What term describes a camera's ability to render sharp edges in the photograph?

The term that describes a camera's ability to render sharp edges in a photograph is acutance. Acutance refers to the perceived sharpness or clarity of the edges within an image, which is influenced by factors such as lens quality, autofocus accuracy, and image processing techniques. It is particularly important in photography as it affects how distinct the boundaries and details appear in the final image.

Resolution, while related, refers to the amount of detail an image holds, typically quantified by the number of pixels in the image. A higher resolution can lead to better acutance, but it is not the same thing. Contrast relates to the difference in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable, while clarity can refer more generally to the overall sharpness and visibility of details, but does not specifically address the sharpness of edges. Therefore, acutance is the most precise term for describing the capability to render sharp edges in a photograph.