In the world of photography there are many interesting and incomprehensible things for the average user. However, professional photographers who have been specially trained in this craft are able to understand all this and produce pictures of excellent beauty. One such feature is the dynamic range of cameras. To the average user, this phrase does not mean anything. A professional photographer on this parameter can choose a good camera. And now we will analyze the interpretation of this concept and what the dynamic range affects. First some general information.
What is dynamic range?
In simple terms, the dynamic range of a camera is the amount of detail that the device can "pull out" from light and dark objects withoutillumination or darkness. The fact is that modern cameras actually have a very small dynamic range. And if the image has a sharp transition from light to shadow, then with a 100% guarantee something will be highlighted or darkened. It doesn't matter if the exposure is correct or not. Modern professional cameras have a dynamic range of 8-10 stops (special measure for DD). While the human eye easily perceives 12-15 stops. And ordinary digital soap dishes barely stretch 6 stops. Naturally, in such conditions, there can be no talk of any dynamic range. That is why it is worth buying a DSLR (at least an entry-level one). They have the widest dynamic range at the moment.
How do I know what range a device has?
How to find out the dynamic range of the camera? Typically, manufacturers write this information in the characteristics of the device. But some neglect these figures. Although even if it is there, you should not rely on these numbers. Is there anything that could be written? Better to check it out. You need to find an area with a contrasting transition from light to shadow and try to photograph it at different exposure settings. If the device manages to "pull" the details out of the shadows, then everything is in order with the dynamic range. By the way, many DSLRs are capable of this. And here is the list of cameras with the best dynamic range.
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
A cool camera for professionals. Applies to cameras with largedynamic range. This handsome man is able to "pull out" almost any frame. The rest of the technical characteristics are also excellent. "Mark 2" has a full-size DSLR matrix with a resolution of 21.5 megapixels. Excellent result. Also, this camera belongs to the category of wide-format cameras. That is why professionals like to use it so much. This device has the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The ISO range is from 100 to 51200. This camera delivers stunning image quality thanks to its advanced sensor and incredibly wide dynamic range. At the same time, this camera is too expensive for the average user. Its price exceeds 400 thousand rubles. It is not affordable for many. However, there are other models with a wide dynamic range of cameras.
Nikon D750
"SLR" from Nikon is one of the best in its class. Specifically, this model has a wide dynamic range. But this is not the point here. And the main thing is that the camera has a full-size matrix. With all the ensuing consequences. This means that the device will be able to produce stunning beauty and quality photos in almost any shooting conditions. The dynamic range of the matrix of the Nikon d750 camera allows you to "pull out" even the most hopeless shots. Many semi-professional "DSLRs" are far from the "Nikons" in this regard. The camera has a matrix24.9 megapixels. The device can shoot video in 4K at 60 frames per second and has an incredibly fast autofocus. It makes it easy to shoot even fast-moving objects. Another advantage of this camera is the price. It is cheaper than the previous copy. And the difference is very significant. This camera is already available to many. That is why it is in very stable demand. However, let's move on to other instances.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The dynamic range of a Canon camera is its undeniable advantage over models from other manufacturers. And "Mark 4" also has very impressive technical characteristics for a camera of this class. A DSLR-type matrix with a resolution of 31.7 megapixels is installed here. There's fast autofocus, an optical lens, and a decent ISO range. And of course, there is optical image stabilization. Without it, a camera of this level simply cannot do. This camera can shoot video in 4K at 30 frames per second. However, the video quality leaves much to be desired. It is understandable. This camera is designed for photography, not video. But the photos are very beautiful and high quality. And it just affects the dynamic range of the camera. The cost of this model is 230 thousand rubles. This is the average price. Many models of this class are significantly more expensive. But this one is aimed at amateurs and enthusiasts. That's why the price is like that. Now let's move on to the next model.
Nikon D500
This camera is best suited for sports and wildlife photographers. Why? Because it has lightning-fast and almost always accurate autofocus. The autofocus system migrated here from the flagship (and very expensive) models from Nikon. This model was released back in 2016, but still has not lost its relevance. The camera has a full-fledged DSLR-type matrix with a resolution of 21.5 megapixels. There is a decent ISO range and a very impressive dynamic range (which is much more important). Also, the camera boasts the presence of optical stabilization and the ability to record video in 4K at 30 frames per second. The camera also has an optical viewfinder. This camera is perfect for beginners, as it has a very advanced (and well-tuned) automatic shooting mode. And users will be pleased with the price. It is much less than 200 thousand rubles, which are asked for the previous model. Let's move on to the next instance.
Nikon D7200
And Nikon again. This time it's a 2015 model. It has a very wide dynamic range for cameras of this class. It boasts other technical characteristics. For example, the device has a full-frame DSLR-matrix with a resolution of 24.5 megapixels. This means that the camera is capable of producing high-quality photographs under any lighting conditions. At the same time, inThe user has a very advanced autofocus and an optical viewfinder. Another key feature of this camera is the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. But the main thing is the dynamic range of the camera. Comparison with other models (even from the same manufacturer) showed that this camera has far better range than others. And this should be the main incentive for the acquisition of this particular Nikon. If there are still doubts, then here is the final chord: the price of the device does not exceed 70 thousand rubles. This is almost for nothing, considering the class of the camera.
Nikon D3300
Ultra-budget model from "Nikon". Great for beginners. But professionals will not be satisfied. The fact is that the characteristics of the camera are quite modest. Even with a wide dynamic range. This camera has an APS-C type sensor with a resolution of 24.7 megapixels. There is a decent level of autofocus and an optical viewfinder. Video device shoots only in Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, he can't do much more. But this camera boasts a very affordable price. It costs only 25 thousand rubles. This is the cheapest wide dynamic range DSLR in our review. Therefore, many people can afford it. In any case, this device will provide better photos than a standard digital soap box. And heperfect for those just starting out as a photographer.
Verdict
So, we have learned what dynamic range is in digital cameras. This is exactly what affects the quality of the display of details in the shadows in the image. It is worth noting that many manufacturers offer very good cameras with a wide dynamic range. But the trouble is that only SLR cameras have it. And they are much more expensive than conventional digital soap dishes. But it is customary to pay for quality. If you want to get high-quality photos, you will have to splurge on a high-quality camera and learn how to work with it. This is an axiom.
Conclusion
At the moment things are not very good with dynamic range even in top-end cameras. It cannot come close to the indicator that the human eye can distinguish. Therefore, there is nothing more stupid than comparing the dynamic range of a camera and the human eye. It's just a technical flaw. However, when taking photographs, this aspect should be taken into account in order to choose the correct exposure, competently “pull out” details from dark areas and not “light up” bright areas. But this takes practice. And a good camera. At least one of those described above. Then everything will definitely work out.
