no it's not a really higher number being represented in binary just because there are more bits. There is a SCALING factor being used. Assume a sensor pixel puts out 5VDC at clipping the A/D full scale input level is 5VDC volts. So pure white with 12 bit output is FFF and 8 bit output is FF but they are both representing SAME quantity being measured ( 5VDC & pure white light) not a higher number.
By saying it the way you did it infers that 12 bit output A/Ds are recording higher sensor signal/light levels than 8 bit ones do and they don't. The 12 bits is SCALED DOWNWARD..... JCO -----Original Message----- From: Herb Chong [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 11:15 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: USAF target and resolution tests who said that was an advantage or a disadvantage? is the maximum number represented in 12 bits higher than 8 bits or not? Herb... ----- Original Message ----- From: "J. C. O'Connell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 11:08 AM Subject: RE: USAF target and resolution tests > I am not talking floating point. digital > camera sensors have same output voltages > feeding 12 bit output A/Ds as they feeding > 8 bit output A/Ds. There is SCALING involved > and the the advantage in using 12 bit vs. 8 bit is NOT > a higher recorded signal level, it is > finer gray scale and smaller step size.
