Mac storage basics · Photos, music and video
Why do RAW photos and ProRes videos take up so much space?
Short answer: They store much more image data for editing, so they're many times larger than HEIC/JPEG or HEVC. Use them only when you'll edit, and archive originals afterwards.
They keep far more information than everyday formats, so editors can push colour and exposure further. A RAW or ProRAW photo is many times the size of a HEIC or JPEG, and ProRes video is many times the size of HEVC.
Shoot RAW or ProRes only when you'll edit those shots. Once a project is finished, export the final versions in efficient formats and archive the originals to an external drive.