64 bit processing?

<p>What will 64 bit processing bring to the digital photographer? Speed, quality, something else...?</p>

<p>If your system can handle it: speed.</p>

<p>I recently switched from XP to Vista 64bit. My system is a Dell XPS 410 core 2 duo with 4 GB or RAM. <br>

what is gained ?<br>

with XP you can only see 3 GB of RAM maximum. Part of that gets used up for ROM, video card, and other system uses. You are lucky get end up with 2.5 GB<br>

with Vista 64bit you get the full 4 GB or RAM in the system. The 64bit memory model has not a practical limitation (1 terabyte or some huge value). So the limitation is what your motherboard supports. <br>

I loaded CS4 64bit and it does process very quickly. <br>

Partly due to 64bit coding & allowing Photoshop CS4 more memory. Partly due to my CPU running as a 64bit processor and operating system (Vista 64). Compared to my 64 bit processor (core 2 duo) running a 32 bit OS (XP). Letting the processor run as a native 64 bit processor speeds up computations. <br>

One quirk of 64 bit CS 4 is that it only supports 64 bit plugins. I use these plugins:<br>

PTlens 64 bit to correct lens distortion, CA<br /> <a href="http://www.epaperpress.com/ptlens">www.epaperpress.com/ptlens</a><br /><br />Neat Image Pro 64bit for noise reduction <a href="http://www.neatimage.com/win/photoshop/index.html">http://www.neatimage.com/win/photoshop/index.html</a><br>

Adobe also loads 32bit photoshop, unless to de-select the install<br />That gives you legacy support for 32bit Photoshop plugins<br>

I think digital image processing rocks with CS4 64bit</p>

<p>Stability is another benifit. All hardware is 64 bit today. With a 64 bit OS and 64 bit applications like Lightroom and CS4 (win) running on 64 bit hardware, there are less conflicts.</p>

<p>Just make sure you have each and every device driver for hardware you want to use<strong> available as 64-bit driver</strong> before you upgrade a running 32-bit OS to its 64-bit counterpart.</p>

<p>My experience upgrading to 64 bit (HP machine with 8 Gb of ram, quadcore) is generally positive; all of my peripherals, including a fairly old Wacom tablet work fine by downloading updated drivers, except my webcam and my Nikon LS4000 scanner. The webcam is of no concern, easily replaceable and when my scanner comes back from repair, I am hopeful that advice I received here will let me use it with Vuescan software instead of Nikon.<br>

I do have a concern regarding some software: most is OK, even if only in emulation, but I find that system type software, like registry mechanic and norton system tools do not work. Seems they can't emulate I guess.<br>

But the speed increase with Lightroom and Photoshop (CS3) is amazing; no delays at all. The CS3 browser opens instantly whereas it used to take some time.<br>

Short answer, I'd recommend it.</p>

<p>It will bring about a 8 to 12% increase in system performance <a href="http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb404901&sliceId=1">http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb404901&sliceId=1</a> and the loss of a hole lot of plug-ins, as of now.</p>

<p>I work with video also and I am doing a reinstall of the 32 bit right now because the 64 bit version of Production premium won't work with my Canon XH-A1s and the RTx2 capture card.</p>

<p>There are a lot of plug-ins that just won't work, so be wise, and check what you use first.</p>

<p>I'll start with my summary first. You couldn't pay me enough to get me to go back to 32-bit Windows. I love it!</p>

<p>That said, as Charles mentions you do have to be sure that any critical devices have 64-bit drivers available. For me, the only device in question was my Nikon filmscanner, and Vuescan took care of that nicely. After installing the Vuescan driver, I can use Vuescan, NikonScan or Silverfast AI. No issues whatsoever - it all works flawlessly.</p>

<p>As for plug-ins, while Charles is correct that you lose some, the handwriting is on the wall. Most vendors are working on updates, and some are already available. I now have 64-bit support for my two critical plug-ins - Photokit Sharpener and Neat Image. You can always run the 32-bit version of CS4 (which installs alongside the 64bit version) to access any 32 bit plug-ins and then move back to the 64-bit version. And even 32-bit CS4 gives you access to more PS memory when run in the 64-bit OS, 3.2 gig vs 1.7 max on 32-bit Windows.</p>

<p>Quite honestly, the speed difference is not that noticeable. But the increased memory availability and associated flexibility is VERY welcome for much of what I do, so my overall workflow HAS sped up considerably. And while you hear a lot of griping about Vista, I've found Vista 64 to be rock solid.</p>

<p>Scott</p>

<p>Ditto what Scott said. I've been using Windows since 3.11. With XP, I had two boxes running the 32 bit and the 64 bit versions. Vista 64 is the best OS I've ever used. </p>