The binary image is stored as 8 bits because that is the smallest format available in LabVIEW. One advantage of this format is the ability to label the blobs, where each blob is assigned a different value. It is still binary objects, but they aren't just 0 and 1.
I don't understand why it won't save as an 8 bit tiff image. I see no need to convert it to 16 bits for saving. Perhaps try saving it in a different format.
Another option might be going the picture control route. I know the picture control VIs can manipulate packed images that have less bits per pixel. You might be able to use IMAQ ImageToArray to get the image data, then convert it to a boolean array that you can save using the picture controls. This is just an idea - I haven't tried
anything so I don't even know if it is possible.
Bruce
Bruce Ammons
Ammons Engineering