In practice, many digital cameras capture about 5–11 stops of usable dynamic range, depending on the camera, processing, and ISO. Better cameras at base ISO are often cited around 10–11 stops, while dynamic range usually decreases at higher ISO. A sensor’s A/D bit depth (for example 10–14 bit) does not automatically equal real dynamic range, because noise is the limiting factor.

For film, common estimates are:

• negative film: about 9–10 stops of latitude
• reversal/slide film: about 5–6 stops

What you finally see also depends on the output medium. Prints, projected slides, monitors, and TVs may show less range than the original capture. So a photo can contain more dynamic range than your screen or print can display at once.

A practical way to estimate your own camera is to shoot a uniform scene in manual mode, stepping exposure by 1 stop from fully black to fully white, then count the usable steps. JPEG settings such as contrast can affect the result, so RAW-based tests are usually more meaningful.

In short: real photographic dynamic range is lower than theoretical bit-depth limits, varies by camera and ISO, and is often constrained by the final display medium.