What does the term "dynamic range" in digital imaging refer to?

The term "dynamic range" in digital imaging specifically refers to the range of exposures over which the imaging system can accurately reproduce data. This concept is crucial because it defines how well the system can capture high-contrast scenes, where both dark and bright areas need to be represented properly without losing detail. A broad dynamic range indicates that the system can handle a wider variety of exposure levels, providing more information and better overall image quality.

For instance, in radiographic imaging, having a wide dynamic range allows for greater differentiation between soft tissues and bones, which are represented by vastly different levels of exposure. If an imaging system has a limited dynamic range, it may result in either loss of detail in bright areas (overexposure) or in dark areas (underexposure), ultimately compromising diagnostic quality.

In contrast, the other options address different characteristics of imaging systems that do not relate directly to the concept of dynamic range. The maximum number of images that can be stored pertains to storage capacity, the speed at which the system processes images refers to performance efficiency, and the resolution of the images produced relates to the level of detail within each image. While all these features are important, none define dynamic range in the context of digital imaging as effectively as the correct answer does