1. A method for representing a plurality of data samples, comprising the steps of: (A) calculating a maximum value of said data samples in a camera; (B) generating an exponent common to all of said data samples based on said maximum value and a threshold value in an iterative sequence; (C) generating a plurality of mantissae by quantizing said data samples based on a plurality of randomized quantization bins and said exponent, wherein each of said mantissae corresponds to a different one of said data samples; (D) buffering a block containing said mantissae and said exponent in a memory; (E) converting said block as buffered in said memory into a fixed-point representation; and (F) processing said data samples as a picture after conversion to said fixed-point representation.