Question 1

What’s the difference between a delivery codec and a professional (intermediate) codec?

Accepted Answer

Delivery codecs like H.264 and HEVC are optimized for small file sizes and smooth playback, while intermediate codecs like ProRes and DNxHD are optimized for editing performance and image quality across multiple revisions.

Question 2

Is ProRes better than DNxHD or DNxHR?

Accepted Answer

Both offer comparable quality and performance. ProRes is more common on macOS and in Final Cut Pro, while DNxHD/HR is ideal for Avid Media Composer and cross-platform workflows. Choose based on your software and platform.

Question 3

Why is 10-bit video important for color grading?

Accepted Answer

0-bit color provides over 1 billion possible colors, which allows for smoother gradients, more precise color adjustments, and reduces banding — especially important in professional color correction and HDR workflows.

Question 4

What’s the impact of chroma subsampling (4:2:0 vs. 4:2:2 vs. 4:4:4)?

Accepted Answer

Higher subsampling (like 4:2:2 and 4:4:4) retains more color information, which is essential for accurate color grading, green screen work, and high-end visual effects. 4:2:0, often used in delivery formats, lacks this precision.

Question 5

Can I convert H.264 footage into ProRes for editing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many editors transcode H.264 to ProRes or DNxHD for smoother editing. While this doesn’t improve the original quality, it makes editing faster and more reliable, especially on longer or more complex projects.

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Inside the Edit Suite: Professional Video Codecs (ProRes, DNxHD/HR) & High-Quality Workflows