Photo Retouching - - Image size of TIFF files

R_Leszczynski · #1 08-23-2008, 09:50 AM

Hi there...

Is there any option to reduce a size of TIFF files without of loosing quality.
One 16 Bit TIFF in PROPhotoRGB converted from NEF file form 10 MP Nikon D80 has about 60 MB and when I finish retouching it has almost 1,6 GB. Of course I could flatten the image or merge some layers but I'd like to keep them. Have any ideas???

Vejitatoja · #2 08-23-2008, 05:14 PM

one option is to compress final image with layers with rar,zip or similar.

BagLady · #3 08-23-2008, 05:57 PM

Convert the 16 bit TIFF image to an 8 bit image. It will be half the size and you will have more options while retouching... As far as print quality goes, I've noticed no difference between a 16 bit and an 8 bit image. This might be arguable... Maybe other members can post their opinions.

R_Leszczynski · #4 08-23-2008, 06:04 PM

I'd like to keep my 16 bit version

BagLady · #5 08-23-2008, 06:40 PM

Ok... Then I'd suggest saving the images on a DVD or external HD.

pixelzombie · #6 08-23-2008, 07:15 PM

are you shooting these images in 16 bit?

TommyO · #7 08-23-2008, 09:38 PM

The suggestion from Vejitatoja sounds like a good option. Compressing in RAR or ZIP will not result in any data loss for TIFF or PSD's.

However, it sounds like your retouch workflow could be examined for efficiency. A 60MB TIFF file should not result in a 1.6GB PSD unless you are duplicating composite layers or merging layers often. More use of adjustment layers, blank layers, etc would result in a much smaller final PSD size.

Also, as suggested by BagLady, many photographers save their original NEF or TIFF in an archive... retouch in 16-bit mode to retain high-bit data... then convert the PSD to 8-bit for the final output. The final image then being 1/2 the size.

TommyO · #8 08-23-2008, 09:57 PM

And.. I forgot to mention...

check your Preferences>File Handling>Maximize PSD and PSB file compatibility
If turned On, your final image can be as much as 30% larger than needed.
This is not needed for most applications, only if you are using legacy app's.

mistermonday · #9 08-23-2008, 11:29 PM

Others have given you some good suggestions. Here is a compromise solution.
Turn the history log on (Edit>Preferences>General) and set it to MetaData and finest detail. Edit your image. Save a hi res master to use for generating prints, etc but flatten it or save the min number of layers where you have done special masks or cloning or painting. All of the other adjustments and filters will be logged in the History log and can easily be recreated if you had to. The log is text and contributes to negligible file size increase.
To further save space, you can convert you NEF file to Adobe DNG format using the free converter from Adobe's site. If you convert with the "compress" option, the NEF file is actually saved as an embedded TIFF. The file size is approx half the size of your orig NEF file and when you double click it the file will open as an NEF file in Camera Raw.
Regards, Murray