Photographer and popular YouTuber Manny Ortiz just put out a video on why sometimes dynamic range is more important than megapixels. He takes us behind-the-scenes for one of his photo shoots using the α7R II and uses the resulting photos to show how he uses dynamic range to retain details.

"Megapixels do matter. Having a lot of megapixels allows you to reframe your shot in post so you can literally compose your shot after the fact and still have enough resolution. And you can change your portrait photo into a landscape photo. You can change the aspect ratio of your photo and still have plenty of resolution and that has sometimes gotten me out of a really serious pinch when I didn't shoot right on location."

"But, dynamic range is still more important to me."

He goes on to explain dynamic range and how having a camera like his α7R II, which can capture broad dynamic range, allows him to retain the detail in the shadows and highlights. Having that detail and being able to work with it in post can be the difference between making a beautiful image instead of tossing it into the trash bin.

"So when you're shooting on a really, bright sunny day and you've got those deep shadows on the model's face or the wedding party, you're able to boost the shadows without degrading your photo and getting all of this noise in the shadows. My Sony α7R II has amazing dynamic range, and that's why I love this camera."

See the full video:

Manny Ortiz is a member of the #AlphaCollective. You can follow him on Instagram @mannyortizphoto_