Color depth (bit depth) is a parameter that indicates the number of bits used for each pixel of a display, directly affecting the number of colors it can produce. The higher the bit depth, the smoother the tonal transitions and the more detailed the image. For example, a 6-bit panel can display up to 262,000 colors, while an 8-bit panel over 16 million.
Higher color depth is important in applications requiring precise detail reproduction, such as medical imaging, graphic and photographic equipment or professional monitors. This parameter also affects support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which requires at least 10-bit processing. Color depth is one aspect of image quality, alongside contrast, brightness and color gamut.
