Export Clip and it is larger than original

I will often stabilize a clip and then want to export it so I can do things like slow it down and speed up without it looking choppy. However I noticed when I go to
File > Share > Master File
...Settings:
Format Video Audo
Video Codec (Source - Apple ProRes 422)

The file will wind up being 150MB when the original clip of the same length is only 26MB

What's the deal???

What are the original? H.264? You exported to a higher data rate codec. As you’re doing multiple recompressions off the file it’s probably a good idea to use the high quality format.

Yeah when I went back and checked the original files they are H.264. Does that mean I should set my entire project to be H.264 instead of the Apple Pro Res 244 codec?

Also Would exporting a clip at Pro Res 422, that was originally H.264 really be higher quality than just exporting it at H.264?

Your description sounded as if you’re going to export them reimport and then reprocess the file again. If so I wouldn’t want to use H.264. If you’re fine with it and then go ahead and use H.264.

Yeah well technically I have retimed them (slowed them down at different rates throughout the clip)

Then I was going to bring it back in a color correct, etc.

Why is it necessary to export them and then import them again?

Because for example if you stabilize a clip and then break that clip up to do a 50% slow to a 100% then back to a 50% and then a 40%...The stabilization will reset on every retimed clip and look bad.

I guess I could in theory retime all the clips and then make a compound clip and stabilize that. But I haven't tried that.

Or just edit as normal, and when your edit is locked, then stabilize. It is usually the very last thing I do.

UPDATE: You can not stabilize a compound clip.

Really I am fine I have a workflow I like. I just do not like wasting HardDrive space. So I really just need to know if export a H.264 and ProRess 422 makes any sort of difference?

I come from an audio world and the example I go to is...You can definitely export your audio in 48kHz but if you started with 44.1 there is ZERO audio difference in quality.

Audio is not comparable. Every time you recompress video there is some degradation in the image quality. The more times you do it the worse it gets. The more compression you use the worse it gets. H.264 compresses substantially more than ProRes. You can recompress PR multiple times and not see degradation. H.264 you’ll be able to see the difference in a couple of generations.

But the video started at H.264

If I Import that to Final Cut. Stabilize the clip. Then export it as H.264 does that count as the compression you speak of?

Yes, and then you’ll expert it again when you finish the project.