Scan In 16- Or 8-Bit?

By George Lepp | September 29, 2008 | 0

I've been scanning slide film on the Nikon Coolscan V ED in 16-bit mode, but this yields a big 130 MB file, which further enlarges during Photoshop CS3 editing. The large file won’t open in Photoshop Bridge. If I scan in 8-bit, will my file quality suffer?

To read this Pro Perspectives article, become a Member.

Become an Outdoor Photographer Member to access this Pro Perspectives Article, plus techniques, inspiration and equipment reviews from the pros!

One of North America’s best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers and a leader in the field of digital imaging and photographic education, Lepp is the author of many books and the field editor of Outdoor Photographer magazine. One of Canon’s original Explorers of Light, Lepp finds inspiration in advancing technology that fuels creative innovation and expression of his life-long fascination with the natural world.

Featured Articles

Photo Road Trip: sunrise from Dead Horse Point

Epic Photo Road Trip

Charting a course from Maine to Alaska for the photo adventure of a lifetime.

Look And See

In our rush to capture fleeting light and moments, it’s easy to just look, compose and shoot. “Seeing” requires that we slow down and shift into a different headspace.

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Lake Of The Clouds

Best times and locations to photograph in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Boom, Baby!

Exploring the explosive beauty of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.

Ermine and aspens by Tom Mangelsen

Winter Narratives

Tom Mangelsen’s approach to wildlife photography leads viewers to deeper stories.

Logan Pass, Going-to-the-Sun Road

Parks For The People

George Grant toiled in obscurity for nearly three decades as the first official photographer of the National Park Service. Ren and Helen Davis want to make sure his story isn’t lost to history.

To access this content, you must purchase Outdoor Photographer Membership.