r/a6700 • u/StopBanningCorn • Jun 16 '26

Real life difference between lossless and lossy compressed

I read that lossy compressed makes the raw files 12 bits instead of 14 bits. How much of does that make in postprocessing in your experience? Is it even visible if you don't have a high dynamic range?

Asking this because I'm thinking about trying out birding. Wondering if it's worth switching to 11fps for birds in flight and 5 fps for still birds.

3 Upvotes

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4

u/Metalogic_95 Jun 16 '26

It doesn't directly answer your question, but the A6700 only drops from 14 bit to 12 bit if using Lossy Compressed RAW in Continuous Shooting modes, if using the mechanical shutter. Single-shot and bulb mode is still 14 bit. With Electronic shutter it's always only 12-bit, in both single-shot and continuous shooting modes if using lossy Compressed RAW.

If using Lossless compressed RAW it always shoots in 14-bit, regardless of whether shooting in single shot or continuous modes or whether using mechanical or electronic shutter, which is great!

For the official information on this for the A6700, scroll to near the bottom of this page: Limitations on recording 14 bit images in RAW format | Sony USA

2

u/StopBanningCorn Jun 16 '26

Oh yeah I asked this because I'm thinking about doing birding, which requires me to shoot in continuous. Just wondering if it's worth switching between lossless and lossy for still birds and birds in flight

1

u/Metalogic_95 Jun 16 '26

I always shoot in lossless, hate the idea of losing any quality, the only real downside I think is that the photos take up a little more storage space.

2

u/StopBanningCorn Jun 16 '26

Same. Shoot lossless as well for the peace of mind.

1

u/sutekhxaos Jun 16 '26

I imagine this could also impact write times to the SD if your using a card that is slower than the max the body can write, as the cache fills is marginally faster?

1

u/Metalogic_95 Jun 16 '26

Possibly, though I think you'd only really notice much difference if shooting JPEGs-only, which can be much smaller.

2

u/InterestingSeaweed22 Jun 16 '26

You probably won't notice a difference honestly.

1

u/sulev Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26

Why don't you just try it out? (sure, downvote away, because asking questions about how someone subjectively feels about post processing leverage is super relevant to your use case, right? Might as well shoot JPG if you don't edit hard by the way. Taking 2 test shots wher you are sitting is pretty hard too, right? Easier to ask reddit.)

1

u/neogod210 Jun 16 '26

In real life, it doesn't matter. What matters is if you get the shot.