What Is RAW Video Capture?
RAW video capture records the sensor's image data directly to storage, without the aggressive in-camera processing and compression that standard phone video applies. Helios writes this data as .helios RAW files — uncompressed 8-bit or 10-bit YUV footage, depending on your device — giving you far more room to adjust exposure, white balance, and color in post-production than a compressed MP4 ever could.
Because nothing is baked in during capture, RAW video on Android opens up the same non-destructive grading workflow filmmakers rely on with cinema cameras — just on the phone already in your pocket.
RAW Recording Specs
1024 levels per channel in 10-bit mode (device dependent) for smoother gradients and cleaner grading.
High-bitrate capture preserves detail in shadows and highlights instead of crushing them to save space.
Lock every exposure variable manually instead of letting auto-exposure fight your shot.
From RAW Capture to Finished Video
- 01Shoot RAW on HeliosCam
Enable RAW recording, set your bit depth, and dial in manual exposure using the built-in waveform, histogram, and zebra stripes.
- 02Transfer the .helios file
Move your RAW footage to a desktop or laptop for grading — RAW files are large, so fast storage is recommended.
- 03Grade in Helios Desktop Studio
Apply exposure, contrast, white balance, LUTs, and film grain, then export to H.264, H.265, ProRes, or DNxHR.
Shoot RAW Video on Your Android Phone
Free to download. Full manual controls, RAW recording, and professional scopes built in.
Download for AndroidCurious how LOG profiles fit into this workflow? Read about mobile LOG color profiles, or explore free film emulation for your graded footage.