[waardij]

It all depends on context. Dynamic range is often used as a description for an input

property (the subject). In that context a sensor can have a large dynamic

range, capable of capturing a subject with high dynamic range. Contrast can be

used both at the input and at the output (screen, print). Contrast is more a

qualifier whereas dynamic range can be an objective property (which can also be

true for contrast, but it is often not used as such).

For example a print can simply not contain the dynamic range of many subjects. When you

would want to print a high dynamic range subject without manipulation, it would

become a very flat print (low contrast). Now assume that a landscape with a

bright sky is photographed; with a digital neutral density grad filter in for

example photoshop, the luminosity of the sky can be brought down to match that

of the foreground. In this way the dynamic range of the image is reduced, but

the perception of contrast need not have changed. And there are tone mapping

tools (or just using masks), that help reduce the dynamic range of the output,

without changing the perception of contrast.

Maybe the most extreme example are paintings. Usually the luminance range in a painting

is small (no dark shadows), while the perception of contrast can be very natural,

and independent of the dynamic range of the subject.




 

[Brightcolours]

It all depends on context. Dynamic range is often used as a description for an input

property (the subject). In that context a sensor can have a large dynamic

range, capable of capturing a subject with high dynamic range. Contrast can be

used both at the input and at the output (screen, print). Contrast is more a

qualifier whereas dynamic range can be an objective property (which can also be

true for contrast, but it is often not used as such).

For example a print can simply not contain the dynamic range of many subjects. When you

would want to print a high dynamic range subject without manipulation, it would

become a very flat print (low contrast). Now assume that a landscape with a

bright sky is photographed; with a digital neutral density grad filter in for

example photoshop, the luminosity of the sky can be brought down to match that

of the foreground. In this way the dynamic range of the image is reduced,

The dynamic range is increased. The white point has shifted due to the NDG filter.

but

the perception of contrast need not have changed. And there are tone mapping

tools (or just using masks), that help reduce the dynamic range of the output,

without changing the perception of contrast.

Maybe the most extreme example are paintings. Usually the luminance range in a painting

is small (no dark shadows), while the perception of contrast can be very natural,

and independent of the dynamic range of the subject.