How can I convert photos scaned at 48 bits to 24 bits or lower?

[MizDazee]

Years ago, I scanned hundreds of old family photos, to preserve what was left before further fading--also so I could eventually restore them. I scanned at a resolution of 2400, mostly with a bit depth of 24; but occasionally I even checked the box that doubled the bit depth to 48. I now understand that was ridiculous, but at the time thought I should scan as high as possible so I'd have plenty to work with later, figuring the photos could always be downsized. (Oh, I forgot to say, these are all tiff files.)

Now I'm finally getting around to them, starting with one by one resizing and cropping hundreds of large-file photos. So the first question is how to convert the 48-bit ones to 24. And the second question is will I be able to work successfully with 24 bits?

I'm using PSE 10 and PSE 14 on two PCs, both running Windows 10, Version 1703, 64 bit (triple-core processor, 8 GB ram). Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Whether to scan in 24 bits (8 bits/channel) or 48 bit (16 bits/channel) depends on the type of scan being done.

Scanning already printed photos on a flatbed scanner doesn't really benefit from 48 bit, but scanning transparencies like slides or negatives can benefit from scanning 48 bit.

Anyway in photoshop elements 10 or 15 you can go to Image>Mode and click on 8 bits/channel to get 24 bit (8 bits/channel).

You want to be in Full Edit (pse 10) or Expert (pse 15).

Photoshop elements is really made to edit in 24 bit (8 bits/channel), since a lot of filters and most tools don't work in 48 bit (16 bits/channel)

You can also open the scans into the camera raw dialog in pse 15 by going to File>Open in Camera Raw

Lots of info on scanning and editing after the scan here

http://www.scantips.com/

[MizDazee]

Thanks so much. You solved my problem.