A great deal of discussion has ensued following my initial query. Whether the eye, technically, can differentiate only 128 shades of grey is surely irrelevant IF a quality change is evident or even sensed.
To look at my 8 bit and 16 bit images is not to actually differentiate additional shades of grey but rather to sense an improvement in the image. Certainly, as a portrait photographer where skin tones are clearly very important there is a real quality shift. Slight, certainly, but there nevertheless - more an overall 'impression' of a richer image This is not just me - in my examination of this, I have given several people 8 bit and 16 bit versions of the same image side by side, without telling them which was which, and asked them which they prefer. Everyone chose the 16 bit. This may not be quantitative but, at the end of the day, portraiture and, to a large extent all photography, is subjective so the proof of the pudding.....!!!! All we all strive for, surely, is the best image we can produce in a sensible time? Try a test - if you cant see a difference - dont do it - if you can - do. Jonathan Coleman Cavendish Studios Chester =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
