What is the term for the difference between the brightest and faintest light sources that a detector can accurately see in an image?

The term that describes the difference between the brightest and faintest light sources that a detector can accurately capture in an image is known as dynamic range. Dynamic range is a critical concept in photography, videography, and imaging systems that reflects how well a device can reproduce a wide range of luminosity.

In practical terms, it pertains to how well an image sensor can handle the extremes of light in a scene – from deep shadows to bright highlights. A higher dynamic range indicates that the sensor can preserve details in both the darkest and lightest parts of an image without losing information to clipping or noise. This capability is essential for producing high-quality images that reflect the full tonal spectrum of the original scene.

The other terms, while related to light and imaging, do not specifically define the same concept as dynamic range. For instance, exposure range typically refers to the range of exposure settings that can be used while still getting a decent image, but it does not directly measure the differences in light intensity captured. Brightness ratio refers to the comparative brightness levels between different parts of an image but does not encompass the full range of captured light effectively. Light spectrum relates to the range of wavelengths of light visible to the human eye or captured by photographic sensors but is not indicative of