NEFs in PS CS2: Convert to 8 Bit Before Making TIFs???

I'm currently editing my D70's NEFs in Photoshop CS2 (including downsizing &
adding canvas), saving as 16 Bit TIFs and printing on my dye sub printer. My
last step before saving is sharpening. I'm thinking that since my dye-sub
printer only prints in 8 Bits, that I might as well save the TIFs first as 8
Bit files since it will have absolutely no effect on quality (and save space
which really isn't an issue for me). Does my argument make sense? If it
does, at what point should I convert to 8 Bit (immediately upon opening NEF,
before resizing, after sharpening??? It would seem that after sharpening
would make sense since 16 Bit TIFs are converted to 8 Bit during printing
anyway, right? Thanks for suggestions.

I'd keep at least a copy in 16 bit Tiff after doing all processing in
16 bit if space isn't an issue. What if a new or different printer
comes in to the picture later?

WIthout rehashing the 8 vs 16 bit argument (does a recording sound better if
it goes out to 30,000 hz if hearing does not?) I believe it makes more
sense to save in the Photoshop psd format with all layers intact and clearly
labelled, notes appended if applicable. In particular sharpening should be
applied to a separate layer and clearly labelled as such. More often than
not I save images without any sharpening and apply sharpening tailored to
the specific use of the image. If you shoot raw save the unmanipulated raw
file as well.

good question. i have contemplated whether or not to all my major
adjustments in camera raw and then just convert right there to 8 bit.
however, i work for a magazine who has me save EVERYTHING in 16bit
thinking that soon the printer technology will catch up to photoshop's
and be able to handle the wider gammut of colors available in 16bit.
so... i have begun to do the same with my files. the main issue is
storage and memory is getting cheaper everyday. you can save space by
keeping your files in psd format if you are printing on your own
computer. most photolabs want tiffs or jpegs just because they cannot
handle psd files. i could go on and on but seems your points of
interest are mainly 8 bit vs 16 bit.
hope this helps,
carolyn

www.carolyncoffey.com

good question. i have contemplated whether or not to all my major
adjustments in camera raw and then just convert right there to 8 bit.
however, i work for a magazine who has me save EVERYTHING in 16bit
thinking that soon the printer technology will catch up to photoshop's
and be able to handle the wider gammut of colors available in 16bit.
so... i have begun to do the same with my files. the main issue is
storage and memory is getting cheaper everyday. you can save space by
keeping your files in psd format if you are printing on your own
computer. most photolabs want tiffs or jpegs just because they cannot
handle psd files. i could go on and on but seems your points of
interest are mainly 8 bit vs 16 bit.
hope this helps,
carolyn

www.carolyncoffey.com