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ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro: Everything You Need to Know
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro introduces ProRes RAW recording, offering unmatched editing flexibility. Here’s how to use it, the gear you’ll need, and tips for best results.
ByVikhyat
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Key Takeaways:
- iPhone 17 Pro debuts ProRes RAW recording: Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are the first smartphones capable of ProRes RAW, giving filmmakers unprecedented flexibility for editing and grading.
- What ProRes RAW really means: The format captures untouched camera sensor data, letting you tweak exposure, color, and white balance later without sacrificing image quality.
- Setup requirements are strict: You’ll need iOS 26, a compatible app like Final Cut Camera, fast external SSD storage, a certified USB-C cable, and pro editing software.
- Steps to record ProRes RAW on iPhone: Enable ProRes RAW in Final Cut Camera, connect your SSD, adjust camera settings, hit record, and later edit files on Mac.
- Caution about file size and use cases: ProRes RAW delivers maximum quality but creates massive files, making it better suited for serious film projects than everyday video recording.
Apple, with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, has become the first brand to offer ProRes RAW video recording on a smartphone. This format provides filmmaker-grade control over editing and color grading in post-production, surpassing the capabilities of standard video. However, similar to Apple’s standard ProRes video recording, ProRes RAW also requires some setup and knowledge.
This post provides an in-depth overview of everything you need to know about ProRes RAW on the iPhone 17 Pro, from what ProRes RAW is to the necessary equipment and step-by-step instructions.
What is ProRes RAW?
Unlike standard ProRes video, Apple’s ProRes RAW preserves the raw sensor data from your iPhone’s camera. This means you can tweak exposure, white balance, ISO, and other parameters later in editing software like Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve, without sacrificing quality. It’s designed for professionals who want the most control over their footage.
What You’ll Need
ProRes RAW is not as simple as hitting record. Make sure you have the following:
- An iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max running on iOS 26, as ProRes RAW is exclusive to the 17 Pro series, and its support comes with the latest update.
- A compatible camera app such as Final Cut Camera 2.0 or Blackmagic Camera.
- Enough free on-device storage, as ProRes RAW files are massive. Apple even introduced a 2TB iPhone 17 Pro Max for this reason.
- For longer or higher-quality shoots, you’ll need an external SSD connected via USB-C.
- A high-quality Apple-certified fast USB-C cable with at least 10Gbps speed to ensure smooth recording to an SSD.
- Editing Software: Final Cut Pro (Mac) or DaVinci Resolve (Mac/Windows).
- External battery pack for longer shoots (Optional).
How to Record ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro
Now that you have everything you need, recording ProRes RAW video on your iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max is pretty simple, just ensure you have the right app installed. We are using Version 2.0 of Apple’s Final Cut Camera app to help you understand it better.
- Install and open the Final Cut Camera 2.0 app on your iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max.
- Here, tap the Settings button, then select Codec in the settings menu.
- Next, choose Apple ProRes RAW or Apple ProRes RAW HQ.
- Plug in your USB-C SSD using a high-speed cable (if needed) and check in the app if the SSD is detected and set as the recording destination.
- Confirm the camera settings, such as
- Resolution: Usually 4K for professional projects.
- Frame Rate: 24fps for cinematic look, 30fps or higher for smooth motion.
- Lens Choice: Choose Wide, Ultra-Wide, or Telephoto based on the scene.
- Exposure/Focus: Lock them manually for consistent footage.
- Hit the Record button to start recording.
- Don’t forget to monitor the available storage and battery percentage. Connect the external battery pack if needed.
Once you’re done with the recording, connect the external SSD or your iPhone to your Mac and import the ProRes RAW files into Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve to begin color grading and editing.
ProRes RAW vs ProRes vs Standard Video
| Feature | Standard Video (HEVC/H.264) | Apple ProRes | Apple ProRes RAW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Good, optimized for playback and sharing | High, visually lossless compression | Highest, preserves unprocessed sensor data |
| File Size | Smallest (efficient compression) | Large (up to 10x bigger than standard) | Huge (can be 20–30x bigger than standard) |
| Editing Flexibility | Limited: White balance and exposure mostly locked in | Moderate: Good for color grading, less flexible with exposure/ISO | Maximum: Adjust ISO, white balance, exposure, and color grading in post |
| Performance | Plays smoothly on all devices | Requires a powerful device for editing | Needs fast storage, Apple Silicon Macs for smooth editing |
| Storage Needs | Minimal – easy to store and share | High – internal storage fills quickly | Extreme – external SSD or 2TB iPhone recommended |
| Best For | Everyday shooting, social media, casual creators | Content creators, vloggers, YouTubers | Filmmakers, professionals, advanced creators |
| Workflow | Shoot → share, minimal editing | Shoot → edit in Final Cut/Resolve → export | Shoot → heavy editing workflow → grading and mastering |
| Dynamic Range | Limited | Better than standard | Maximum dynamic range retained |
| Supported Devices | All iPhones | iPhone Pro models (since iPhone 13 Pro) | Only iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| External Storage Support | Not needed | Optional for high-res ProRes | Essential for ProRes RAW HQ and longer shoots |
Tips for Best Results
Use these tips to make the most of the ProRes RAW recording capability of your iPhone 17 Pro:
- Use a tripod/gimbal to avoid shaky RAW footage.
- Keep the phone cool, as RAW recording puts a strain on the processor. Always try to avoid shooting in direct sunlight.
- Always ensure you have enough free storage before starting. If necessary, keep external SSDs at your disposal.
- Shoot short takes to avoid massive single files.
ProRes RAW: The Ultimate Video Experience
While recording ProRes RAW on the iPhone 17 Pro unlocks professional-level filmmaking on a device that fits in your pocket, it requires more preparation, such as external SSDs and editing software. However, the results are worth it if you want cinema-quality footage with total editing control.
It might be overkill for everyday users, but for creators, filmmakers, and professionals, it’s a game-changer that brings the iPhone much closer to dedicated cinema cameras.
Have you tried recording in ProRes RAW on your iPhone 17 Pro yet? Share your experience, questions, or editing tips in the comments below.
Related articles worth reading:
- How to Use Dual Capture Video on iPhone 17
- How to Use the New Center Stage Front Camera on iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone Air: Choosing Between Might and Light
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Vikhyat
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