How Dynamic Range Works in

Photography & Film

One of the key differences between professional images and amatuer images is
detail. Detail, or lack thereof, is the difference between a cinematic shot and a
video-looking shot. Capturing more detail requires a solid understanding of
dynamic range. What is dynamic range in photography?

Dynamic range in photography and cinematography is a fundamental technical

principle that ultimately allows you to bring your creative vision to life. Without
an understanding of this range, you run the risk of creating images that fall flat,
are blown out, or get crushed.

Dynamic range in photo & film

Dynamic range is not specific to photography and cinematography. It is a term

used in audio, tech, and mathematics in general. To better distinguish this
concept as it pertains to photography and cinematography, let’s take a look at
the dynamic range definition.

DYNAMIC RANGE DEFINITION

What is dynamic range?

Dynamic range is the ratio between the maximum and minimum values of a
varying measurement. As it pertains to photography and cinematography, this
range is the ratio between the whitest values (brightest) and darkest values
within an image.

For cameras, dynamic range is what determines how much detail one can
capture within an image. It is measured in f/stops or t/stops. The wider the
range in stops, the greater the range.

A high dynamic range typically means that more detail in both highlights and
shadows can be captured. A low range means that details in shadows may be lost
or details in highlights may be blown out.

Benefits of full dynamic range photography:

• Greater detail in highlights and shadows
• More control over an image when editing
• Less reliance on artificial lighting

Dynamic range photography

Why dynamic range is important

What is dynamic range used for and why is it important? Have you ever tried to
take a photograph in high contrast lighting and found that you needed to make a
compromise? You had to choose between exposing for the highlights or exposing
for the shadows.

No matter which you chose, detail in the image was lost.

This common problem can be traced back to the dynamic range of your camera.
It’s important to think of dynamic range photography as a bracket. This bracket
falls onto the tonal spectrum of white to black. The dynamic range of a camera is
essentially the range on the tonal spectrum where the camera retains detail and
information. Everything outside of this range becomes crushed to absolute black
or clipped to pure white.

Dynamic range camera scale

Cameras with lower ranges often let shadows fall to pure black and/or highlights
to be blown out and lost completely. A higher range is much better at retaining
detail and information in both highlights and shadows.

Why is this important? A higher range means more detail. And more detail
results in more professional and vivid images. In the video below, you’ll see three
examples of cameras with varying ranges. Take note of how each range directly
impacts the detail of the shots.
Full dynamic range photography explained

Ultimately, the benefit of a greater range is that the camera sensor retains more
information in an image's highlights and shadows. This also means that you
have more control over your image when editing it in post-production. It also
means that you get to rely less on artificial light to properly expose all areas of
your image.

When it comes to cinematography, a higher range can be the determining factor

between cinematic shots and video-like shots. Having a greater dynamic range
will generally lead to capturing better images. To better understand this concept,
it is important to understand the ins and outs of camera exposure. Check out our
ebook The Ultimate Guide to Exposure for in-depth information.

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High dynamic range photography
How to maximize dynamic range

Now that you understand all the benefits of a high dynamic range, you might
want to utilize it yourself. How exactly? Well, the first and most obvious way is to
use a camera with the highest range.

Dynamic range photography is measured in stops. Doing research on the best

DSLR cameras or best mirrorless cameras on the market will inform you on
which cameras have the best dynamic range photography.

When it comes to cinematography, a cinema camera's range will always beat that
of a DSLR.
What is dynamic range in photography?

However, cinema cameras do carry a hefty price tag. So how do you maximize
your dynamic range within your images if you’re working with the limited range
of an average DSLR or mirrorless camera?

Both have in-camera tools called the histogram and the highlight alert that can
help you get the most detail in your shots. The histogram will inform you on the
distribution of light within your image. If you cannot expand your range, the
next best thing you can do is ensure that you are using your camera to the best of
its ability.

What is dynamic range and its impact visually? Check out the video below to
learn more about the histogram and highlight alert and how they can help
maximize the range in your image.
How to Maximize Dynamic Range Camera Tips

If you are shooting still photography, it is important to note that shooting in

RAW will allow you to retain much more information when editing your images
in post. So even if your image was taken without the use of a histogram, you can
correct your mistakes when editing.

In cinematography, however, you do not have the luxury of shooting video in

RAW file formats. This means that any highlights that are blown out or shadows
that are crushed are lost for good.

This is why cinema cameras prioritize high ranges. This is important to keep in
mind if you plan to shoot both photo and video.

UP NEXT
What is the Exposure Triangle?

Understanding the limits of your camera’s dynamic range is only one part of
properly exposing an image. To utilize your camera’s dynamic range to the best
of its ability, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the
exposure triangle. Check out our next article to learn how ISO, aperture, and
shutter speed all determine how an image is exposed.

Up Next: Exposure Triangle →