OPEN GATE VS RAW: WHICH NEW FEATURE PAYS OFF ON SET?

Filmmaking technology keeps progressing, giving you more creative options with every new camera update. Two features that have recently transformed how images are captured are Open Gate and RAW video recording. If you’re a director or cinematographer striving for the highest production quality, understanding the strengths and trade-offs of each is essential. Open Gate allows you to use the camera sensor’s full surface, unlocking larger frame sizes and unique aspect ratios for greater creative flexibility, while RAW video recording preserves uncompressed, untouched sensor data for ultimate control during post-production. Deciding which approach truly “pays off” comes down to your project’s needs, your working style, and the resources available throughout your workflow.

COMPARING OPEN GATE AND RAW RECORDING

When comparing Open Gate and RAW recording, the discussion quickly turns to sensor resolution, dynamic range, and workflow choices. Open Gate raises effective resolution by using the entire sensor, resulting in the ability to capture unusual aspect ratios and broader compositions. This is a big advantage if your project involves reframing, VFX, or simply wants the richest detail possible straight from the camera. RAW recording, on the other hand, doesn’t inherently increase resolution, but it ensures the captured detail (whatever the mode) is preserved in full fidelity. The big payoff here is the flexibility during color grading and exposure corrections, giving editors and colorists more data to work with when finessing the final image.

COMPARISON BREAKDOWN

OPEN GATE OFFERS:

In-camera flexibility, maximum frame size, easier post-cropping, creative aspect ratios, higher detail for VFX workflows.

RAW RECORDING PROVIDES:

Unmatched editing flexibility, broad dynamic range, robust highlight and shadow retention, perfect for grading-heavy post-production, safest master for archival quality.

WHICH FEATURE SERVES YOUR STORY?

Using Open Gate or RAW is often dictated by genre, post workflow, and the unique demands of each project. Indie filmmakers or stylized productions might appreciate Open Gate’s immediate visual impact and the ability to play with framing as you shoot. Projects that involve extensive post workflows, such as commercials, dramas with intricate visual work, or documentaries, may get better mileage from RAW recording. It’s also worth considering storage and budget: both features require more robust storage and post setups, so plan accordingly to avoid bottlenecks or lost footage. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that serves your story and supports your creative process from set to screen.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Your decision between Open Gate and RAW recording should be guided by your project’s visual needs, post-production ambitions, and available resources. Open Gate elevates shot composition and provides more in-camera flexibility, perfect if you want edge-to-edge detail right away. RAW gives you the highest post-production headroom, ensuring any exposure, white balance, or color grading decisions can be refined later. Both technologies require investments in data management, but they also unlock new creative avenues on set and in post. By carefully aligning these tools to your film’s goals, you can achieve standout cinematic results tailored to your unique story.