[Image-SIG] python PIL 16-bit tiff files

[Guy K. Kloss]

On Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:32:32 Sebastian Haase wrote:
> are you sure it makes even sense to save a 16-bit RGB image ? This is
> not meant as an excuse for PIL to not support it,
> but 16mio colors should likely be enough for any application (i.e.
> 8bit per R,G and B)

It does make sense. Absolutely! Maybe not if you are *just* thinking in terms 
of final output for an end user, but during the whole 
capturing/processing/manipulation phase one can reduce many artifacts 
introduced through rounding, etc. Also when images are touched up by changing 
lightness or contrast images tend to expose "banding" quite severely.

This and other effects are also the background behind the increasing 
popularity of HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. Particularly in scientific 
imaging subtle differences are much preserved this way. And it looked like 
Dan's image is the result of a microscopic picture, or something like that, 
with low contrast. So it could strongly benefit from a change in lightness and 
contrast.

Higher channel bit depth are important for these cases, and even more to keep 
up with needed capabilities for the future!

Guy

-- 
Guy K. Kloss
Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences
Te Kura Pūtaiao o Mōhiohio me Pāngarau
Massey University, Albany (North Shore City, Auckland)
473 State Highway 17, Gate 1, Mailroom, Quad B Building
voice: +64 9 414-0800 ext. 9266   fax: +64 9 441-8181
G.Kloss at massey.ac.nz http://www.massey.ac.nz/~gkloss
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