Dynamic range
For a modern APS-C-format camera, the X1 has a relatively restricted dynamic range of 10.5EV, but this is very respectable for a compact model.
As usual with this type of camera, the X1 can display a histogram view of the scene before it is captured as an image, so exposure adjustments can be made to ensure any highlights are retained without overdarkening the shadows. Surprisingly for a modern digital camera, the X1 doesn’t have a selectable dynamic-range optimisation mode to brighten shadows or darken highlights in high-contrast situations.
Image: This graph shows the brightness values recorded by the test camera when it is used to photograph a stepped graduation wedge
The wedge has transmission values in 1⁄2EV steps ranging from 0 to 12EV. The camera’s exposure is set so the 12EV section in the wedge has a brightness value of 255.
Software analysis of the image then determines the recorded brightness values of all the other steps and calculates the camera’s dynamic range.
