![Rozpiętość tonalna, czyli zakres dynamiczny [eng. Dynamic Range]](https://marszalstudio.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rozpietosc-tonalna.webp)
In photography and film, Dynamic Range is a key parameter affecting image quality and the amount of visible detail in shadows and highlights.
In practice, the tonal range of a camera determines how many degrees (EV) the sensor is able to register without losing detail in the darkest and brightest parts of the frame. The higher the value, the more natural and detailed an image can be obtained in difficult lighting conditions.
Dynamic range in photography and film
It is usually measured in units of EV (Exposure Value) and professional cameras can reach values of 14-15 EV. This means that a very wide range of brightness can be captured in a single exposure.
In film, dynamic range is equally important, as it affects how the camera handles contrasting scenes. A camera with a high tonal range allows you to film in bright sunlight or twilight without losing information in highlights and shadows.
For example, high-end mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z9 or Sony A7R V offer a tonal spread of 14.5 EV, allowing photographers to work freely in variable lighting. On cheaper models, such as the Canon EOS R10, this parameter is around 12 EV.
Dynamic range of the human eye
The dynamic range of the human eye is much greater than that of most cameras. It is estimated that the eye can perceive differences in brightness equivalent to about 20 EV, although not in an instant – the brain dynamically adjusts exposure through pupil adaptation.
In practice, this means that a person can see detail in both a very bright and a very dark area of a scene, while the camera requires a compromise or HDR technique to achieve a similar effect.
Therefore, exposure blending techniques are often used to reproduce the scene in a way that is close to the perception of the human eye. This results in more natural and detailed images.
3 common mistakes when working with tonal range
- Overexposure of bright parts of the image
- Underexposure of shadows
- No use of HDR mode
Overexposure means a loss of detail in bright areas, which is particularly noticeable in wedding or landscape photography. To avoid this, it is a good idea to control and apply exposure compensation.
Underexposure of shadows leads to a loss of information in the dark parts of the frame. These can be partially recovered in processing, but this involves the appearance of noise.
Not using HDR mode in high-contrast scenes is a waste of your camera or smartphone’s capabilities. HDR allows you to combine several exposures into a single image with a greater tonal range.
7 proven ways to make better use of dynamic range
- Use the RAW format
- Use the histogram
- Use the bracketing technique
- Activate HDR mode
- Avoid shooting in bright sunlight
- Match exposure to brightest points
- Correct highlights and shadows in post-production
The RAW format preserves the full tonal range recorded by the sensor, giving you greater processing options. The histogram is a tool to help control exposure and avoid loss of detail.
Bracketing involves taking several photos with different exposure settings, allowing you to later combine them into a single image with a wide tonal range. HDR mode on cameras and smartphones automates this process.
Avoiding shooting in bright sunlight reduces the risk of too much contrast. Matching the exposure to the brightest points preserves detail in the lights, and shadows can be brightened later.
In post-production, programs such as Lightroom or Capture One allow the light and dark parts of an image to be precisely corrected, allowing the full potential of tonal spread to be realised.
Examples of the use of tonal range
In landscape photography, wide tonal range allows you to capture detail in both bright skies and dark areas. In real estate photography, it allows details to be shown in the shadows while maintaining the view out of the window.
In film, tonal range affects how natural scenes recorded in difficult lighting conditions, such as a sunset, look. Cinematographers often choose equipment with the widest possible tonal range to maintain freedom in post-production.
An appropriate tonal range avoids burn-in on glossy surfaces and preserves detail in dark product elements, which is crucial for e-commerce.
In medicine, for example in diagnostic imaging, the wide tonal range of devices allows for better visibility of detail in X-ray images or CT scans.
