Camera Glossary

The range of light intensities a camera can capture in a single exposure, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.

Detailed Explanation

Dynamic range represents a camera's ability to capture detail in both bright and dark areas of a scene simultaneously. High dynamic range means the camera can record more detail across a wider range of lighting conditions. Modern digital cameras typically have better dynamic range than film, though they still may struggle with very high-contrast scenes. Techniques like HDR photography combine multiple exposures to capture a broader range of tones than possible in a single shot. Understanding dynamic range helps photographers decide when to use exposure bracketing or graduated filters.