8 bits per channel -vs- 16 bits per channel

Ed in GA · 03-23-2008, 10:46 AM

I am using PSE 5.0 with raw plug in 4.3.1

There is an option of conversion in 8 bit per channel or 16 bits per channel.

The default is 8 bits per channel. Which, I have been using.

Is there an advantage in using 16 bits per channel? If so, what would it be?

Any/all information will be appreciated.

Ed

wlachan · 03-23-2008, 10:58 AM

Use 16bit for processing, then converted to 8bit jpeg for saving when needed.

Cloudy Wizzard · 03-23-2008, 11:59 AM

Well one of the disadvantages of 16-bit is that some filters (like some of those commercial 3rd party ones you can buy or the free ones that can be downloaded) don't work with 16-bit images but only with 8-bit.

I had this problem a few days ago when I was trying a tutorial but a certain filter (build-in) that I needed was unavailable, it took me a while to figure it was the 16-bit of the image and after converting to 8-bit it worked fine.

gpaual · 03-24-2008, 10:18 AM

a work around for 16 bit and 3rd party software is to process in 16 bit save as 8 bit, thern apply the 3rd party filter. I use 'alienskins exposure' for b&w conversions which i then tweak with blending modes, and it seems to work out ok.

Gooshin · 03-24-2008, 10:45 AM

16 Bit Versus 8 Bit Mode | Layers Magazine

Gooshin · 03-25-2008, 09:02 AM

man, i'm really digging this magazine...

The Bit-Depth Decision | Digital Photo Pro Magazine

03-23-2008, 10:46 AM	#1
Ed in GA Guest	8 bits per channel -vs- 16 bits per channel I am using PSE 5.0 with raw plug in 4.3.1 There is an option of conversion in 8 bit per channel or 16 bits per channel. The default is 8 bits per channel. Which, I have been using. Is there an advantage in using 16 bits per channel? If so, what would it be? Any/all information will be appreciated. Ed

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03-23-2008, 10:58 AM	#2
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,626	Use 16bit for processing, then converted to 8bit jpeg for saving when needed.

03-23-2008, 11:59 AM	#3
Cloudy Wizzard Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lommel, Belgium Posts: 285	Well one of the disadvantages of 16-bit is that some filters (like some of those commercial 3rd party ones you can buy or the free ones that can be downloaded) don't work with 16-bit images but only with 8-bit. I had this problem a few days ago when I was trying a tutorial but a certain filter (build-in) that I needed was unavailable, it took me a while to figure it was the 16-bit of the image and after converting to 8-bit it worked fine.

03-24-2008, 10:18 AM	#4
gpaual Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: fla Photos: Gallery Posts: 375	a work around for 16 bit and 3rd party software is to process in 16 bit save as 8 bit, thern apply the 3rd party filter. I use 'alienskins exposure' for b&w conversions which i then tweak with blending modes, and it seems to work out ok.

03-24-2008, 10:45 AM	#5
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,611	16 Bit Versus 8 Bit Mode \| Layers Magazine

03-25-2008, 09:02 AM	#6
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,611	man, i'm really digging this magazine... The Bit-Depth Decision \| Digital Photo Pro Magazine