Difference Between 12 and 16 bit audio

the manuals tend to be a bit vague on the 12 and 16 bit audio. Two stereo channels might be better for some situations, but stay in the 16 bit mode unless you have a reason to use 12 bit. 12 bit mode is sampled at 32kHz and has 4 tracks. 16bit mode is sampled at 48kHz and has 2 tracks (Stereo). The 12 bit mode is not high as quality but it does allows you to do audio dubbing on some camcorders, perhaps have two stereo channels or add narration. But I think it's normally lot easier to add audio/narration etc while on your computer editing. 12bits * 32kHz * 4 tracks uses the same number of bits per second as 16bits * 48kHz * 2 tracks. It seems that unless you have a need for 4 tracks you should use 16 bit, but some camcorders do default to 12 bit.

Yes. If you are only editing in stereo use 16-bit. It is CD quality. 12-bit will sound kind of muddy.

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