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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 RX10 II dynamic range charts
JPEG dynamic range analysis: Disappointingly, the RX10 II lags a little behind the rest for dynamic range when shooting JPEG images – even the Nikon P900 comes out ahead.
Raw (converted to TIFF) dynamic range analysis: The results are similar for raw files. The RX10 II can't quite match the dynamic range of the Panasonic FZ1000, though it's close to the performance of the G3 X if you take the whole ISO range into account.
