What are the storage requirements for ProRes 4444 versus ProRes 422 on the iPad Pro

**ProRes 4444 is a high-quality, virtually lossless codec that supports 4:4:4:4 image sources, including alpha channels. It is ideal for applications requiring precise color control and high fidelity, such as motion graphics and composites. The data rate for ProRes 4444 can vary depending on the resolution and frame rate, but it generally requires a higher data rate compared to ProRes 422. For example, at 1920x1080 and 29.97 fps, ProRes 4444 has a target data rate of approximately 330 Mbps[5]. This translates to a larger file size per hour of footage, typically around 1.2 TB per hour for 4K resolutions[1].

**ProRes 422, on the other hand, is a more compressed codec designed for 4:2:2 image sources. It offers a balance between quality and file size, making it suitable for most professional video productions. ProRes 422 has a lower data rate compared to ProRes 4444, with a target data rate of approximately 147 Mbps at 1920x1080 and 29.97 fps[3]. For 4K footage, ProRes 422 typically results in smaller file sizes compared to ProRes 4444, though specific sizes can vary based on resolution and frame rate.

For the iPad Pro, which supports ProRes recording, you would need external storage to manage large ProRes files efficiently. The iPad Pro does not natively support ProRes 4444 recording, but it can handle ProRes 422. When using an external storage device with the iPad Pro, ensure it meets the required write speeds for ProRes recording, typically at least 220 MB/s for 4K at 60 fps[7].

In summary, ProRes 4444 requires significantly more storage space than ProRes 422 due to its higher data rate and larger file sizes. If you plan to work with ProRes 4444 on the iPad Pro, you would need to consider external storage solutions that can handle large file sizes and high data rates, though native support for ProRes 4444 is not available on the iPad Pro. For ProRes 422, which is more commonly used, you can expect smaller file sizes and thus lower storage requirements.