What is “ISO” In photography?

ISO in Photography: Understanding the Basics

ISO is a fundamental concept in photography that is often misunderstood by beginners. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of ISO, how it affects your photographs, and tips for using it effectively.

Increase ISO will increase noise in image

What is ISO?

ISO is a measure of your camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive your camera is to light, and the less light you need to take a well-exposed photograph. However, increasing the ISO also increases the amount of noise in your photos.

How does ISO affect your photographs?

ISO affects your photographs in two primary ways: exposure and noise.

Exposure: As mentioned, increasing the ISO allows you to take a well-exposed photograph in low light conditions. However, it also affects your shutter speed and aperture. For example, if you increase your ISO from 100 to 400, you can use a faster shutter speed or smaller aperture to maintain the same exposure. This can be useful in situations where you need to freeze motion or create a shallow depth of field.

Noise: Increasing your ISO also increases the amount of noise in your photos. Noise is the grainy, speckled look that appears in your photographs, particularly in darker areas. This can be distracting and reduce the overall quality of your image. To reduce noise, you can use a lower ISO setting, use noise reduction software, or take multiple exposures and blend them together.

Tips for using ISO effectively

Now that you understand the basics of ISO, here are some tips for using it effectively in your photography:

1. Use the lowest ISO possible: In general, it’s best to use the lowest ISO possible to minimize noise and maximize image quality. Start with ISO 100 or 200 and only increase it if necessary.

2. Use a tripod: If you’re shooting in low light conditions, using a tripod can help you use a lower ISO and reduce noise.

3. Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW allows you to adjust the ISO and other settings in post-processing, giving you more flexibility and control over your final image.

4. Experiment with different ISO settings: While it’s best to use a low ISO whenever possible, don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to see how they affect your photographs. Try taking the same shot at different ISO settings to see how the exposure and noise change.

In conclusion, ISO is an important concept in photography that affects both exposure and noise. By understanding the basics of ISO and following these tips, you can use it effectively to take high-quality photographs in a variety of lighting conditions.