Which image file format is characterized by sharp contrast colors and does not support animations, but offers a larger color range than GIF?

The PNG (Portable Network Graphics) format is well-known for its ability to render images with sharp contrast colors, which makes it a popular choice for images that require high fidelity and clarity. Unlike GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), PNG supports a broader color spectrum, accommodating more shades and variations, thereby enhancing the quality of images.

Another notable aspect of PNG is its support for transparent backgrounds, which further elevates its utility in graphic design and web development. However, it is important to highlight that PNG does not support animations, contrasting with GIF, which is specifically designed for that purpose.

While JPEG is suited for photographic images and BMP is a basic bitmap image format, neither offers the same level of color depth and transparency capabilities as PNG. The characteristics of PNG align perfectly with the question's criteria, making it the correct choice.