Figure out how much data you will shoot with a given number of cameras, frame rates, shoot days, codec used etc. It’ll also help you decide how many cards you should have on set and how many drives and backups you’ll need to buy.
Using the CineData Calculator
We built this tool for DITs, Cinematographers, 1st ACs, Editors and Producers. No matter what kind of project you’re working on, the calculator will help you figure out potential bottlenecks, is a good tool to save yourself from overwhelming hard drive costs, and allows for a real-time testing of different configurations.
How do I use the CineData Codec Helper?
The CineData Codec Helper is an intuitive tool that helps you calculate storage requirements for your shoot:
Select your codec, resolution, and frame rate
Enter your shooting schedule (hours per day and total days)
Specify your camera setup (number of cameras and cards)
View real-time calculations for storage needs and backup requirements
How many Hard Drives do I need for my shoot?
Calculate your hard drive needs based on:
Total recording hours × Data rate per hour
Number of backup copies needed (minimum 2 recommended)
Drive size selection (larger drives mean fewer drives to manage)
Maintain at least one backup copy (two total copies)
Consider geographic separation of backup drives
Account for backup copies in total storage calculations
Verify backups regularly during production
How do I calculate the Data Rate of a Codec?
Data rate calculation depends on several factors:
Base codec rate (e.g., ProRes 422 HQ at 220 Mbps for 1080p)
Resolution multiplier (4K is 4x the data of 1080p)
Frame rate multiplier (48fps is 2x the data of 24fps)
The tool automatically calculates this based on your selections
Is RAW more data-intensive than ProRes?
Yes, RAW formats generally require more storage than ProRes:
ARRIRAW and RED RAW can exceed 1 TB per hour at 4K
ProRes 422 HQ at 4K is around 400-500 GB per hour
Compression options like RED’s HQ/MQ/LQ can help manage data rates
Consider your post-production workflow when choosing formats
Which size SSD cards do I need for my camera?
Choose your card size based on:
Your camera’s maximum data rate
Typical scene duration between card changes
Budget constraints vs. workflow efficiency
Use the tool’s “Hours to Fill Cards” metric as a guide
What's the difference between GB/hour and TB/hour?
Understanding storage units is crucial:
GB/hour is used for lower data rates (under 500 GB/hour)
TB/hour is used for high-end formats like RAW
1 TB = 1024 GB
The tool automatically switches units for clarity
Codecs, Data Rates and Footage Size – Technical Guide
Codecs & Compression
A Codec is an algorithm that compresses data; in our case, it compresses motion picture data. Different codecs have different compression algorithms, so even for the same footage size and frame rate, they’ll produce wildly different amounts of data. This is where the trick is though – a lot of compression can be lossy and becomes detrimental in processes that require accurate information, such as green screen work or color grading.
Factors Affecting Codec Choice
Frequently asked questions & answers to help understand the key factors that impact which codec will be most appropriate for your project.
What is the difference between 422, 444 and 4444?
These numbers refer to chroma subsampling ratios, which affect color information quality:
422: Records full luminance but halves color resolution (good for most projects)
444: Records full color information with no subsampling (better for VFX/grading)
4444: Adds an alpha channel for transparency (essential for compositing)
Higher numbers mean larger file sizes but better color accuracy
If I need to do green screen, what kind of codecs should I consider?
For green screen work, color information is crucial:
ProRes 4444 or RAW formats are ideal for best results
At minimum, use 422 HQ to avoid color artifacts
Avoid heavy compression like H.264/H.265 for key footage
Higher bit depth (10-bit+) helps prevent banding in gradients
What's the difference between ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW?
These popular RAW formats have distinct characteristics:
ProRes RAW is optimized for Apple’s ecosystem and Final Cut Pro
Blackmagic RAW offers better compression ratios and GPU acceleration
Both formats support metadata and non-destructive processing
Camera compatibility and post-production workflow often determine choice
How do I choose between H.264 and H.265 (HEVC)?
Understanding the differences between these common delivery codecs:
H.265 offers better compression (up to 50% smaller files than H.264)
H.264 has broader compatibility with devices and editing software
H.265 requires more processing power to encode/decode
H.264 remains standard for web delivery and streaming platforms
Why does my camera show different codec options in different resolutions?
Resolution and codec limitations are often linked:
Higher resolutions require more processing power and data bandwidth
Some cameras limit codec options at maximum resolution
Frame rate options may vary between codec and resolution combinations
Memory card speed can restrict available codec choices
What's the best codec for Netflix or Amazon Prime delivery?
Streaming platforms have specific technical requirements:
Netflix requires minimum ProRes 422 HQ or DNxHR HQX for HDR
4K content typically needs 10-bit color depth minimum
IMF packages are standard for major streaming platforms
Always check current platform specifications before delivery
Is it better to shoot RAW than compressed?
The choice between RAW and compressed depends on your project needs:
RAW offers maximum flexibility in post but requires more storage/processing
Compressed formats like ProRes are more efficient and often sufficient
Consider your color grading and VFX requirements
Balance quality needs against storage/workflow constraints
I'm planning to shoot a documentary, what kind of codec would be useful if I shoot 100 hours?
For long-form documentary work, consider these factors:
ProRes 422 or XAVC-I offer good quality-to-size ratio
H.265 can save space while maintaining decent quality
LongGOP codecs can significantly reduce storage needs
Consider proxy workflows for easier editing of large projects
Does it help to record footage in a low data codec and then convert it to a high data one?
Converting to a higher quality codec after recording doesn’t improve quality:
Quality loss from initial compression cannot be recovered
You’ll only increase file size without quality benefits
Always record in the highest quality needed for your project
Consider recording in a higher quality and creating proxies for editing
Can my camera shoot x codec?
Codec availability depends on several factors:
Check your camera’s technical specifications
Some codecs require external recorders (e.g., ProRes RAW)
Firmware updates may add codec support
Higher-end cameras typically offer more codec options
Renting Our Camera Packages and Batteries in NYC
We’re a boutique rental house based in NYC, right next to Times Square. While you can use the CineSize sensor and lens tool anywhere in the world, you can rent the equipment directly from us the next time you’re shooting in NYC.
How does the rental process work with you?
We run our entire rentals setup digitally up until you come to grab the gear in person. We both offer rental directly on our site, as well as through a platform called ShareGrid (check our inventory there); get a discount on your first rental with this link on us.
This is our rental interface on SG. Double-check you’re renting from us – Camera Rentals NYC powered by Prodigium Pictures.
Instead of filling out physical paperwork or signing numerous PDFs via multiple emails, it’s all done on a mobile-friendly platform. You’ll use a digital shopping cart to select the gear.
Important Instructions:
Make sure to have your ID ready to get your identity verified if you don’t have an account yet.
You can upload insurance onto the platform; if you don’t have one, you can get insured through ShareGrid.
Their verification team is online only during the work week, so make sure to get verified during business hours.
Oh, and if you’re in a rush – just use the chat button on the right bottom of the website, that’ll let them know you need expedited attention.
PS: We’re not affiliated with ShareGrid, we just use them as our secondary rental platform.
What kind of equipment can I rent from you?
We carry just about everything you’d need in the camera department – and at the same time, are proud to say that all our gear is battle-tested on our own productions. That means, all the kits are accessorized in an intelligent, real-world way.
Are there discounts for weekends or weekly rentals?
You’re in luck – we do offer time-based discounts!
Weekends (Saturday+Sunday) are billed as 1 rental day
Weekly rentals are billed as 4 days.
More about those discounts on our pricing policy page. Next to that, if you’re a returning renter, we often have special offers with up to 20% off your second rental with us. Just inquire about it when you make the rental request!
What are the insurance requirements?
Every rental needs to either be insured or have a security deposit attached to it. If you already have insurance, you just send us a COI; if you don’t have insurance yet we offer 3 options:
You can bind a new equipment rental insurance policy, and we have a few insurance vendors’ contact information ready for you
For smaller orders, we can hold a security deposit for you
You can rent through ShareGrid and use their order-based insurance.
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So helpful Toby was AMAZING. We were so last minute and we’re helped so quickly with great communication!
Eric Brionez
2024-07-19
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Great place to get gear at affordable prices! Toby was very responsive and rentals come with the little extras you need.
Christopher Schulz
2024-07-18
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Super friendly and great service
Evelyn Argenziano
2024-06-11
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Tobi was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions. It was also very easy to pick up the camera and drop it back off. This is so helpful for photographers who can’t afford to go buy a new lens every time you get asked to do something new. I have a basic lens and needed one for a proposal because I was going to be far away from the couple to give them privacy on their moment. I rented a canon 70-200mm f2.8
Anna Dunn
2024-05-27
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Equipment was great, drop off was smooth! Very nice staff!!
Kevin Barth
2024-05-18
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Package had everything and made it real easy to pick up and drop off. Thx!
Martin Miron
2024-05-05
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Perfect service and super kind people. Equipment in very well condition! They guys know what they do… this should be the first address for every serious filmmaker!
Jonathan Touti
2024-05-03
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THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! I never leave reviews but this place absolutely earned it. I had a very important last minute concert I needed a lens for. I’m talking same day need. I called this place and within 4 minutes I was paying for my rental and picking it up within an hour following. The process was so easy. Also their prices are sooo fair. I am SO broke and this place was still very affordable. Lastly, I have terrible credit so I didn’t have a credit card to charge the “hold” which is the price of the lens. They offer a 3rd party insurance you can sign up for in literally a minute and cover the lens for like $15. This then allows you to use a debit card and wave the “hold”. So long story short, this place is amazing. The rental process is great, the gear is top notch and in great shape. No scratches on lens. And very affordable. The customer service is also great. If you’re on a budget and need gear fast rent from this place!!!
Ruchit Negotia
2024-04-16
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Great place to rent equipment! Toby is a friendly person and very considerate about your production needs! I highly suggest renting from them in the future!
Joseph Kibler
2024-04-08
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Fantastic experience with some of the most wonderful customer service. 10/10 recommend!
Use the discount link and get your ID verification through ShareGrid. It’ll take you 10 minutes, and they usually verify within 2 hours during the week.
INSURANCE A LA CARTE
You can use your own insurance, or use ShareGrid’s – all up to you and keeps things headache-free.
FAST & CENTRAL PICKUP
Pick up and drop off your Cinema Equipment Rental right off of Times Square in a calm office building.
About the CineSize Application
The CineSize Web application is hosted by Camera Rentals NYC. You can find release notes and bugfixes in the drop-down below.
CineSize Version Notes & Bugfixes
Version
Changes
v0.8.5
Added total backups feature with drive calculations, improved summary text formatting, added version and copyright footer
v0.8.0
Added multi-camera support with per-camera storage calculations and updated dashboard metrics
v0.7.5
Added comprehensive settings summary under charts, improved TB/GB unit display logic
v0.7.0
Added support for cinema codecs (RED, ARRI, Blackmagic RAW), improved resolution display with aspect ratios
v0.6.5
Added storage visualization charts with daily usage tracking and total storage projection
v0.6.0
Initial release with basic codec calculator, card management, and drive storage features