 4K footage at 60 fps, which is designed for quality rather than immediate playback.

Why Raw Files Might Seem “Corrupted” or Unusable

When clients try to open raw files without suitable software, files may appear corrupted or fail to open. This happens because these files are meant as a digital negative and are not directly playable by consumer media players.

The Videographer’s Workflow and Raw Files

Shooting for Maximum Quality

Videographers often shoot using profiles like Sony’s SLOG3, which captures a wide dynamic range but produces a flat, bland-looking image initially. This footage contains extensive data for editing flexibility but is not visually appealing until processed.

Processing Raw Footage into Viewable Files

After shooting, raw footage must be converted into formats such as ProRes or H.264 for editing and sharing. This step makes the footage usable but requires time, specialized software, and significant computer storage space.

Time and Storage Demands

For events like weddings, multiple cameras, drones, and audio sources can generate hundreds of gigabytes of raw footage—sometimes reaching 1TB or more. Transcoding and transferring these files are time-consuming, potentially requiring several hours to half a day per project.

Why Videographers May Not Provide True Raw Files

Contractual and Practical Considerations

Whether raw footage is provided often depends on the agreement between the videographer and client. Some contracts include the delivery of unedited clips, while others only cover final edits. Providing raw files involves additional prep work not accounted for in many service fees.

Additional Workload for Videographers

Preparing raw or near-raw files for client delivery includes transcoding, organizing, and uploading or physically transferring large files. This extra workload justifies additional charges or longer delivery timelines.

Offering a Middle Ground: “FOMO Edits” and Behind-the-Scenes Clips

Some videographers offer partially edited, behind-the-scenes style edits that approximate raw clips but are easier to watch and share. These provide a compromise between full raw delivery and polished final videos.

What Clients Should Know Before Requesting Raw Files

Clarify Expectations in Advance

Clients should discuss with their videographer what they mean by “raw files.” Typically, most want the unedited but viewable footage, not the raw sensor data requiring complex software to read.

Prepare for Larger File Sizes and Longer Delivery Times

Receiving raw or unedited files means managing large file sizes and potentially delayed delivery due to the extra processing involved.

Consider Whether You Need Raw Files at All

If clients just want to see more footage or have additional editing flexibility, discussing options such as extended edits or additional final cuts might be more practical than obtaining raw files.

Conclusion

Raw video files are essential assets in professional videography but differ from what most clients imagine. True raw files are large, complex, and require special tools to view, while what clients commonly seek are unedited but viewable clips. Understanding these distinctions helps set realistic expectations and encourages better communication between clients and videographers, ensuring that project deliverables match everyone’s needs.

For wedding or event videography, raw files come with significant storage and editing demands, highlighting the expertise required to deliver both quality and convenience. Always clarify deliverables in your contract and discuss your needs openly with your videographer to avoid misunderstandings.

Thank you for reading. For more insights about wedding videography and video production, please visit our website and YouTube channel.