Which aspect of digital imaging best determines the level of detail visible in an image?

The level of detail visible in a digital image is most directly determined by pixel density. Pixel density refers to the number of pixels per unit area in an image, typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI). A higher pixel density means that more pixels are packed into a given area, which translates to greater detail and clarity in the image. This is particularly important in digital imaging, as each pixel represents a sample of the image data; therefore, more pixels allow for a more accurate and nuanced representation of the subject being imaged.

Factors such as dynamic range and exposure latitude contribute to the overall quality and tonal range of the image, but they do not inherently affect the level of detail. Dynamic range relates to the range of brightness levels that the imaging system can capture, while exposure latitude refers to the range of exposure levels that retain image quality. Spatial frequency, on the other hand, deals with the detail per unit distance in an image, but it is influenced by pixel density and is not a direct measure of the level of detail itself.

Therefore, pixel density is the most critical factor in determining how much detail can be represented in a digital image, making it the correct choice in this context.