Optimize File Size
Balance quality and file size with these optimization strategies.
Codec Selection
HEVC vs H.264
| Codec | Quality | Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEVC | Same | ~50% smaller | When supported |
| H.264 | Same | Baseline | Maximum compatibility |
Recommendation: Use HEVC for most recordings.
Quality Presets
| Preset | Bitrate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| High | Maximum | Archival, editing |
| Standard | Balanced | General use |
| Low | Minimum | Previews, drafts |
Resolution
Recording at lower resolution reduces files:
| Resolution | Relative Size |
|---|---|
| 4K | 4x baseline |
| 1440p | 2x baseline |
| 1080p | 1x baseline |
| 720p | 0.5x baseline |
Tip: Record at 1440p for good balance of quality and size.
Frame Rate
Lower frame rates mean smaller files:
| Frame Rate | Relative Size |
|---|---|
| 60 fps | 2x |
| 30 fps | 1x |
| 24 fps | 0.8x |
Tip: Use 30fps unless you need smooth motion.
Audio Settings
Audio is typically small compared to video, but:
- Stereo vs Mono: ~2x difference
- PCM vs AAC: ~10x difference
Use AAC for final delivery, PCM for editing.
Storage Estimates
Approximate file sizes for 1 hour:
| Settings | Size |
|---|---|
| 4K/60/HEVC/High | ~15 GB |
| 4K/30/HEVC/Standard | ~6 GB |
| 1440p/30/HEVC/Standard | ~3 GB |
| 1080p/30/H.264/Standard | ~3 GB |
| 1080p/30/HEVC/Standard | ~1.5 GB |
Best Practices
- Match resolution to use case: Don’t record 4K for 1080p delivery
- Use HEVC when possible: 50% smaller at same quality
- Choose appropriate frame rate: 30fps for most content
- Consider compression in post: Record high quality, compress for delivery