[Paul Wheeler]

From the authour,

I am sorry if my book confused you – let me try and explain…

With FILM we can measure the actual density on the negative – known as the relationship between D max and D Min – i.e. the actual measured densities on the negative – and these with a modern negative will have an EQUIVELENT brightness range of 11 stops of exposure.

Film by the nature of recording with silver rolls off, or declines, in its recording capacity towarbs maximum brightness and maximum darkness. Digital cameras, even high end ones, tend to record a very linear line of response – BUT – they can be trimmed to “roll off” if you prefer that.

With high end HD cameras we can only measure BRIGHTNESS RECORDED and again the range will be arround 11 stops of exposure.

In both these cases we are looking for the brightest part of the scene where detail can JUST still be recorded and the darkest part of the scene where detail can, again, just be recorded.

Does this make it clearer?

I hope so.

If not Email me.

All the best,

Paul