EOS 10D

[Mikey-2u]

I have heard from someone who has done some weddings with a 10D that the contrast between the groom's black & the bride's white is much much better on film - Opinions please!

[Jesper]

The dynamic range of digital cameras (in general; not just of the 10D) is about the same as slide film, 5 or 6 stops, compared to print film (negatives) which has about 10 stops of latitude.

That means that if you have a subject with a big contrast difference (such as the white dress and black suit of a bride and groom) you have to be very careful with your exposure, so that you don't overexpose the white dress or underexpose the black suit. With print film, you don't have to be as careful, because it can handle large contrast differences more easily.

Some digital cameras are better than others with regard to dynamic range. Currently, only medium format digital backs (which cost something with five figures) can match the 10-stop range of print film.

To get the maximum possible dynamic range out of your camera, you should shoot in RAW format. Here is a detailed explanation about tonal quality and dynamic range in digital cameras (http://www.normankoren.com/digital_tonality.html).

[blacktape]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but
1. DSLRs seem to have a higher dynamic range than slide (at 5). As a matter of fact, norman koren's stated 5-7 stops.
2. When you specify print film, I believe there's a difference in BW and color print film.
3. The highest dynamic range is from a BW print film, around 7-8 stops.

I don't think any film has 10 stops of dynamic range.

Now what I've heard is that 5x4 or 8x10 films have higher dynamic range than 135 or 120 films because of the amount of silver it contains.

It probably is a good idea to do dynamic range tests of digital cameras.

[robertwgross]

I've read that good negative film can hold about eight stops of dynamic range. Slide film is less, about 5-6 stops, and a good DSLR is similar.

Whatever. The B&G white & black problem is real, and negative film captures it with the most reliability.

---Bob Gross---

[Jesper]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but
1. DSLRs seem to have a higher dynamic range than slide (at 5). As a matter of fact, norman koren's stated 5-7 stops.
2. When you specify print film, I believe there's a difference in BW and color print film.
3. The highest dynamic range is from a BW print film, around 7-8 stops.

I don't think any film has 10 stops of dynamic range.

OK, OK, don't flame me because of details - the idea about dynamic range should be clear now to Mikey.... :)

[leony]

MF digital has increased apparent dynamic range due to greated number of pixels. Right now IMACON is on top of the world. http://www.imacon.dk

Their top of the line back retails for US$30,000 or there abouts. It's beautiful thing if you can afford it. This thing blows film out of the water except where long exposures are used (astro and night photography).

[robertwgross]

I'm sure that we'll all rush out and buy a few for $30K.

---Bob Gross---

[Belmondo]

You know, if Canon would put there name on it, someone here would buy it just on general principals.