Comment by throw0101a
Comment by throw0101a 2 days ago
> Digital is mostly limited by bits, since a 14 bit image with a linear tone curve will have at most 14 stops of info right?
Bit depth ≠ dynamic range.
The dynaic range is about the highest and lowest value that can be measure ("stops" are a ratio per log_2, db are a ratio per log_10):
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range#Human_perception
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range#Photography
The bits are about the gradation with-in that range. You can have 12-stop image recorded using a 10-bit, 12-bit, 14-bit, or 16-bit format.
And at least when it comes to film, it is not a linear curve, at least when you get to the darkest and lightest parts. That's why there's an old saying "expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights"
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnt5yFArWo