Dynamic Range of Digital SLRs?

Question

I was looking at the dynamic range of several different DSLR cameras recently, and was needing some help clarifying some things. The way I understand it, dynamic range is the number of stops between pure white and pure black. As I said in another post, film has around 14 stops of dynamic range, while older digitals have 5-7 stops. From what I've read, though, the key is that film has a better latitude than digital; meaning details in the shadows and highlights still persist, gradually fading into black or white. Digital is said to be somewhat like a brick wall, meaning the dynamic range stops suddenly at a certain point.

Sorry for me rambling on, but I'm building up to my question. Anyway, I was wondering which DSLR has the best Dynamic range. I know of course about the Nikon D3 and the Canon 1D series, but what about the Nikon D300, Canon 40D, etc.

More specifically, what about the Nikon D300, Fuji S3 Pro, Nikon D60? I've heard good things about the Fuji's range, but what about the D300 and even the D60? How many stops are we talking about here? Thanks.

Answer 1

Put simply, the DSLR with the best dynamic range is one with a larger sensor.  A larger sensor means more range because each individual photosite is larger.  For example, a 24x36mm sensor with 12 megapixels has larger pixels than a 17x14mm sensor with the same resolution.  This is known as pixel density.  Larger pixels can collect more light than smaller one's, giving them the extended range over a sensor with smaller pixels.  Processing is responsible for the current gap in the range, as it is compared to the latitude of film.  Moore's law shows us that the gap is closing fast.

More on pixel density:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/080703...

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=pixe...

This is a tough subject, you'll be quite disappointed if you're looking for someone to give you the "answer" you're looking for, unless they work for Nikon's semi-conductor division.  I hope that my answer can shed light, but I'm not that guy.

Peace

Answer 2

FF give the best DR without the brick wall effect,

negs are 14 around stops, trannies are around 7 stops,

a