What does "dynamic range" refer to in imaging?

Dynamic range in imaging specifically refers to the range of exposures that a sensor or detector can capture, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. This parameter is crucial because it determines the ability of the imaging system to represent details in both highly illuminated areas and deep shadows. A wider dynamic range allows for more nuanced and detailed images without losing information in extreme lighting conditions, making it an essential characteristic in photography and other visual disciplines.

In contrast, factors such as color variety, file width, and aspect ratio relate to different aspects of an image but do not define dynamic range. For instance, the variety of colors in an image pertains to its color gamut, while file width refers to data size and does not influence the detail captured by the sensor. Similarly, the aspect ratio defines the proportion between an image's width and height, which is crucial for composition but not directly related to how well a sensor can capture varying light levels.