Float Or 16bit

Compositing
1

Hi,

What are everyone's thoughts on putting film scans into float space when compositing?

I've worked at facilities where it was required and others where they didn't mind if comp'ing was done all in 16bit.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of both? Does float space really make that much of a difference to final ouput when it's converted back to 16bit anyway before exporting?

Cheers

M

2

Film is generally delivered back to the lab as a 10bit log file.

But basically working in float is a much easier porcess. Apart from the ease of use float is the most relaible way to ensure that no data is lost in shake compositing process. Even working 16 bit you run the risk of clipping data through your compositing process, especially in areas of very hig exposure or varied luminance.