📷 Photography basics

Dynamic range

The range of tones a camera can capture from darkest to brightest.

What is dynamic range?

Dynamic range measures how many stops of light difference a camera can record between pure black and pure white while retaining detail. Higher dynamic range cameras capture more detail in both shadows and highlights simultaneously, important for products with reflective and matte surfaces.

Pro tips

Modern cameras have 12-15 stops of dynamic range

Shoot RAW to maximize usable dynamic range in post

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