08-30-2011, 04:20 PM
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1307273202' post='9045']
So, while one can say the 450D uses 14 bits and the D90 12 bits, both translate into 24 bits RGB (8-bit formats like JPEG) or 48 bits RGB (16 bit formats like 16-bit TIFF). There may be cameras where the 14 bits show an increase in actual information (like maybe the 1D mk III/IV), but the differences will be small. Between a D90 and 450D, I doubt any differences between the cameras are really impacted by the theoretical advantage of 14 bits over 12 bits.
[/quote]
Until very recently (and excluding Fuji S5 Pro camera which uses a special sensor technology), it was a myth that 14-bit RAW files were bringing anything more than random bits of information (ie. noise) leading to larger files. It was a pure marketing ploy from manufacturers to make people believe they were gaining some more pixel depth information when it wasn't the case at all.
This was true until recently with the release of Sony's 16MP sensor as found in the Nikon D7000, Pentax K5 and Sony cameras. That sensor is able to use, at very low ISO only, the extra 2 bits of information.
Fore more technical details about this, please read Gordon B. Good post below, an extremely competent figure in sensor technology and electronics:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=37014773
I wouldn't worry about 12 vs 14-bit, especially regarding the Canon as the extra 2 bits of "information" you get are nothing more than random noise.
So, while one can say the 450D uses 14 bits and the D90 12 bits, both translate into 24 bits RGB (8-bit formats like JPEG) or 48 bits RGB (16 bit formats like 16-bit TIFF). There may be cameras where the 14 bits show an increase in actual information (like maybe the 1D mk III/IV), but the differences will be small. Between a D90 and 450D, I doubt any differences between the cameras are really impacted by the theoretical advantage of 14 bits over 12 bits.
[/quote]
Until very recently (and excluding Fuji S5 Pro camera which uses a special sensor technology), it was a myth that 14-bit RAW files were bringing anything more than random bits of information (ie. noise) leading to larger files. It was a pure marketing ploy from manufacturers to make people believe they were gaining some more pixel depth information when it wasn't the case at all.
This was true until recently with the release of Sony's 16MP sensor as found in the Nikon D7000, Pentax K5 and Sony cameras. That sensor is able to use, at very low ISO only, the extra 2 bits of information.
Fore more technical details about this, please read Gordon B. Good post below, an extremely competent figure in sensor technology and electronics:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=37014773
I wouldn't worry about 12 vs 14-bit, especially regarding the Canon as the extra 2 bits of "information" you get are nothing more than random noise.