What is Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the range of levels that a system can distinguish between the smallest and largest detectable signals or the ratio between the smallest and largest possible values of a quantity, such as sound intensity or light intensity.
In various domains, dynamic range is defined differently:
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Audio: In audio systems, dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and quietest sounds that can be faithfully reproduced. It is typically measured in decibels (dB). A wider dynamic range indicates a greater ability to capture and reproduce both very soft and very loud sounds without distortion or loss of detail.
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Photography: In photography, dynamic range refers to the range of light intensities that can be captured by a camera sensor or recorded by photographic film. It represents the difference between the brightest and darkest areas of an image that still contain detail. A high dynamic range in photography allows for capturing scenes with both bright highlights and deep shadows accurately.
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Signal Processing: In signal processing, dynamic range refers to the ratio between the largest and smallest values of a signal, often expressed in dB. It indicates the ability of a system to handle a wide range of signal amplitudes without distortion or loss of information.
In general, a higher dynamic range signifies a system's capability to capture, process, or reproduce a broader range of intensities or values, which is desirable in many applications to preserve detail and fidelity across different levels of intensity or signal amplitudes.
