Datacolor User to User Support Group.

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed; couldn't find it in the 
last 6 months.  The issue has come up on the Canon IPF5000 Wiki re: 
Printfix and 8 bit vs. 16 bit profiles.  Thought we could get some 
clearer answers here :-)

Questions:

1) I understand that the 8 bit vs. 16 bit refers to the bit depth of 
the LUT, but don't understand what the practical significance of this 
is in terms of the profile precision.  Why would one choose 8 bit 
only in some circumstances?  What advantage to 16 bit?  Does this 
have anything to do with the bit depth of the target printed to make 
the profile?

2) When looking at profiles in Colorthink, those made with GMB 
Profilemaker (with Atkinson 1728 patch target) show:

16 bit table, 33 grid points
16 bit table, 33 grid points

while those produced by Canon for the IPF5000 show:

8 bit table, 9 grid points
8 bit table, 33 grid points

What does the number of grid points mean, and how does it relate to 
bit depth (if at all) and number of patches in the target used to 
make the profile (if at all)?  I haven't seen any of the printfix 
profiles, but wonder how they compare here.

Any help appreciated on this confusing topic.

Thanks.

--John