8-Bit vs 10-Bit Video: Why Color Depth Matters for Stunning Cinematography

What is Color Bit Depth?

Here’s the math behind it:

• 8-bit video → 256 shades per channel → 16.7 million colors.
• 10-bit video → 1,024 shades per channel → Over 1 billion colors.
• 12-bit video → 4,096 shades per channel → Trillions of colors.

With more shades per channel, higher bit depth prevents abrupt color transitions, which often appear as ugly “banding” in footage. If you’ve ever seen a sunset gradient turn into visible color strips, that’s 8-bit limitations at play. If you’re interested in cinematic colors, learn more about our color grading LUTs here.

Why Does Bit Depth Matter?

1️⃣ Smooth Gradations – 10-bit and 12-bit footage eliminates banding in areas like skies, clouds, and skin tones. More shades mean better color accuracy and realism.

2️⃣ Color Grading Flexibility – If you’re working with log footage, 10-bit files allow more extreme exposure and color adjustments without introducing artifacts. You can push shadows, highlights, and color tones further without destroying the image.

For example, if you’re shooting in Log mode, 8-bit footage can break apart quickly when applying LUTs or heavy color corrections, while 10-bit retains its quality. Learn more about Log Files in Filmmaking.

8-Bit vs 10-Bit Video: Key Differences

Practical Implications of Bit Depth

✅ Skies & Clouds – 8-bit footage often struggles with smooth gradients, leading to noticeable banding.

✅ Green Screens & VFX – Chroma keying is much cleaner in 10-bit, reducing the risk of jagged edges.

✅ Skin Tones – 10-bit footage maintains more natural transitions in skin tones, especially under varied lighting.

✅ Log Footage – 10-bit and 12-bit formats are essential for professional-grade log footage to maintain image integrity during grading.

Understanding RAW, Log, and Rec.709 Footage can also help you achieve better results.

Choosing the Right Bit Depth for Your Project

✔ Use 8-bit if:

• You need smaller file sizes for fast editing.
• Your final destination is YouTube or social media.
• You’re not planning on extreme color grading.

✔ Use 10-bit if:

• You’re working with professional video projects.
• You need heavy exposure correction.
• You shoot in Log mode and want cinematic colors.

✔ Use 12-bit if:

• You’re working in HDR production.
• Your project requires extreme dynamic range and color fidelity.

Downsides of Higher Bit Depth

📂 Larger File Sizes – A 10-bit file is roughly 30-50% larger than its 8-bit equivalent. Storage and backup solutions become essential.

🖥 Computing Power – Editing 10-bit footage requires a powerful machine. If you’re using an older laptop, expect playback lag.

📺 Compatibility Issues – Many consumer-grade monitors only display 8-bit color. To fully appreciate 10-bit footage, you need a 10-bit display.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about color grading for video, consider upgrading your workflow to support high-bit-depth formats. Experiment with both 8-bit and 10-bit footage, and see the difference yourself!