Cinematographer
ProRes Proxy ermöglicht schnelle On-Set-Reviews und Dailies. Die winzigen Files lassen sich sofort per WiFi übertragen, während die Original-RAW-Files gesichert werden.
Lowest bitrate variant of Apple's ProRes codec at approximately 45 Mbps for 1080p/24 – specifically designed for offline editing workflows where storage and bandwidth are limited, providing efficient editing performance while maintaining full frame size and timecode for later relinking to high-resolution sources.
What is ProRes Proxy?
ProRes 422 Proxy is the most storage-efficient variant of the Apple ProRes codec. At only around 45 Mbps for 1080p/24, Proxy is specifically designed for offline editing, where efficiency is more important than maximum image quality.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Position | Lowest ProRes variant |
| Purpose | Offline editing |
| Chroma | 4:2:2 |
| Bit Depth | 10-bit |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bitrate 1080p/24 | ~45 Mbps |
| Bitrate 4K/24 | ~180 Mbps |
| Compression Ratio | Approx. 25:1 |
| Quality | Sufficient for editing |
Storage Comparison
| Variant | 1 Hour 1080p/24 |
|---|---|
| ProRes HQ | ~100 GB |
| ProRes 422 | ~66 GB |
| ProRes LT | ~46 GB |
| ProRes Proxy | ~20 GB |
Proxy vs. Original
| Aspect | Proxy | Original (e.g., RAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | ~5% | 100% |
| Edit Performance | Excellent | Often problematic |
| Grading | Not suitable | Full |
| Final Delivery | No | Yes |
Ideal Applications
| Application | Reason |
|---|---|
| Offline Edit | Primary purpose |
| Remote Editing | Small for transfer |
| Review Copies | Quickly shareable |
| Multicam Edit | Many streams |
Proxy Workflow
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Transcode | Original → Proxy |
| 2. Offline Edit | Edit with Proxy |
| 3. Relink | Connect to Original |
| 4. Online | Finish with Original |
Transcoding Sources
| Original | Proxy Benefit |
|---|---|
| RAW (R3D, BRAW) | Very high |
| ProRes 4444 | High |
| XAVC | Moderate |
| H.264 | For Multicam |
Relinking
| Software | Relink Function |
|---|---|
| Final Cut Pro | Automatic |
| Premiere Pro | Link Media |
| DaVinci Resolve | Conform |
| Avid | Relink |
Multicam Advantage
| Setup | Proxy Performance |
|---|---|
| 4 Cameras | Problem-free |
| 8 Cameras | Easily achievable |
| 16+ Cameras | Possible |
| Storage | Minimal |
Mobile Editing
| Aspect | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Laptop | Smooth |
| iPad | With LumaFusion |
| Storage | Fits on laptop |
| Battery | Less consumption |
Cloud Workflow
| Platform | Proxy Advantage |
|---|---|
| Frame.io | Quick Review |
| Dropbox | Faster Sync |
| Google Drive | Editable locally |
| LTO Archive | Originals secure |
Quality Considerations
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Detail | Reduced |
| Color Accuracy | Okay for assessment |
| Motion | Well preserved |
| Fine Text | More difficult |
When NOT to Use
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Color Grading | No information |
| VFX | Too little detail |
| Final Delivery | Insufficient quality |
| Archive | Not suitable |
Automation
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Batch Transcode |
| Media Encoder | Watched Folders |
| DaVinci | Generate Optimized |
| EditReady | Fast Proxy |
Metadata Preservation
| Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Timecode | Preserved |
| Reel Name | Preserved |
| Camera | Preserved |
| LUT | Optional |
Comparison to H.264 Proxy
| Aspect | ProRes Proxy | H.264 Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Edit Performance | Better | Slower |
| Decode CPU | Lower | Higher |
| Compatibility | Apple-focused | Universal |
Export Settings
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Codec | ProRes 422 Proxy |
| Resolution | Match Source |
| Framerate | Match Source |
| Audio | AAC or PCM |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Always keep original | For finishing |
| Naming Convention | Relink security |
| Match Timecode | Ensure sync |
| Backup Originals | Before proxy work |
Today
ProRes Proxy is indispensable for modern editing workflows, especially with data-intensive formats like RAW. The codec enables smooth editing on consumer hardware, remote collaboration, and efficient storage utilization. With the increasing use of 4K, 6K, and 8K, proxy-based editing is becoming ever more important.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
ProRes Proxy befreit mich beim Schnitt von technischen Limitationen. Ich kann auf meinem Laptop flüssig editieren und später für Finishing zu den Originalen zurückgehen.
Producer
ProRes Proxy reduziert unsere Storage- und Transfer-Kosten drastisch während der Editierphase. Der Workflow-Vorteil ist erheblich, besonders bei Remote-Editing.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „ProRes Proxy / ProRes 422 Proxy"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?