bit depth warning

Discussion of using SharpCap for Deep Sky Imaging
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psy1280
Posts: 208
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2018 4:52 pm

bit depth warning

#1

Post by psy1280 »

I got this warning the other night in SharpCap and don't know what it means or how to remedy the problem. How does one increase bit depth?

warning: Looks like you’re taking long exposures at a bit depth of 8, you may want to increase your bit depth.

Thank you,
Joe
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Re: bit depth warning

#2

Post by admin »

Hi Joe,

you need to change the colour space that your cameras running in – you are probably in RAW8 if you are using a colour camera or MONO8 if you are using a monochrome camera – change that to something like RAW12, MONO16 (something with a higher number after indicating a high bit depth). Once you start taking exposures of more than a few seconds there's usually enough detail in the image to warrant using the higher bit depth. When you're taking short exposures for lunar/planetary/solar imaging there's no point in having the higher bit depth – it just slows down your camera and make sure capture files bigger for no gain in image quality.

Cheers, Robin
psy1280
Posts: 208
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2018 4:52 pm

Re: bit depth warning

#3

Post by psy1280 »

Thank you Robin, so much to learn. Your help is invaluable.

Joe
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