14-bit vs 12-bit RAW files

9 years 11 months ago #371373 by Jon Carson
Is there any significant reasons to shoot in 14-bit over 12-bit?  I have gone back and forth and what I have noticed is that the 14-bit files are larger and it would seem that the 14-bit gives some in the shadows, but not in brighter.   Honestly, it's tough to really see differences.  Anyone looked into this closely?  


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9 years 11 months ago #371401 by Stealthy Ninja
I think it might have something to do with smooth gradients. 
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9 years 11 months ago #371523 by effron

Stealthy Ninja wrote: I think it might have something to do with smooth gradients. 


Correct. If you test 12 vs 14, the only place likely to show a difference would be in gradients....:unsure:

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
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9 years 11 months ago #371660 by Joves
:agree:
Yeah it is in the gradients. I shoot in 14 bit myself. I like having the extra data myself, because even though it is only a slight improvement, it is an improvement. Supposedly slows the cameras down, but it is not all that much to warrant not using it.


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9 years 11 months ago #371690 by cod
For me the difference is burst mode.  My D300s shoots up to 7 frames a second but only in 12-bit mode.  In 14-bit it maxes out at 4 fps.  So if I need rapid bursts, e.g. for sports, I'll use 12 bit. Otherwise I always go for the highest quality I can get, just in case.  That's probably not an issue on all cameras.

Chris O'Donoghue
Winnipeg, Canada
codonoghue.prosite.com

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