ISO is one of the most important settings in photography. It determines how sensitive your camera’s sensor is to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the sensor, which means you can take pictures in darker environments without having to use a flash or other artificial light sources.

Understanding ISO

The ISO number is typically a range from 100 to 6400, but some cameras can go as high as ISO 102,400 or beyond. The standard ISO numbers are 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and upwards, with each number doubling in light sensitivity.

When you increase the ISO, the image becomes brighter. However, increasing the ISO also adds some noise (graininess) to the image. Low ISO numbers, usually under 400, are typically used in bright light conditions, while higher ISOs are used in low-light situations.

How ISO Affects Exposure

When setting your camera’s exposure, you need to consider the three main factors that affect it: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The ISO setting is most important when you’re trying to capture an image in low-light conditions.

For example, let’s say you’re taking a picture in a dimly lit room. If you set your aperture to f/2.8 and your shutter speed to 1/60th of a second, and your ISO is set to 100, the image may come out too dark. But by increasing the ISO, you can adjust the exposure without affecting the other settings.

Using Auto ISO

Most cameras offer an auto ISO setting that adjusts the ISO according to the lighting conditions. This can be useful when you’re taking pictures in changing environments. However, keep in mind that the higher ISO numbers can add noise to your images, so it’s best to use the lowest possible ISO when shooting in bright environments.

Tips for Using ISO

When deciding on an ISO setting, consider the amount of light available, the type of camera you’re using, and the desired effect you’re looking for. Here are some general tips for using ISO:

– Use a higher ISO, 800 or more, for night or low-light photography.

– Use a lower ISO, 100 or less, for bright daylight photography.

– Use the lowest possible ISO for the desired effect, and only increase it if necessary.

– Avoid using a high ISO, as it can cause noise in your images.

– Use the camera’s auto ISO setting in changing lighting conditions to get the best exposure.