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Learn aboutDynamic range |
The Nikon D800 has the largest dynamic range we've seen of any camera at 14.4 EV.
Dynamic range refers to the maximum range a camera can capture from lightest to darkest. Cameras with more dynamic range can capture more variation in tone from light to dark, and can capture detail in lighter and darker parts of the image. This is especially useful when shooting RAW, the more range you have to start with, the more easily you can pull detail back from over or under exposed parts of the image.
Snapsort uses measurements from DxOMark for dynamic range. DxOMark recommends having a lot of dynamic range for landscape photography. These measurements are only available for cameras that shoot RAW which includes all DSLRs and a few high-end point and shoots.
An incredible black & white portrait taken with a Leica M8 rangefinder. Photography by Astragony via Flickr. ISO 320, 1/125s, unknown aperture and focal-length.
RAW Measurements
Dynamic range is measured by DxOMark based on the RAW images produced by the camera, not the final JPEG images. If you normally shoot in RAW, then you can be confident that these measurements will affect the dynamic range you'll see in your images. If you shoot JPEG though, there is further processing done by the camera once the image has been captured, which is not measured by these numbers, which may mean some cameras JPEG images are slightly worse or better than you'd expect.
Digital Cameras with Great Dynamic Range
Compact Cameras
The following compact cameras the largest dynamic range we've seen, keep in mind that only a few compact cameras are measured.
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Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100
from $648
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Learn more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 |
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
from $348
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Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 |
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Nikon Coolpix P330
from $329
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Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix P330 |
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Nikon Coolpix P7700
from $389
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Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix P7700 |
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See more of the top digicams with great dynamic range |
Mirrorless Interchangeable-lens Cameras
The following mirrorless interchangable lens cameras have the largest dynamic range we've seen.
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Leica M Typ 240
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Learn more about the Leica M Typ 240 |
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Sony NEX-7
from $948
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Learn more about the Sony NEX-7 |
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Sony Alpha NEX-6
from $648
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Learn more about the Sony Alpha NEX-6 |
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Sony NEX-5R
from $498
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Learn more about the Sony NEX-5R |
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See more of the top mirrorless interchangable lens cameras with great dynamic range |
Entry Level DSLRs
The following entry level SLRs have the largest dynamic range.
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Nikon D7100
from $1,197
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Learn more about the Nikon D7100 |
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Pentax K-5 II
from $780
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Learn more about the Pentax K-5 II |
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Nikon D5200
from $697
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Learn more about the Nikon D5200 |
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Pentax K-5 IIs
from $980
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Learn more about the Pentax K-5 IIs |
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See more of the top entry level DSLRs with great dynamic range |
Pro DSLRs
The following Pro SLRs have the largest dynamic range.
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Nikon D600
from $1,997
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Learn more about the Nikon D600 |
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Nikon D800
from $2,797
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Learn more about the Nikon D800 |
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Sony SLT-A99
from $2,798
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Learn more about the Sony SLT-A99 |
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Nikon D4
from $5,997
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Learn more about the Nikon D4 |
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See more of the top Pro DSLRs with great dynamic range |
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