Do I need to convert my 12-bit camera to 8bits to "grab and save an .avi file? If so, HOW?

[mattymo]

i am using a 12-bit camera with imaq-vision software, the latest version, along with labveiw 7.0. I narrowed the error down to the ACI write frame icon. It is giving me an error that the image type is not correct. leaving the error image is not compatible error #1074396077. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[BruceAmmons]

Some cameras offer the option of 8 bit output, or you might be able to do it in MAX. If not, you will need to convert each image from 16 bit to 8 bit using a 4 bit shift and IMAQ Cast Image. Wire the 16 bit image as the source and an 8 bit image as the destination. Wire the output image to the AVI Write vi.

Bruce