Scanner bit-depth output

Film scanners vary in the no. of bits that they can output for each colour (8, 12, 14 and 16). But am I right in thinking that most image manipulation software is limited to working on 8-bits per colour? (I know, for example, that Photoshop LE can crop 16-bit/ colour pictures, but won't allow adjustment of saturation etc.) If so, what is the advantage of having the extra bits, and are there software packages capable of working with the full 16-bits?
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Most common file formats store 8 bits per channel for R G and B, that equals 24 bits.
48 Bits is recommended for quality scanning, to maintain tonal quality/detail while manipulating.
Two software programmes I would recommend for dealing with 48 Bit files are Photoshop 6.0 + and Picture Window Pro [ my preference ]. John.
48 Bits is recommended for quality scanning, to maintain tonal quality/detail while manipulating.
Two software programmes I would recommend for dealing with 48 Bit files are Photoshop 6.0 + and Picture Window Pro [ my preference ]. John.