| For the best possible final quality, only convert to 8-bit at the end. That said, if you make your major tonal adjustments in 16-bit, that is the most important thing. Specifically, if you're adjusting contrast through curves or levels, or significantly adjusting exposure, it should be done in 16-bit. Dodge & burn are also best done in 16-bit. Things like cloning, sharpening, etc., are not that sensitive to the bit depth. It's mainly where you're changing the slope of the curve (contrast) or pushing values up or down significantly that 16-bit has the advantage. Doing these steps in 16-bit will produce smoother tonal transitions, greatly minimize posterization. The differences most often are subtle, but can bee dramatic at times. |
