Over the years there has been various file formats used for computers. The earlier file formats have size limitations.
Some file formats work on Windows PC's, and some on Macs.
So a little knowledge is need when we transfer video footage from one type of computer to another.
NTFS:
This is the default file format for Windows System Drives - normally used internally. It works very quickly with Windows.
You can format portable drives (like thumb drives) with NTFS to transfer large files.
- No file size limit. Good for transferring very large files (10's of GB) from Windows PC to a Mac.
- Windows can natively read and write.
- Macs can only natively read. (They cannot delete or edit files).
- Has file permissions and other operating system features not available with exFAT. (These features are not required for portable drives).
exFAT:
This format was introduced in 2006 for portable drives.
- No file size limit.
- Windows can natively read and write.
- Macs can natively read and write.
- Linux can natively read and write.
- Recommended format for portable drives between Macs and Windows.
FAT32:
This is an old file format used for portable drives. It has file restrictions.
- File size limit of 4GB.
- Windows can natively read and write.
- Macs can natively read and write.
- Very common format, still used on older devices. Compatible with almost everything.
Ext4:
This is the default file format for Unix / Linux computers. Some older machines use Ext3. Ext stands for "Extended file system".
Some video streaming devices and CCTV NVR's use this format.
- Windows cannot natively read or write. (You need to install third party software like Paragon ExtFS for Windows.)
- Macs cannot natively read or write. (You need to install third party software like Paragon ExtFS for Mac.)