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CineData Rate – Codec Calculator

CineData Codec Calculator Logo

CineDataCodec Calculator

A Free Calculator for Data Rates in Cinema Codecs

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)
  • Add 20% buffer for safety and misc. files

How do I plan storage for multi-camera shoots?

Multi-camera storage planning requires consideration of:

  • Total data rate across all cameras
  • Individual card management for each camera
  • Combined daily storage requirements
  • Backup strategy for multiple data sources

How do I ensure sufficient backup coverage?

Best practices for data backup include:

  • 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:

  1. Make sure to have your ID ready to get your identity verified if you don’t have an account yet.
  2. You can upload insurance onto the platform; if you don’t have one, you can get insured through ShareGrid.
  3. Their verification team is online only during the work week, so make sure to get verified during business hours.
  4. 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.

We carry everything from a RED Komodo package to Atlas Orion Anamorphic lenses, BMPCC4K and BMPCC6K camera body to Sigma cine zooms, wireless video & follow focus, Director’s Monitor, camera rigs, MoVI Pro Gimbals, tripods, lighting for high-end documentaries, corporate interviews and a lot more.

Are there discounts for weekends or weekly rentals?

You’re in luck – we do offer time-based discounts!

  1. Weekends (Saturday+Sunday) are billed as 1 rental day
  2. 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:

    1. You can bind a new equipment rental insurance policy, and we have a few insurance vendors’ contact information ready for you
    2. For smaller orders, we can hold a security deposit for you
    3. You can rent through ShareGrid and use their order-based insurance.

    More about all of this on our insurance page!

New Here?

Get verified and receive $20 off your first $100 camera rental with us.
We make renting easy with our fast process:

Make sure to use our discount code link below.

STREAMLINED DIGITAL PROCESS

If you already have a ShareGrid account, click here to start your rental.
We’ll still honor the $20 off!

ID VERIFICATION

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