Digital BW, The Print

Austin,
 
>> Just trying to get in sync with your terminology because I think
>> your usage
>> may be more precise and correct than common usage. Commonly
>> "dynamic range"
>> is used to describe the "range" of tones
> 
> Right, but the proper term is density range, NOT dynamic range.

I Getcha.
 
>> because then what term *would* be use
>> to describe
>> the ability to discern the discreet in-between tones? Martin, what term
>> would you use for that ability?
> 
> Why, Dynamic Range, of course ;-)  That's why the word "dynamic" is
> used...which basically means "of or relating to variation of intensity" in
> this use.

I follow.

So back to the step wedges... At each end of the scale either process
(inkjet vs silver) will give you it's paper white for dmin, and max black
for dmax, and the range between those two will define their "density range".

Then, once the ends are taken into account, what may mitigate either
processes ability to discern intermediate tones (dynamic range - which
includes the endpoints as well) will be noise, which in the case of inkjet
might be poor profiles/separation curves, toothiness of paper, nozzle
alignment, etc, and in the case of silver prints might be lens aberration,
flare, dust on the negative, improper development, etc?

Thus you can have a situation where one process has a greater density range
but a lower dynamic range, and vice versa?
 
> BTW, this stuff is just so important to a deeper understanding of quite a
> lot of stuff in photography, much less other things in life.  At least in my
> opinion.

For example?
 
> BTW2, did my explanation of your A vs B question answer the question?

Yes!

> And...your "Z's" are done ;-)

Thanks! :-)

Todd