Dynamic Range Really isn't as important as you are lead to believe.

It may not be important for some, but for me it is such an important issue that I rarely take my G1 Panasonic M4/3 camera out without a graduated filter attached - to try and keep the image within the cameras restricted dynamic range.

..and what subject do I shoot that gives me so much difficulty - Black steam locomotives in the UK. I need the grad to bring the skies down at least one stop to prevent either the sky blowing out or the black engine disappearing into one dark area.

Of course, for people who shoot 'other subjects', they may never ever have an issue.

...but please don't go telling manufacturers that DR isn't important, we may end up with ghastly cameras in the future.

PS. Your sky photos are great.

--
Adrian
http://www.t1000.co.uk/photography.htm