How to Record RAW Videos on your Android phone?

Are you tired of the limitations that come with shooting video on your Android phone? Do you wish you had more control and flexibility when post-processing your videos? If so, learning how to record RAW videos on your Android phone could be the solution you’re looking for.

RAW video is a file format that captures all of the data from a camera’s image sensor when a video is recorded.

This results in a larger file size and more data to work with, allowing for more flexibility and control in post-processing.

By recording RAW videos on your Android phone, you can take your video production skills to the next level and create professional-quality videos.

In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about recording RAW videos on your Android phone, including what RAW video is, the benefits of recording in this format, and how to set up your device and app for RAW video recording.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced videographer, this guide will give you the knowledge and skills you need to start creating stunning RAW videos with your Android phone.

So, if you’re ready to take your video production skills to the next level, keep reading!

To record RAW videos on an Android phone, you’ll need a smartphone that has a camera that is capable of shooting in the RAW format.

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Not all Android phones can do this, so you’ll need to check to see if yours can shoot in RAW before going further.

What are RAW videos?

Raw videos are essentially the digital equivalent of a film negative. Unlike standard video formats such as MP4 or AVI, which apply compression and processing within the camera, RAW videos store the unprocessed data directly from the camera’s sensor. This means that every pixel’s information is retained, including details in shadows, highlights, and colors.

Benefits of shooting in RAW format

a. Flexibility in post-processing

One of the major advantages of shooting in RAW format is the flexibility it offers in post-processing. Since the footage retains all the original data, you have greater control over adjusting exposure, white balance, contrast, and color grading during the editing process. This flexibility allows you to achieve the desired look and feel for your videos with more precision and creative freedom.

b. Higher dynamic range

RAW videos have a higher dynamic range compared to compressed video formats. Dynamic range refers to the ability of a camera to capture details in both bright highlights and dark shadows. By shooting in RAW, you can retain more information in these challenging lighting situations, giving you more latitude in post-processing to recover details that might otherwise be lost.

c. Preserving image quality

When shooting in a compressed video format, the camera applies various processing techniques to reduce file size. These techniques, such as noise reduction and sharpening, can introduce artifacts and compromise image quality. With RAW videos, you have control over the processing applied during post-production, ensuring that the final output maintains the highest image quality possible.

How to record RAW videos

a. Camera requirements

To record RAW videos, you need a camera that supports RAW video recording. Not all cameras have this capability, so it’s essential to check the specifications of your camera or consider investing in a camera that offers RAW video recording.

b. Setting up your camera

Before starting to record RAW videos, you need to configure your camera settings appropriately. This typically involves selecting the RAW video recording mode, adjusting frame rates and resolutions, and enabling any additional settings specific to RAW recording.

c. Choosing the right storage media

Recording RAW videos generates large file sizes, so it’s crucial to use storage media that can handle the high data rate. High-speed SD or CFast cards are commonly used for RAW video recording, ensuring that the camera can write the data quickly without any dropped frames or recording interruptions.

d. Understanding RAW video formats

Different cameras may use different RAW video formats, such as CinemaDNG, ProRes RAW, or Blackmagic RAW. Each format has its own advantages and requirements, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the format supported by your camera and the workflow associated with it.

Post-processing RAW videos

a. Choosing the right software

To work with RAW videos, you need specialized software capable of reading and processing the RAW file format. There are various options available, including Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro. Choose the software that best suits your workflow and offers the necessary tools for RAW video editing.

b. Importing and organizing RAW footage

Once you have your RAW footage, import it into your chosen editing software and organize it in a logical and structured manner. This helps streamline your editing process and ensures that you can locate specific clips easily when working on your project.

c. Adjusting exposure and white balance

In post-processing, you have the flexibility to adjust exposure and white balance settings accurately. By fine-tuning these parameters, you can correct any errors made during shooting or create a specific mood and atmosphere for your videos.

d. Fine-tuning color grading

Color grading plays a crucial role in shaping the visual aesthetics of your videos. With RAW footage, you have more latitude to adjust and fine-tune colors, allowing you to create a unique and visually appealing look for your videos.

If your phone does support RAW video recording, you can follow these steps to record a RAW video.

How to record raw videos on your android?

Make sure you have enough storage space on your phone to save the RAW video file.

• Open the camera app on Not all Android phones can do this, so you’ll need to check out a sample raw video to before going further on your phone.
• Look for a setting or option that allows you to select the file format for your photos and videos. This may be called “image format,” “picture format,” or something similar.
• Select the RAW file format option. This may be labeled as “DNG” or “RAW,” depending on your phone’s camera app.
• Adjust any other camera settings, such as white balance or exposure, as desired.
• When you’re ready to start recording, press the record button or tap the screen to start recording.
• When you’re finished recording, press the stop button or tap the screen to stop recording.
• The RAW video file will be saved to your phone’s storage. You can find it in the camera app’s gallery or in a folder on your phone’s internal storage or SD card.

Keep in mind that RAW video files are typically larger than standard video files, so you may need a high-capacity storage device or a lot of free space on your phone to store them.

Also, editing RAW video files might require more processing power and might not work with all video editing software.

How to enable RAW capture on Android?

RAW capture is a feature that allows you to take photos in the RAW image format on your Android device.

RAW images aren’t compressed, so they store all of the information from a camera’s image sensor.

This gives you more options for editing after the fact. If you’re interested in enabling RAW capture on your Android device, here’s what you need to do:

1. Make sure that your device has a camera that supports RAW capture. Some examples of devices that support RAW capture include the Google Pixel 3 and newer, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer.
2. Download a camera app that supports RAW capture. Some examples of camera apps that support RAW capture include Open Camera and Footer Camera.
3. Open the camera app and look for the settings or options menu.
4. In the settings or options menu, look for a setting for image format.
5. From the image format options, select the RAW option.
6. Once you have enabled RAW capture, you should be able to take photos in the RAW format by using the camera app as you normally would.

If you turn on RAW capture on your Android device, you can have more control over how you edit your photos after you take them.

With the ability to work with more data and make more precise adjustments, you can create higher quality images and enhance your photography skills.

What is a Motion cam app?

Motion Cam is a camera app for Android devices that allows users to capture photos and videos with a range of advanced features and settings.

This is one of the best open-source camera apps. Some of the key features of Motion Cam include:

• RAW capture: Motion Cam allows users to capture photos and videos in the RAW format, which is a higher-quality and more flexible file format that allows for more detailed editing and adjustments.
• Slow motion and fast motion: Motion Cam allows users to record slow motion and fast motion videos at various speeds.
• Time-lapse: Motion Cam includes a time-lapse feature that allows users to capture a series of photos at set intervals and combine them into a single video.
• Automatic and manual focus: Motion Cam allows users to adjust the focus of their photos and videos manually or use the app’s automatic focus feature.
• Exposure control: Motion Cam allows users to adjust the exposure of their photos and videos manually or use the app’s automatic exposure feature.
• White balance: Motion Cam allows users to adjust the white balance of their photos and videos to match the lighting conditions in the scene.
• Filters and effects: Motion Cam includes a range of filters and effects that users can apply to their photos and videos to enhance their appearance.
• Grid overlay: Motion Cam includes a grid overlay feature that allows users to align their shots more accurately by displaying a grid on the screen while they are composing the shot.
• Watermark: Motion Cam allows users to add a watermark to their photos and videos to protect their copyright or to brand their content.
• Edit and share: Motion Cam includes basic editing tools that allow users to trim and crop their photos and videos, and it includes options for sharing their content on social media or other platforms

How to install and use the Motion Cam?

The Motion Cam app is a camera app that allows users to take photos and videos with the added feature of motion tracking.

This means that the app will automatically follow and focus on a moving object or person within the frame to record RAW videos.

You’ll need an Android device with access to the Google Play Store to install the Motion Cam app. Here’s how to install and use the app:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for “Motion Cam” in the search bar.
3. Select the Motion Cam app from the search results and tap “Install.”
4. Once the app has finished installing, tap “Open” to launch it.
5. When the app opens, you will be taken to the camera viewfinder. To enable motion tracking, tap the Motion Tracking icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
6. To begin tracking an object or person, tap and hold the tracking dot that appears on the screen and drag it over the object or person you want to track. The app will automatically begin tracking and focusing on the chosen object or person.
7. To take a photo or start recording a video, tap the camera shutter button or the record button, respectively. The app will continue to track and focus on the selected object or person as they move within the frame.

In addition to motion tracking, the Motion Cam app also offers a variety of other features, such as manual focus, exposure control, and the ability to change the aspect ratio and resolution of your photos and videos.

Overall, the Motion Cam app can be a useful tool for photographers and videographers looking to add a unique, dynamic element to their shots.

With its motion tracking capabilities and various other features, it’s definitely worth checking out.

RAW video recording on your android mobile with motion cam app

To use the Motion Cam app on an Android phone to record RAW video, you’ll need to make sure that your phone can shoot in the RAW format and that the Motion Cam app is already on your phone.

Here are the steps to record RAW video from your smartphone using the Motion Cam app:

• Open the Motion Cam app on your Android phone.
• Tap the settings icon in the top right corner of the app.
• In the Settings menu, tap “Video Settings.”
• Under the “Video Format” section, tap “Raw.”
• Exit the Settings menu and tap the record button to shoot and start recording.
• When you’re finished recording, tap the stop button to stop recording.
• The RAW video file will be saved to your phone’s storage. You can find it in the Motion Cam app’s gallery or in a folder on your phone’s internal storage or SD card.

Keep in mind that RAW video files are typically larger than standard video files, so you may need a high-capacity storage device or a lot of free space on your phone to store them.

Also, editing RAW video files might require more processing power and might not work with all professional video editing software.

Record 10-Bit CinemaDNG RAW Videos From Your Android Phone

If you’re a videographer looking to take your skills to the next level, you may be interested in recording 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW videos from your Android phone.

• RAW video is a file format that captures all of the data from a camera’s image sensor when a video is recorded.
• This results in a larger file size and more data to work with, but also allows for more flexibility in post-processing.
• 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW is a version of the RAW video format that is made for high dynamic range (HDR) video and offers even more data and flexibility when post-processing.
• This can be especially helpful for videographers who want to record and edit cinematic-quality footage.
• To record 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW videos from your Android phone, you will need a device that has a camera with this capability and an app that supports 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW video recording.
• Some examples of devices that support this feature include the Google Pixel 3 and newer, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer.
• You will also need to download a camera app that supports 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW video recording, such as Open Camera or Footej Camera.
• Once you have the right equipment and app, you can set up your device to record 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW videos by choosing the right option in the app’s settings or options menu.

Using your Android phone to record 10-bit CinemaDNG RAW videos can be a very useful way to make high-quality, cinematic footage.

With the ability to capture and edit more data, you can take your video production skills to the next level and create truly professional-grade videos.

Best practices for shooting RAW videos

a. Proper exposure and lighting

Since RAW videos retain more details, it’s important to pay extra attention to exposure and lighting during the shooting process. Use a light meter or the camera’s histogram to ensure that you capture a well-exposed image. Proper lighting techniques, such as three-point lighting, can also help achieve better results.

b. Shooting in manual mode

To have full control over the exposure and other camera settings, it’s recommended to shoot in manual mode when capturing RAW videos. This allows you to fine-tune your settings according to the specific requirements of your scene.

c. Using a neutral density filter

Neutral density (ND) filters are essential when shooting in bright outdoor conditions. They help reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to maintain a shallow depth of field or use slower shutter speeds without overexposing the image.

d. Shooting in log profiles

Many cameras offer log profiles specifically designed for capturing RAW footage. Shooting in log profiles increases the dynamic range of the footage, allowing you to capture more details in both highlights and shadows. These log profiles require color grading during post-processing to achieve the desired look.

Challenges of working with RAW videos

a. Large file sizes

RAW videos generate significantly larger file sizes compared to compressed formats. This requires ample storage space for both recording and post-processing. Make sure to have sufficient storage capacity available to accommodate the larger files generated by RAW video recording.

b. Higher processing requirements

Working with RAW videos demands more processing power from your computer. The large file sizes and the complexity of processing unprocessed footage can put a strain on your hardware. Ensure that your computer meets the recommended specifications for working with RAW footage to maintain a smooth editing workflow.

c. Steeper learning curve

Shooting and working with RAW videos require a deeper understanding of camera settings, post-processing techniques, and color grading. It may take time and practice to fully grasp the nuances of shooting and editing RAW footage. Be prepared to invest time in learning and experimenting to achieve the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final words on How to record RAW videos on Android mobile

In the end, recording RAW videos on your Android device can give you more options and control over how you edit your videos after you’ve shot them.

To record RAW videos, you will need a device with a RAW video-capable camera and a camera app that supports RAW video recording.

Setting up your device to record RAW videos is as simple as selecting the RAW video option in the app’s settings or options menu. 

While RAW video files are not directly shareable on social media or other platforms, they can be converted to a more widely supported format using video editing software or a video file conversion tool. 

Overall, learning how to record RAW videos on your Android can enhance your video production skills and allow you to create higher-quality videos.