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Dynamic range is a measure of the range of tones the sensor can capture. Cameras with low dynamic range will often show 'blown' highlights or blocked-in shadows. This test is carried out in controlled conditions using DxO hardware and analysis tools.
Read: Noise and dynamic range results explained
Dynamic range is measured in exposure values (EV). The higher the number the wider the range of brightness levels the camera can capture. This falls off with increasing ISO settings because the camera is having to amplify a weaker signal. Raw files capture a higher dynamic range because the image data is unprocessed.
Sony A7R II dynamic range charts
JPEG dynamic range analysis: Despite its high pixel count, the A7R II puts in a solid performance for dynamic range, and images have a good depth of tones.
Raw (converted to TIFF) dynamic range analysis: The A7R II's dynamic range is down on the original A7R, but it still compares favourably with that of the Canon 5DS, indicating that the camera captures a wider range of tones in a single image.
