What does "dynamic range" mean in photography?

Dynamic range in photography refers to the range of brightness a camera can capture, which is fundamental to the quality and detail of the image produced. This encompasses the difference between the lightest light and the darkest dark that the camera can discern within an image. A camera with a wide dynamic range is capable of capturing more details in both highlights and shadows, allowing for greater tonal variation and a more balanced exposure in challenging lighting situations.

In terms of practical application, if a camera has a high dynamic range, it can effectively photograph scenes that include stark contrasts, such as bright sunlight alongside deep shadow areas, without losing detail in either extreme. This characteristic is especially important in landscapes and high-contrast scenes where both the bright and dark areas are crucial for conveying the overall mood and detail of the photograph.

The other options touch on related concepts but do not accurately capture the essence of dynamic range. Saturation adjustments pertain to color intensity, lighting conditions refer more broadly to the external environment rather than the camera's technical capability, and contrast deals with the difference between luminance levels within an image, which is a separate but related concept.