How to Use the ISO Feature in Digital Cameras
It used to be that if you wanted to change the ISO settings on your film camera, you had to use a faster film. Now with digital cameras, all you need to do is adjust it on the camera's menu. The ISO number on a digital camera indicates its sensitivity to light. The higher the number, the less light you need for a clear picture. Here's how to use the ISO feature on your camera to your advantage.
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Instructions
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Almost all digital cameras have an auto ISO setting that can be changed from the camera's menu. In your camera's manual, find out where you can adjust your ISO settings.
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The auto ISO feature is best used for bright lighting situations such as outdoors. You can leave this setting on for most casual daytime photography.
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When selecting an ISO setting for your camera, you need to evaluate your photo. How is the lighting? Is the subject moving? Are you using a tripod? Changing the ISO settings also changes the shutter speed and aperture settings.
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ISO 50 to 80 is a good setting for bright lighting as well. You can use this for portraits and landscapes. It will give you good detail and good image quality.
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ISO 100 is the setting for a little extra light sensitivity without any quality loss. This is the standard setting for most cameras.
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ISO 200 is good for cloudy days and overcast conditions. This setting will let you take pictures in lower light but reduces the quality of your picture by adding visible noise (grainy appearance of photos).
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ISO 400 and up is used for indoor photography and for action photos like sports photography. Most compact digital cameras will produce a lot of visible noise at this setting.
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Digital SLR cameras have a higher ISO sensor and thus take clearer pictures with less noise than compact digital cameras. You may need to experiment with your camera to find the correct settings.
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Tips & Warnings
You will obtain the best picture with the lowest ISO setting possible for your situation.
High ISO settings can be used for places where flash photography isn't allowed (concerts, museums) but the picture will likely be grainy.
