Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

True or False: Human vision can perceive a greater gamut than what a camera can record.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in certain lighting

4. Depends on the camera

The correct answer is: True

Human vision is indeed capable of perceiving a wider gamut of colors compared to what most cameras can capture. This phenomenon is largely due to the complex physiological and neurological processes involved in human vision, allowing individuals to experience a vast range of color and brightness that far exceeds the capabilities of typical digital sensors. Cameras, although sophisticated, have limitations based on their sensor technology, color filters, and dynamic range. They can typically capture a limited spectrum of colors, known as the color gamut. While high-end cameras may come closer to approximating human vision, most consumer models fall short of this potential. Understanding this difference is crucial for photographers, as it influences how they approach color grading and post-processing. It is essential to recognize these limitations to effectively translate the vibrant scenes seen through human eyes into photographs that best represent those experiences.