Pioneering High-Resolution Raw
Redcode RAW, which produces .R3D files, is the foundational technology of RED Digital Cinema. When RED first entered the market, their key innovation was offering cameras that could record high-resolution (4K and above) raw video directly in-camera. Redcode was the codec that made this possible. It is a visually lossless, variable bitrate raw codec that uses wavelet compression.
Compression and Control
The defining feature of Redcode RAW is its use of compression ratios. Instead of choosing between uncompressed raw and a standard video codec, filmmakers using a RED camera can choose a compression level for their raw footage. This is expressed as a ratio, such as 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, etc. A lower ratio (like 3:1) means less compression and higher quality, resulting in a larger file. A higher ratio (like 8:1) means more compression and a smaller file, with a slight reduction in image fidelity.
This system provides incredible flexibility on set:
- For a visual effects-heavy feature film, a cinematographer might choose a low compression ratio to capture the maximum possible detail.
- For a documentary or a long-form interview, they might choose a higher compression ratio to save on memory card space without sacrificing the core benefits of a raw workflow.
Despite the compression, the files are still considered ‘raw’ because they retain the sensor’s unprocessed data, allowing for full control over settings like ISO, color temperature, and color space in post-production using RED’s software.