Digital BW, The Print

on 12/4/01 10:08 PM, Austin Franklin wrote:

>> The question then
>> becomes whether you want the file left in 16-bit for further
>> editing (local
>> editing, sharpening, cloning, print separation curves, etc) or if you'd
>> prefer to be doing *those* moves in 8-bit.
> 
> Hi Todd,
> 
> The only operation that benefits from 16 bits is tonal adjustment.  All the
> things you mention above don't benefit from higher bit depth, unless your
> output takes 16 bit data.

You're right (except for the Print separation curves, which I should have
stated as ink separation curves, because they do have a strong tonal
effect), just letting it be known those options are available. It's relevant
because some of Cones drivers, I think it's the Pro24 driver and all the new
6+ drivers, take the 16bits through the driver so to speak. So the fact that
many options are available in 16-bit mode means one would not have to
convert their file to 8-bits for printing (or let PS do it on the fly as it
does when printing to the Epson driver, or so I'm told).

So, I really doubt you'd ever see cloning differences or sharpening
differences, but as you say, if the output can take it it saves one from
needing to convert down.

Todd