Which type of media files are referred to as Camera Native?

Camera Native files refer to the media that comes directly from a camera without being transcoded or altered by any other software or process. This type of media retains the original characteristics of the footage as shot, making it essential for maintaining the highest quality and the most accurate color information.

When files are referred to as Camera Native, it indicates that they are in the same format and codec in which they were originally recorded. This allows editors to work with the original data, ensuring fidelity to the image quality intended by the cinematographer. Camera Native files often need specific software or plug-ins for editing, as they might be in formats that are not natively supported by all editing systems, which is why they are distinguished from other types of media like imported graphics or files created by editing software.

Understanding this concept is crucial for video editors and post-production teams to ensure their workflows maintain the integrity of the original footage while also ensuring compatibility with the tools they use.