ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro: Everything Apple Didn’t Tell You

When Apple announced that the iPhone 17 Pro would support ProRes RAW video, mobile filmmakers everywhere got excited. But the keynote left us with more questions than answers. Can you record internally? How does Apple Log 2 differ from Apple Log 1? What about enhanced dynamic range (EDR), open-gate shooting, stabilization, and lens options?

After hands-on testing with the iPhone 17 Pro and the updated Blackmagic Camera app, here’s what you really need to know.

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Can You Record ProRes RAW Internally?

Short answer: No. ProRes RAW recording is SSD only (at least for now). That makes the 2 TB model feel unnecessary if you’re primarily shooting RAW. Even the 512 GB model is fine when you’re writing to an external drive.

The Ongoing Problem with Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR)

Apple Log on the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro had a frustrating flaw: enhanced dynamic range (EDR). Apple applies HDR in auto exposure, then disables it when you lock exposure—causing lost highlight detail.

Unfortunately, the same problem persists in ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro. Despite recording RAW, Apple’s image signal processing still interferes, which hurts consistency in high dynamic range scenes.

Open Gate ProRes RAW — and Apple’s Restrictions

  • In ProRes RAW: Apple supports 4K open gate capture.
  • In standard ProRes and HEVC: Apple still locks down full-sensor Apple Log recording.

If you want true full-sensor Apple Log, OpenCam can deliver Apple Log full-sensor capture at 1920×1440 (Apple’s restrictions prevent 4K). In Blackmagic Camera, you can record 4K open gate, but only in Rec.709.

Stabilization Limitations

Stabilization is not supported in 4K open-gate ProRes RAW—not even sensor-shift stabilization. This makes longer focal lengths like the 100 mm tele lens tough to use handheld. A gimbal or tripod is recommended. The good news: DaVinci Resolve’s stabilization works very well on wide-angle footage.

Lens Options in ProRes RAW

Currently supported in ProRes RAW:

  • Ultra-wide
  • Wide
  • Tele

Missing (but available in non-RAW ProRes): 2× sensor crop, 48 mm, 200 mm, and selfie lenses.

Do Apple Log LUTs Work with ProRes RAW?

Yes—your existing Apple Log LUTs perform well with Apple Log 2 in ProRes RAW. I tested both my own GLOAT LUT along with The One LUT for Apple Log with pleasing results. Full Apple Log 2 updates are coming, but you can achieve great looks today.

Explore Epic LUTs for Apple LogThe One LUT for Apple Log

Frame Rates and Resolution

Maximum confirmed: external recording at 4224×3024 up to 60 fps in ProRes RAW open gate. Tested with the Lexar Go SSD.

My Recommended SSD: Lexar Go

First Impressions of ProRes RAW

Despite the restrictions, the image quality from ProRes RAW on iPhone 17 Pro is excellent. Compared with iPhone 16 Pro’s Apple Log the 17 Pro delivers a beautiful, detailed image. It’s still not untouched RAW—Apple’s ISP remains in the pipeline—and the lack of internal recording, stabilization, and broader lens support may frustrate pros.

Key Takeaways

  • SSD only for ProRes RAW (no internal recording).
  • EDR issue persists (highlight loss when locking exposure).
  • 4K open gate in ProRes RAW; not in standard ProRes/HEVC.
  • No stabilization in 4K open-gate ProRes RAW.
  • Limited lens support in RAW (ultra-wide, wide, tele only).
  • Apple Log LUTs work on Apple Log 2 in ProRes RAW.
  • Max tested: 4224×3024 at up to 60 fps (external SSD).

Related Reads

Note: Some limitations may change with future iOS or app updates. This article reflects the current state at time of testing.

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