Dynamic Range is the ratio between the brightest and darkest values that can be captured or displayed in an image or video, representing the span from pure black to pure white and all the tonal gradations in between. High dynamic range means a camera or display can handle a wide contrast between extreme highlights and deep shadows without clipping or losing detail, while limited dynamic range results in blown-out highlights or crushed blacks where detail is lost.

In cinematography and photography, dynamic range is a critical technical specification that determines how well a camera can handle challenging lighting conditions such as bright skies against dark interiors, harsh sunlight creating deep shadows, or high-contrast scenes with both very bright and very dark elements. Professional cinema cameras are valued for their ability to capture 12, 14, or even 16+ stops of dynamic range, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows that can be refined in colour grading. High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays can reproduce a wider range of brightness levels than standard displays, allowing viewers to see the full tonal range that modern cameras capture.

In AI image and video generation, dynamic range characteristics are often inherited from the training data, with models trained on cinematic or professionally lit content tending to produce outputs with convincing tonal range and gradation. Understanding dynamic range helps creators evaluate whether generated content has the tonal depth needed for professional delivery or if it requires additional post-processing to achieve the desired contrast and detail preservation.