Big Ben's Panorama Tutorials

Dynamic Range

What is dynamic range?

Dynamic range is basically the range of subject brightness values over which a change in subject brightness will create a change in image brightness.  For digital cameras it is relatively simple.  The graph is fairly linear and there are clear limits to the sensitivity of the imaging chip.

For film, however, it's a completely different ball game.  The graph is much more curved, having a typical "S-shape".  At the limits of sensitivity the rate of change decreases (the contrast lowers) and the determination of the limits of change can become more subjective.