Are you mystified by compression ratios and how they impact digital filmmaking? Fear not, we’re here to break it down for you. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of data compression and delve into compression ratios. These simple numerical representations offer a shorthand for the compression power of specific codecs or compression techniques. But how do you decide which codec is best for your project? We’ll show you how to evaluate the compression power of a codec and make storage predictions for the data you’ll be compressing. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an educated decision based on the specific needs of your production. So, whether you’re shooting a 30-second web commercial or a feature-length documentary, you can choose the best option for your project. With just a little bit of basic knowledge, you can make the most of modern codecs and optimize your digital filmmaking workflow.