Video A-Z

Video A-Z

This causes lots of confusion because video files aren't quite like the relatively straightforward image file types you get with still imaging. In fact, video files consist of two parts: the 'container', and the audio and video files stored within it. Video is stored using a variety of different 'codecs' – encoder/decoder tools – and one of the most common right now is H.264. But this is not the file, or 'container' format. For example, you can find H.264 video in the MOV and MP4 container formats. The container also houses the audio data, which may itself be in a variety of different formats.

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Rod Lawton
Freelance contributor

Rod is an independent photographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years' experience. He's previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.