8/16 bit images

[Yellowbelly]

My 5D MkII produces 16 bit images which I then have to convert to 8 bit for processing in Elements 9. My question is what is the difference in the real world between 8 and 16 bit images? My output mainly goes to largish prints or canvasses. Would there be any advantage in seeking an editor which can process in 16 bit? If so, what are my options?

So many questions, so little time ...

I am a bit of a dummy when it comes to processing.

 

[arad85]

Essentially, dynamic range.

When you convert to 8bits, you map the 16 bits (actually 14 bits from 5D2) into 8 bits. That's taking 16384 levels and mapping them into 256 levels. You lose the low level detail, so things like recovery of shadows and ability to recover the highlights is minimised.

As soon as you go to JPEG, you are limited to 8 bits, but by converting as late as possible, you can tweak to get the best out of the data before doing the mapping.

 

[swanseamale47]

You'll see the difference mostly in areas of fine gradient like skys or subtly changes of colour. I'd suggest always working with as much data as you can untill th last minute, then change to 8 bit if you have to.

 

[TopBanana]

Does it depend how many 'bits' the particular printer can reproduce? (although as I understand it, printing is more of an analogue process).

 

[Yellowbelly]

Thanks for the replies to my OP.

 

[arad85]

Does it depend how many 'bits' the particular printer can reproduce? (although as I understand it, printing is more of an analogue process).

Printing is (probably) the process that loses the most in terms of dynamic range as it is all about reflected light. The other medium we use is emitted light so you can get more dynamic range from any screen than you would from a print.