8-bit vs 16-bit TIFF images

[Jon Mark]

I've printed both sizes (8x10) and so far are not able to tell a significant difference between them in the final output print (Canon i9900).

What are the advantages of printing in 8 vs 16 bit?

Thanks

[Josh Liechty]

I'll assume that you understand the advantages of editing in 16 bit, but you see that there's no difference between 8 bit and 16 bit output. For most printers (except the new Canon ipf5000), the output is reduced to 8 bits per channel before being printed, so you've essentially printed the same thing both times. Only with the ipf5000 (see Michael Reichmann's review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/printers/canon-ipf5000.shtml)) is there an advantage to sending 16 bit content directly to the printer with Canon's 16 bit printing Photoshop plugin.

[Jon Mark]

Thanks Josh for the helpful response.

I set up my i9900 a year ago and really haven't had issues. Just thought I'd throw the question out there. The info you provided was very interesting.