BitMatch
BitMatch copies camera-card footage to multiple drives and verifies the copies so users can know when a card is safe to erase.
What BitMatch is
BitMatch copies camera-card footage to multiple drives and verifies the copies so users can know when a card is safe to erase. The free, open-source project is aimed at indie filmmakers, YouTubers, photographers, and small productions, with builds for macOS, iPhone, and iPad. Verification can use SHA-256 checks at each destination, a mode that rereads the source and adds MD5, or a byte-by-byte comparison using SHA-256. Camera detection covers Sony, Canon, ARRI, RED, Blackmagic, Panasonic, Fujifilm, GoPro, DJI, Insta360, and generic DCIM folders. Transfer results can be exported as PDF, CSV, or JSON on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Verified copies receive an ASC MHL inventory by default, which can be disabled in Advanced settings. On Mac, an optional SFTP upload can follow a verified local copy; the server needs SFTP and SSH shell access, while S3 and WebDAV are unavailable. BitMatch reads source media without writing to it, uses temporary files, and does not overwrite conflicting destination files. The project describes itself as beta software from a one-person project and says it has not tested every camera, drive, filesystem, hub, or OS combination.
Good
- Free and open-source
- Offers three verification modes
- Exports reports as PDF, CSV, and JSON
- Does not write to source media
Watch out
- Project describes itself as beta software
- One-person project has not tested every setup
- S3 and WebDAV are unavailable for remote backup
Who it suits
BitMatch may suit indie filmmakers, YouTubers, photographers, and small productions that need verified copies of camera-card footage. Mac users can also consider its optional SFTP backup workflow.
Verdict
BitMatch provides several ways to check footage copies and leaves source media untouched. Its beta status and untested hardware and software combinations are important to weigh before relying on it.
Plans and prices
From BitMatch's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free, open-source software; macOS download; iPhone and iPad builds from source |
The facts
Each one read from BitMatch's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- ASC MHL
- ASC MHL inventory creation is enabled by default for verified copies and can be turned off in Advanced settings.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Camera support
- Camera detection covers Sony, Canon, ARRI, RED, Blackmagic, Panasonic, Fujifilm, GoPro, DJI, Insta360, and generic DCIM.checked 8 Oct 2001
- File safety
- BitMatch reads the source without writing to it, uses temporary files, and does not overwrite conflicting destination files.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Hardware validation
- The hardware validation page says no physical-device test reports are recorded in its matrix yet.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Intended users
- The project is aimed at indie filmmakers, YouTubers, photographers, and small productions.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Limitations
- The project describes itself as beta software from a one-person project and says it has not tested every camera, drive, filesystem, hub, or OS combination.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- The guide says the app does not upload analytics and that selected data goes to the server chosen for remote backup.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- BitMatch copies camera-card footage to multiple drives and verifies the copies so users can tell when a card is safe to erase.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Remote backup
- Mac supports optional SFTP uploads after a local copy is verified; the server needs SFTP and SSH shell access, and S3 and WebDAV are unavailable.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Reports
- Transfer results can be exported as PDF, CSV, and JSON on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Support
- The guide directs users who find a problem to follow its diagnostics guide and provide the exact error and relevant app, OS, drive, and filesystem details.checked 8 Oct 2001
- Transfer verification
- Standard mode checks each destination with SHA-256; Thorough adds a source reread and MD5, while Paranoid compares every byte and uses SHA-256.checked 8 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The repository offers a signed and notarized Mac build for Apple Silicon and Intel, requires macOS 15.5 or newer, and says iPhone and iPad builds must currently be built from source.checked 8 Oct 2001
Alternatives to BitMatch
- 1
Ente Photos
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebLinux8.6From $2.49 a month - 2
IDrive
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux8.3Free plan - 3
Tonfotos
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS8.0$59, paid once - 4
PhoneCopy
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.7Free plan - 5
Rawback
Free planiOSWebAPILinux7.3From $4.99 a month - 6
FOREVER
AndroidiOSWebmacOS7.0$179.99, paid once