Bits

[skydog]

I continue to work in 8bit mode. In the past I've read where some of you start in 16bit and then convert back to 8bit in the end. In the past I've read where many of the filters only support 8bit..again a reason to convert back to 8 bit. Now I'm reading where some are working in 32bit and even 64 bit...so my question...what is the current base line...should my working standard now be in 16bit? Are most filters now supporting 16bit?

[mistermonday]

Skydog, there is a significant difference between 8 and 16 bit for Curves, levels, and other adjustments in PS when you want to maintain maximun accuracy, maintain maximum number of colors and transitions, noise reduction, avoid banding, and minimizing gaps in histograms resulting from global adjustments (white / black points, curves..). In this regard, PS works in 16 bit mode for all adjustments that matter.
A large number of plugins are designed to reduce detail such as the artisitc effects (Lucis Art, Topaz Simplify) or perform other functions where working in 16 bit provides no advantage and often reduces plugin speed.
For most things you would do in retouching and normal photo editing, 32 bit images result in visibly noticeable difference.
Some people also confuse the bit depth of an image file with their editing software being able to function in a 32 or 64 bit operating system, a very different concept.
Regards, Murray

[Littlecoo]

Now I'm reading where some are working in 32bit and even 64 bit...

May possibly be refering to total colour depth in CMYK mode a la 4 channels @ 8bit and 16bit each respectively. A good example of where colour depth described as a total value can become misleading, confusing and annoying!!

[secretagents]

Or an RGB plus alpha channel.

[andrewrodney]

All about the bits (and why):http://www.digitalphotopro.com/gear/...-decision.html

Higher than 16-bit per channel are for supporting HDR.