Options for Camera Raw in the Digital Workflow

Raw camera data is an important component in the digital workflow. But, with higher resolution, the ability to get all of the sensor information out of the camera is challenged by the speed of existing interfaces. Additionally, the cost of storing this data for a high shooting ratio projects is cost prohibitive. This paper explores the workflow options that are available for compressing Bayer/Mosaic Pattern data. Topics will include the data layout of the Bayer Pattern for specific cameras resulting in interface speed requirements for different resolutions, compressibility of Bayer Pattern data vs. debayered DI images (entropy differences between Camera Raw and DI images and the impact on Compression Ratio), dynamics of uploading Camera Raw from On-Set to the Cloud, and options when applying compression at various stages of the Production and Post Production workflows.