16-Bit image processing in Vegas X?

Bill Ravens wrote on 9/29/2004, 6:59 AM
Having done a lot of still photograph processing with Adobe Photoshop CS, it's become quite apparent to me how necessary 16 bit processing is necessary to preserve the color mapping of an image. When doing a lot of levels and curves adjustments, 8-bit images, processed in 8-bit space, tend to exhibit banding very quickly.

Having noticed this, I would like to know if the Vegas team is considering implementing 10-bit or even 16-bit processing within Vegas. Yes, I understand that DV, by definition, is only 8-bit, however, as I said, intensive processing in post quickly generates additional problems when processing happens in 8-bit space.


Comments

rmack350 wrote on 9/29/2004, 8:30 AM
Hi Bill.

Could you do some demo images comparing the differences? What I'd be most curious about is what happens once you convert the processed image back to 8 bit space. I could do it myself but you've already got a good start.

Maybe 10bit or better processing is the sort of thing that could be an option in prefs so that those who have slower machines don't have to use it. I suppose it would also be useful to be able to write out 10bit media files and work with those on the timeline.

Of course, as a strategy, maybe there would be a "Vegas X" version (as you're suggesting) that comes with higher end tools and sits somewhere on the path between Vegas and XPRI.

Rob Mack
Bill Ravens wrote on 9/29/2004, 8:41 AM
Rob...

Have you ever seen posterization in cheap video? It's exactly this phenomenon. I'll generate some still captures to demo the problem if you need them.
rmack350 wrote on 9/29/2004, 4:13 PM
I was thinking it might make a nice demo for Vegas users or for Photoshop users.

Although I own Photoshop CS I won't be using it until my office upgrades. In the mean time I still use version 6 and the 16bit capabilities are a bit more limited. I have, tho, dabbled with doing some correction in 16bit mode. Since it was a bit of extra effort I stopped doing it.

I don't "need" the shots. I understand the premise even tho I don't have time to run my own tests right now. Just thought it was something good to demo.

Rob Mack