When you use them as displacement maps (I used Mental Ray) you can really see the difference between 8- and 16-bit images. The 16-bit displacement maps creates a smooth surface. The 8-bit displacement map gives rise to lego-like terrace artifacts in the surface.
A lot of people say, 'I get it right in camera, so I don't need to push the images very far. Originating in 8 bits is fine for me.'
But what if you change your mind later and you need to create a key from a flesh colored arm against a not too different background. I think in that case you'll be glad to have the extra bits in between when you push one of those regions black and the other white.
(click for a closer look - note the artifacts)
(click for a closer look - smooth)
Leave a comment