When comparing ProRes 4444 to other codecs in terms of video quality on the iPad Pro, several factors come into play, including chroma subsampling, bit depth, and intended use.
ProRes 4444
- Chroma Subsampling: ProRes 4444 uses 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, which means it captures every pixel for both luminance and chrominance, resulting in superior color detail and accuracy. This is particularly beneficial for workflows involving motion graphics and composites where precise color control is crucial[1][3].- Bit Depth: It supports up to 12 bits per image channel and up to 16 bits for the alpha channel, providing excellent dynamic range and color fidelity[1][4].
- Quality and Use: ProRes 4444 is considered a mastering-quality codec, offering virtually lossless video quality that is perceptually indistinguishable from the original material. It is ideal for high-end post-production tasks where maintaining the highest possible quality is essential[1][2].
Comparison to Other ProRes Codecs
- ProRes 422 HQ: This codec uses 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, which captures half the chrominance data compared to 4:4:4. While it offers high quality, it is more suited for 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 sources. It has a lower data rate than ProRes 4444, making it more efficient for general video editing tasks[1][4].- ProRes 422: Offers a lower data rate than ProRes 422 HQ, making it suitable for workflows where file size is a concern. It still provides good quality but is less ideal for high-end color grading or detailed chroma keying[3].
iPad Pro Considerations
- The iPad Pro supports ProRes video recording, but it requires third-party apps for this functionality[5]. The highest quality ProRes format available on the iPad Pro is typically ProRes 422 HQ, as it is more practical for mobile devices due to its lower data rate and storage requirements compared to ProRes 4444.In summary, while ProRes 4444 offers superior video quality due to its 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and higher bit depth, it is not natively supported on the iPad Pro for recording. For professional-grade video editing on the iPad Pro, using ProRes 422 HQ is more feasible due to its balance of quality and practicality. However, for tasks requiring the absolute highest quality, such as motion graphics or advanced color grading, ProRes 4444 would be preferable if the footage is imported from another source.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Apple_ProRes.pdf
[2] https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/lshea/2.Tech_PDFs/Apple_ProRes_Codecs.pdf
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_ProRes
[4] https://www.adorama.com/alc/prores-raw/
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/prores-video-recording-on-m2-ipad-pro-requires-third-party-apps-not-supported-in-native-camera-app.2367963/page-3
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/cly5l0/how_does_a_codec_like_prores_4444_hold_up_against/
[7] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255079257
[8] https://repairit.wondershare.com/video-repair/apple-prores-422-vs-4444.html