Most modern digital cameras offer users the ability to choose between using the standard ISO range and its extended mode.

Experienced photographers are well aware of which camera functions are really useful, and which ones are practically not used in work and added by the manufacturer as a marketing ploy. Beginners, when choosing a camera, can easily get confused in all the variety of options, for example, what is ISO and how to choose the correct ISO operating range.

Choice between standard and extended ISO range

When changing the ISO value on a digital camera, the user adjusts the signal strength, thereby changing the ratio of forced gain to the readability of the light sensor. There are certain minimum and maximum ISO gain values ​​\u200b\u200b- it is this range that is called standard. After decreasing or exceeding the nominal values, the camera sensors will not be able to adequately read the data.

Until some time, the upper threshold of the ISO value was considered unshakable, but the rapid development of the hardware and software of modern cameras made it possible to aim at incredible heights. The same goes for the lower value of the ISO range - modern technology can significantly reduce it. In essence, taking photos using an extended ISO range is like post-processing a photo in a computer, only this process takes place directly in the camera itself.

How increased ISO range can affect shots

Cameras with a large ISO range use sensors with standard light sensitivity, the same as in conventional cameras. Extended ISO ranges such as ISO 12800, ISO 25600, ISO 51200, ISO 102400 are obtained by using conventional sensors and electronic circuits, the sensitivity of which is increased by software. It follows from this that the extended ISO range is nothing more than a marketing ploy.

Claims that the camera can shoot up to ISO 102400 are impressive for beginner photographers, but that doesn't mean they're buying a sensor with such high light sensitivity when they buy a camera. In fact, these values ​​are achieved thanks to software, and often appear in low quality images with big amount digital noise.

Photos taken at extremely high ISOs will only look good when shot in black and white, which negates the similar advantage of cameras with extended ISO ranges.

An attentive user will definitely notice that the camera in the extended ISO range takes frames in JPEG format, but not in RAW. This is due to the fact that when shooting in RAW mode, a digital negative is formed with minimal processing, as this expands the possibilities when post-processing frames using photo editors. (It should, however, be noted that some manufacturers allow the use of an extended ISO range when shooting in RAW format.)

There may be some benefit to using a larger ISO range for JPEG photographers who do not post-process the images. Still, it must be taken into account that the quality will have to close your eyes.

In the traditional ISO photos, or ASA, was a measure of how sensitive the film was to light. This indicator was recorded in digital terms. Many could see these inscriptions on packages with films - 100, 200, 400, 800, etc. How less number, the lower the film speed and the more grain in the frame when shooting.

In digital photography, ISO measures the sensitivity of an image sensor. The same principles apply here - the lower the number, the less sensitive your camera is to light and the more grain.

Higher ISO values ​​are generally used when shooting in the dark to get faster shutter speeds. For example, when you want to film a sports event in indoors in poor lighting, it is recommended to set the ISO value to the maximum possible. However, the higher the ISO, the more noise will be in the pictures.

Questions to ask when choosing an ISO

There are four questions to ask yourself when choosing an ISO setting:

Is this item well lit?

Do I want to get a grainy image or not?

Can I use a tripod?

Is the subject moving or standing still?

If the subject is well lit and you want to reduce grain as much as possible, use a tripod and a fixed lens. In this case, it is necessary to set a fairly low ISO value.

In the case when shooting takes place in a dark environment and there is no tripod at hand, and the subject is moving, it is worth increasing the ISO. This will allow you to take pictures at a faster speed and with good exposure. Of course, the trade-off of increasing the ISO will be noisier footage.

Situations in which you may need to increase the ISO for better shots include:

Sports events where the subject is moving quickly and lighting conditions may be limited.

Concerts that often take place in poor lighting conditions. They are also prohibited from using flash.

Art galleries, churches, etc. Many galleries have a rule against the use of flash and of course these spaces are not very well lit.

Birthdays. When a birthday person blows on candles in a dark room, using a flash can ruin the shot. Increasing the ISO helps capture this scene in great detail.

ISO is important aspect digital photography. It is important to have an idea about it if you want to get high-quality pictures. in the best way Finding out the ISO values ​​for your camera is to experiment with different settings. This will help you understand how they affect the final image. It's worth finding out as much as you can about shutter speed and aperture, as they directly affect ISO.

Along with shutter speed and aperture, light sensitivity, or ISO value, can be safely called one of the most important parameters of the most important setting of any camera - exposure. If you have already decided to master photography for real, you want to get really good photographs worthy of the attention of other people, then you just need to deal with each of the “members” of this “troika” that affects the quality of a photographic picture. You will need to learn how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (or ISO value) affect the properties of the photo you end up with in all your work.

We will not talk about shutter speed and aperture today. Let's talk about sensitivity. It is very important. Believe me, photography is simply nowhere without it.

So, four steps to understanding ISO, or what ISO is.

Step one. ISO - what is it?

In short, ISO is a parameter that controls the sensitivity of the matrix of any camera. Simply put, ISO, denoted by in numerical terms, this is a characteristic of the ability of the sensor of any of the modern digital cameras to perceive the flow of light. The ISO jackal is standard, and represents the numerical value of this most important parameter. It starts with a value of 100 ISO units. Each subsequent value increases exactly twice. 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and so on. Different camera models may have different limits for ISO values. But, it is worth saying that many modern cameras, in addition to the main ones, base values also have intermediate ones.

And the name ISO itself is an abbreviation for the International Standards Organization. Translated - International Standards Organization. This organization is responsible for great amount various ISO standards in a wide variety of industries. In photography, this is the standard for the sensitivity of the camera's matrix.

Step two. How does ISO affect exposure?

As we said today at the very beginning of this article, ISO sensitivity, along with aperture and shutter speed, is a very important parameter that affects the most important setting when shooting with any camera - exposure. Shutter speed is the shutter speed of the camera, aperture is the diameter of the hole in the lens through which light enters the matrix and creates an image on it, and ISO is a property of the photosensitive element of the camera. In the past, before the advent of digital photography, photographs were taken on film. The light sensitivity of the film was unchanged. Today, the sensitivity of the matrix digital camera can be easily adjusted. Simply put, ISO determines how well a frame will be exposed when shooting, subject to a change in the light sensitivity of the camera's matrix.

The ISO numeric value and the shutter speed (shutter speed) numeric value are proportional to each other. When changing each of these two parameters, their value changes twice in one direction or another, that is, by one step. That's why the value of the ISO scale is very similar to the values ​​on the shutter speed scale. Decreasing ISO reduces exposure. This is due to the fact that the impact of the light stream on the camera sensor is reduced. If we change the ISO value upwards, then the impact luminous flux on the matrix, respectively, increase, and, therefore, increase the exposure.

To make it easier for you to understand all this, carefully study these photos. In each of these six shots, the aperture and shutter speed are the same, but the ISO value is different each time, namely: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 units. These photos illustrate very well how light sensitivity affects the final result, that is, the picture you get. It seems to us that photograph No. 4 is almost perfect in terms of exposure. It was made with ISO 800 sensitivity.

You have probably noticed how each of these three parameters - shutter speed, aperture and ISO - in their own way affect the exposure as a whole, and how importance It has right choice photosensitivity.

Step three. How ISO Value Affects Photographic Image Quality

It is important for every photographer, especially beginners, to remember one thing. important rule. It sounds like this: the lower the ISO value of the matrix, the higher the quality of the photograph, and, accordingly, the higher the ISO value, the lower the quality of the photographs. If you raise the sensitivity, with each step you increase the exposure. With each new value exactly twice. We have already talked about this today. And with increasing exposure, the so-called digital noise also increases to a large extent. The more significant the digital noise, the worse the detail of the photographic image, the higher its graininess and visible unevenness. Thus, we came to a simple conclusion: the lower the ISO value, the better quality received photo.

To make it easier for you to understand what we just said, take a look at these photos. This time, when shooting, we changed all three parameters that affect the exposure: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. For all that, our exposure has always remained constant. In our examples, the ISO values ​​​​were: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 units.

These photographs clearly show how, with increasing light sensitivity, digital noise, which is almost invisible in the first picture, becomes more and more noticeable with each step.

In order to get rid of digital noise, there are special noise reduction programs. Some of them do their job just fine. However, these programs also have their drawbacks. They are expressed primarily in the fact that they reduce the detail of the photographic image, smooth out small details in the picture. Take a look at these two pictures. They perfectly illustrate the quality of work of such programs. That is why we recommend using them very carefully and moderately, taking into account your ultimate goal, that is, considering what you are creating this or that picture for.

Sensor bigger size copes much better with digital noise, since much more light enters such a matrix. But these days modern technologies are developing rapidly, so the difference in this regard between large and small sensors has been greatly reduced.

Each camera is unique. That is why the digital noises created by her can be called in some way “her fingerprints”. That's why we encourage you to experiment with shooting with your camera in different lighting conditions, and especially when shooting in low light conditions. This will give you the opportunity to find out which maximum ISO value is best for your particular camera. Pay attention to the fact that during the post-processing of the image on a computer in various graphic editors, an overestimated exposure allows you to get exactly the same effect as high ISO, namely, digital noise increases. That is why in the course of your experiments you will be convinced of the abilities of your camera, and learn how to set the exposure correctly. All this will give you the opportunity to avoid too noticeable digital noise in your photos.

Step four. In what cases, what sensitivity settings to use

ISO 100-200 units. With this sensitivity value, the photographic image retains the most details, and therefore will have the most good quality. ISO 100-200 units is the best suited for shooting with natural sunlight. Under such shooting conditions, there is simply no need for a higher ISO value at all. Well, let's say if you shoot at a ISO of 1600 on a bright and sunny day when there is not a single cloud in the sky, you will get a very grainy and "noisy" image.

ISO 200-400 units. This value of sensitivity will be well used when shooting in conditions where the lighting is sufficient, but not very bright and strong. Well, for example, when photographing outdoors in the shade, or inside a well-lit room.

ISO 400-800 units. So good to work if you shoot indoors and with flash. In this case, you can easily adjust the constant exposure, which will give you the opportunity to get a well-developed background in your photos.

ISO 800-1600 units. In this range of sensitivity work mainly reportage photographers. After all, it is they who most often have to shoot in low and poor lighting conditions, or where for some reason it is not allowed to take pictures with a flash or it is simply impossible to use it. There is simply no other way to work - there is only one: increasing photosensitivity.

ISO 1600-3200 units. And this value of ISO is most suitable for reportage photographers. With such parameters, it is good to photograph, for example, concerts that take place on the street, or shoot in conditions of very poor lighting and the inability to mount the camera on a tripod. In many cameras, ISO 3200 is the highest value for ISO. But even so, most of the photographers use it only in exceptional cases. Agree, few people like too “noisy” photos. Of course, if digital noise does not carry its own role, its semantic load in the entire style of photography, if it is not created by the author intentionally to express one or another of his ideas, ideas.

ISO above 3200. This sensitivity is used in even rarer cases when shooting at almost minimum quantity Sveta. Well, or they create some kind of creative, special photographs, photographs with unusual creative effects. At this ISO setting, even the most expensive professional full-frame cameras produce images with very noticeable digital noise.

ISO measures the sensitivity to light of a receiving element. Previously, it was film and photographic paper. To change the ISO, it was necessary to shoot one film and insert another. Today, most often in ISO, the sensitivity of the matrix is ​​\u200b\u200bdetermined. In this material, we will not go into technical details - how the magic of changing ISO happens without changing the matrix, the fact that it happens is enough. And everything happens the same way greater value ISO is set in the camera, the less light the camera needs to get a properly exposed photo.

Let's understand a little - what is ISO? This is not some scientifically calculated value, it is not a meter, not a kilogram. ISO is the name of the standard (to make the comparison clearer, it's like GOST, only of international importance). And in principle, many photographers who were engaged in photography at the end of the last century remember well the film, where the sensitivity was indicated in DIN and ASA, and tables were always given for converting these units. Today it is already quite difficult, if not impossible at all, to find another standard for photosensitive elements other than ISO.

INanalog photography ISO is a measure of how sensitive a film is to light. ISO is measured in numbers (you probably paid attention to the numbers on the film box - 100, 200, 400, 800, etc.). The lower the number, the lower the film speed.

In digital photography ISO measures the sensitivity of an image sensor. TO digital ISO the same principles apply as in analog photography. The smaller the number, the lower the camera's sensitivity to light, respectively, the finer the grain.

Higher ISO settings are usually used when there is not enough light to get more fast speed shutter. For example, a photographer filming sports events indoors. To freeze motion and get a good technical shot, you have to raise the ISO, which, unfortunately, will lead to more noise in the frame.

Looking at the test shots below, you can see that the photo on the left, taken at ISO 100, has a smoother image surface than the one taken at ISO 3200.


Darren Rowse Difference between ISO100 and ISO3200 photos

(Consider when high resolution photos and, find the differences for yourself, figure out what is important.)

ISO 100 generally produces photographs that are visually perceived as “normal”, which gives, despite a little noise / grain, excellent image clarity.

Most beginner or amateur photographers tend to prefer to shoot with digital cameras in "automatic mode". In this case, the camera itself selects the appropriate ISO settings, depending on the shooting conditions, and will try to use the lowest possible value whenever possible.

Many modern models even ordinary compact cameras (commonly called “soap dishes”) are equipped with a mode in which the photographer is allowed to control ISO, because this parameter is very important, and the technical quality of photographs depends on it, which is always paid attention to, whether amateurs or professionals.

When beginners master non-automatic shooting modes a little, they pay attention that when changing the ISO number, the aperture value and shutter speed change. That is, ISO directly affects both aperture and shutter speed. Even when the camera automatically selects a pair, it analyzes the values ​​​​and produces those that are necessary to obtain a fairly well-developed frame technically.

For example, if your camera has an ISO of 100 to 400, you will be able to shoot at more high speeds shutter and/or use smaller apertures.

There are four questions to ask yourself when choosing an ISO setting:

  • Light. Is the subject well lit?
  • Corn. Is it necessary to get a grainy surface of the image, or do you need a clean frame, without noise.
  • Tripod. Is it being used today on set?
  • Moving an object. Is the subject moving, or is it stationary?

If there is a lot of light around, you want the cleanest possible shot, you use a tripod to shoot a stationary object, you can safely use the lowest ISO possible for the camera. The result is a superbly executed technical shot.

However, either you're shooting indoors (which automatically means less light), you don't have a tripod, and you can't fix the camera in order to avoid camera shake from handheld shooting when shooting at slow shutter speeds - you must increase ISO. If your subject is also in motion, then, as photographers say, ISO will have to be raised to critical values. This action will allow you to capture a frame with a slower shutter speed, even quite clear and sharp, but will add "digital grain". Here are the very “noises” and “grains” that primarily distinguish the pictures shown at the very beginning this lesson photos for beginners.

We need a compromise. The more practice you have, the more clearly you will understand which situation requires which decision to make.

Situations where a photographer may need to change camera settings to higher ISOs:

  • Sports activities indoors. The subject is moving fast and you are experiencing light limitation.

Doug Webb
1/500"
f/2
ISO 3200

Santiago Banón
1/100""
f/3.5
ISO 400

  • Concerts. "Bad" light for photography and the prohibition of using a flash can force you to raise the ISO to the maximum values ​​\u200b\u200bpossible on the camera.

Javier Bragado
1/500""
f/2.8
ISO 1250

Aitor Bouzo
1/800"
f/2.8
ISO 1600

  • art galleries,museums, churches and so on. The existing rules against shooting with flash are frustrating for more than one photographer, believe me! But you have to put up with it. The subject must be well lit so that you get a competent technical shot.

Timothy Robinson
1/60"
f/5.6
ISO 1250

  • Birthdays. At the most wonderful holiday, where the magical ritual of blowing out candles in a dark room takes place, and which you can break if you suddenly “puff” with a flash, no one will ever allow you to use it in a dark room. Therefore, increasing the ISO value can still help capture the entire scene.

Kevin Obosi
1/160"
f/1.8
ISO 500

ISO- is an important aspect in photography. The ability to manage it gives more scope in the ability to control the actions of the camera. Experiment with the settings, see how the changes affect the results.

And remember a few "golden rules" of photography for beginners:

  • it is always desirable to shoot with the lowest possible ISO value;
  • as soon as the opportunity arises to lower the ISO - do it;
  • increase ISO only when necessary, such as when the shutter speed at low ISO is too slow for normal handheld shooting;
  • to use the minimum ISO value, open the aperture as much as possible;
  • if you are shooting with flash, the ISO should not be high.

And let our simple ones help you deal with the most basic technical settings of the camera. In the future, we will talk about what it is, how it is related to ISO, what it affects and how to conquer it.

Based on materials from foreign sources prepared S.Zavodov

Everyone at least once "stumbled" on such a parameter as ISO in the menu of their camera. However, not everyone knows about it. Let's figure out what ISO is in a camera.

Under this parameter hides the light sensitivity of the camera. The higher the value of the specified parameter, the higher the sensitivity, and from a high value a lot of noise appears in the photo. That is why experts recommend using a low ISO value to get high quality photos no noise. When shooting in low light without a tripod, increase this setting. If the aperture is also wide open, you can increase the shutter speed so that the photo does not come out blurry. If we talk about what ISO is in a camera, then it should be noted that when shooting at night, you should still use a tripod, and also set the value of this parameter lower. When using the flash, its high setting will not be necessary.

It is worth noting that the amount of noise in a photograph at a high ISO value depends directly on the size of the matrix used in the camera. If these are compact cameras, then already with ISO 800 you should not expect a good result. Poor lighting will cause the photo to be completely smeared. In this case, the camera should be held on a tripod using a low setting. When working with professional or semi-professional equipment, you can set its value four times higher, while the quality of the pictures will be simply amazing.

Speaking about what ISO is in a camera, it is worth remembering such an opportunity as Auto ISO. It can be noted that this function is quite capricious. If you use a soap dish, then you should set ISO 100 and not bother. Using reflex camera You can limit Auto ISO within certain limits. For example, you will put highest value to around 800, then the camera will be unable to raise it higher, even if it would be advisable.

If we talk about what ISO is, then it is also worth noting that the values ​​​​of this parameter can be quite diverse. In modern cameras, there are a number of values ​​\u200b\u200bin the range 50-204800. The amateur range usually ends at around 1600, and for more advanced cameras it reaches 3200. Higher values ​​\u200b\u200bdo not make sense in ordinary life, they can be useful for reportage shooting made on professional cameras.

If you are using digital cameras, there are certain places where high ISO settings can come in handy. First of all, it should be said about events with active actions, rooms where flashes cannot be used for one reason or another, but the lighting in them is of insufficient quality. When shooting a city at night, it is better to use a tripod, while setting a high ISO value, but without using a flash.

Now you know what ISO is in a camera.