D300 frame rate vs 12/14 bit Raw

[kirbinster]

I've noticed on my D300 that if I choose 14bit raw the max frame rate for the camera drops to 2.5 fps while if I shoot in 12bit I can get 6 fps. What is the difference in image quality between 12 bit versus 14 bit? Am I getting noticeably better quality in 14bit to sacrafice the faster frame rate?

[ravncat]

That is a very small difference, but one that is there. The 14 bit data may be more useful in the future, for now it only really seems to matter when pulling data fromextreme shadow. I don't have a d300 but have the 14 bit option.

The difference in iq is very minimal, an itgenerally takes unreal editing to bring out. If you need the fps don't worry about it and shoot 12

[sk66]

I always shoot in 12bit.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

14bit's really only useful if you have a gradient of tones that you want to get in (think sunsets and double rainbows).

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

What is the difference in image quality between 12 bit versus 14 bit? Am I getting noticeably better quality in 14bit to sacrafice the faster frame rate?

Only if you have a printer that can print 14bit images, or a monitor that can show 14bit properly. Otherwise, no.

Have you also looked at the SIZE of 14bit images compared to 12bit?

[kirbinster]

Size does not matter I have more the enough drive space and memory cards so I could care less about file size. I want to capture the best possible image that my equipment is capable of. I figure I will just leave it at 14bit and then change it to 12bit when I need faster frame rate. I probably should get a battery grip for it anyway to up the frame rate.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Size does not matter I have more the enough drive space and memory cards so I could care less about file size. I want to capture the best possible image that my equipment is capable of. I figure I will just leave it at 14bit and then change it to 12bit when I need faster frame rate. I probably should get a battery grip for it anyway to up the frame rate.

Doesn't do anything for the framerate at 14bit: The grip is only necessary to get the extra speed at the high end because the camera couldnt refill the capacitor that controls the mirror/shutter/sensor mechanism fast enough. With the grip, it can. Thats also why the camera works faster with alkalines (faster dump rate) or the EN-EL4 (it does 11fps in a D3. 7-8 is a piece of cake)

[kirbinster]

Thanks I could not find that tidbit anywhere else, maybe I need to rethink the grip then.