To add ... The main differences between an 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit image are: 8-bit (handles only 256 colors, or 2 to the 8th power) 16-bit handles 65,536 colors, or 2 to the 16th power. There are still only 256 shades of gray, however. 24-bit handles 16 million (or thereabouts) colors. , or 2 to the 24th power. This is actually more colors than the eye can see naturally, so that's the best we are gonna get. 8-) 32-bit is the same as 24-bit, but with the addition of an alpha channel.