14-bit vs 12-bit: How does it affect IQ?

[t.linn]

As I understand the math, a 14-bit image has four times the data of a 12-bit image. My understanding has been that this extra data provides additional resolution which allows for more aggressive pushing and pulling of shadows and highlights. However, I recently saw a thread about the R5 where the OP was suggesting that a 14-bit image has a wider dynamic range than a 12-bit image. This doesn't sound correct to me. A sensor captures what it captures. Well capacity is well capacity. But then again, I'm not an EE and I don't want to Dunning-Kruger my way through the thread. How should I understand the benefits of those extra 2 bits?

 

[Loswr]

DR of the R5 at 14-bit, 13-bit (H+), and 12-bit (electronic shutter):



Bill Claff has lots of info on his site (https://www.photonstophotos.net/) about the details behind this.

 

[t.linn]

Thank you for taking the time to post this. I went to Bill's site and looked for articles. It didn't occur to me that this info would be on a graph, though now it seems like an obvious place to look.

 

[meywd]

DR of the R5 at 14-bit, 13-bit (H+), and 12-bit (electronic shutter):

View attachment 218233

Bill Claff has lots of info on his site (https://www.photonstophotos.net/) about the details behind this.

Side question, is ISO 100 the base ISO now instead of 160?

 

[t.linn]

Side question, is ISO 100 the base ISO now instead of 160?

I've always understood the native ISO of the R5 to be 100.

 

[Sporgon]

Still love the (12 bit) files from my 5D