Recording clips in Apple ProRes 4444 XQ preserves the full sensor quantization in logarithmic encoding, with the same range of colors available in ARRIRAW. Images recorded in a 4:4:4 codec are almost indistinguishable from uncompressed HD or UHD material. This makes internal recording attractive to feature film productions for the big screen, too. Recording in any of the high-end 4:2:2 codecs provides perfect source material for web or TV applications.
In 2010, ALEXA was the first digital motion picture camera on the market offering in-camera recording of Apple QuickTime/ProRes files onto SxS PRO cards, providing the full range of codecs from Apple ProRes 422 Proxy to Apple ProRes 4444 and later 4444 XQ.
In 2019, ALEXA Mini LF introduced a new method for Apple ProRes recording: sound, images, and metadata are no longer wrapped inside a QuickTime *.mov container but use the common MXF (Material eXchange Format) container.
