dynamic range

[egproductions]

will a 16bit camera do better under contrasty light than an 8 bit image.

[MarcusX]

Don't mix up dynamic range and tonal range. 8 bit or 16 bit refers to the tonal range.
To capture a scene with bright light AND a lot of shadows, you need a high dynamic range (like 1000:1).

[Asa]

Or bracket like hell on a tripod when you're shooting :kali: