Dynamic range is a measure of how well an image can capture the variances in tones between the highlights and shadows. The higher the dynamic range, the more details and colors the image can preserve in both bright and dark areas. Film photography has a higher dynamic range than digital photography, especially for black and white images. Film can capture subtle gradations of tones and colors that digital sensors cannot reproduce.
Digital photography can improve its dynamic range by using techniques such as HDR (high dynamic range) or RAW (uncompressed) formats, but these require extra processing and storage space. Film photography does not need any special techniques or software to achieve its natural dynamic range.