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    Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

    I am rather confused about what software I should use for my Nikon Film scanner. I am using Vuescan software as Nikon does not support Mac for a Coolscan 4000. My Mac is 64bit and when I use the 64bit Vuescan I get a very large file, so I think my question is - will the 64bit scans be better quality? I am scanning black and white 35mm negs.
    Thanks for any advice!

    #2
    Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

    I don't think there is a noticeable difference in quality, it's more to do with speed of the system, a 64 bit processor will work faster if you have enough memory and everything is compatible. E.g. My PSE only does 32 bit so 64 bit pics in LR have to be converted if I want to edit them.

    Google is your friend but there are lots of articles. This one seems ok with more links if you'd like them: http://digital-photography-school.co...s-it-all-mean/
    TS-E17 F4L, 70-300L, 100 F2.8L Macro. http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynelsworth/

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      #3
      Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

      Thanks for that, Wayne - I will follow that link and educate myself! I think I am a bit hazy about the difference between scanning a file in 8bit or 16bit and if these are affected by the 64 or 32 bit processor. I gather that the 16bit tiff comes into its own when the original negative is of poorer quality.
      I'll start Googling!

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        #4
        Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

        I think there is a little confusion here as to the use of the word 'bits'?
        The Mac being 64-bit is irrelevant to the scanning graduation/output. The same applies to whether a Microsoft Windows system is 64 or 32 bit, as this is the computer operating system architecture, rather than the scanning output.
        A film scanner cannot scan at 64-bit, and the determining factor on size of file is usually dpi.
        1Ds II, 1D IIN, 1D II, 5D, 1V HS, 3, 14L II, 16-35L II, 24-70L, 35 f/2, 40 STM, 50L, 85L II, 100L Macro, 135L, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 70-300​DO, 300L f/4, 1.4x II, 2x II, 580EX II, 430EX II, 270EX, MR-14EX

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          #5
          Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

          Thanks for your explanation - I think my confusion arose when I had the choice to download either the 64 or 32 bit version of Vuescan. So am I right in thinking that I should download the 64bit version and the only thing that will affect my scanning is the settings I make for each scan?

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            #6
            Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

            Originally posted by DianaS View Post
            Thanks for your explanation - I think my confusion arose when I had the choice to download either the 64 or 32 bit version of Vuescan. So am I right in thinking that I should download the 64bit version and the only thing that will affect my scanning is the settings I make for each scan?
            If you currently run a 64-bit operating system on your PC or Mac, then you should download the 64-bit version of the scanning software. Likewise if you run a 32-bit OS on your computer, you should download the 32-bit version of the scanning software.
            And yes, you're right in that the only thing that will affect your scanning is the settings you make for each scan in the software.
            Hope this helps :-)
            1Ds II, 1D IIN, 1D II, 5D, 1V HS, 3, 14L II, 16-35L II, 24-70L, 35 f/2, 40 STM, 50L, 85L II, 100L Macro, 135L, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 70-300​DO, 300L f/4, 1.4x II, 2x II, 580EX II, 430EX II, 270EX, MR-14EX

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              #7
              Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

              Thanks very much - understand it now

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                #8
                Re: Confused re 64 and 32bit scanning

                This is a very late reply but just to help further with the difference between the 'bits'.
                I work as a printer for a large format company.
                With regards to software for Mac or windows operating system much of what has been written is correct.
                The 64bit software has to work with 64bit chips on the motherboard & the software needs to talk the same language, 64 or 32bits for older chips ie. the processors.

                However, you can get Scanners that operate in 48 bit (yes 48) mode colour (or lesser) right down to 8 bit grey scale.
                The bits I am reffering to are RGB, red green & blue are separate channels, each is equal to one bit.

                Which is why 24 bit colour has 16.7 million colours.
                Grey scale has less detail of course so 8 bit grey has 256 scales of grey, usually the max for any scanner.
                Just to be clear all colour bit information starts from two colours; black & white ie, 2 bits, one for each.

                So 8 bit grey scale is 2 to the power of 8;- 2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2 = 256 shades of grey.

                Just to do the maths for the 24 bit equals 16.7 million colours.
                This is 2 to the power of 24;- 2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2*2 = 16,777,216 (to be precise).
                (/ = to the power of)
                Or
                1 bit (2/1) = 2 tones
                2 bits (2/2) = 4 tones
                3 bits (2/3) = 8 tones
                4 bits (2/4) = 16 tones
                8 bits (2/8) = 256 tones
                16 bits (2/16) = 65,536 tones
                24 bits (2/24) = 16.7 million tones

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