Apple Shake 4 - Manual (Page 447)

Chapter 15 Image Processing Basics 447
The following image shows a modification of the compositing tree shown on page 441.
An Other–Bytes node is inserted, and the image is bumped up to 4 bytes (32 bits, or float).
Notice that you are not obligated to promote your 3D-rendered element (here
represented with LinearCGPlate) to float, since it is already in linear color. The second
Bytes node at the end of the node tree is included in case you render to an .iff format—
you may want to convert it down to 16 bits for smaller storage costs. Cineon is always
stored at 10 bits, and therefore does not need the second Bytes node.
The following is a table of file sizes for 2K plates. Draw your own conclusions.
2K RGB Plate Size
Cineon, 10 bits 12 MB
IFF, 8 bits 9 MB
IFF, 16 bits 18 MB
IFF, float 36 MB