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All about ISO

All about ISO

ISO is an essential aspect of photography that every aspiring photographer must understand. It is a measure of the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light and determines the camera’s ability to capture images in different lighting conditions. In this article, we will explore the concept of ISO in photography, how it is measured, why it is important and how to make the correct selections for different photo subjects.

In photography, ISO refers to the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. The higher the ISO value, the more sensitive the sensor is to light, and the brighter the image will be. ISO is measured in numbers, with a typical range of 100 to 6400, but some cameras can go up to 102400.

ISO is such an important component of photography because it allows photographers to capture images in various lighting conditions. For instance, when shooting in low light situations, a high ISO will help to capture bright images without the need for long exposure times. On the other hand, when shooting in bright daylight, a low ISO will produce images with less noise and better detail.

When selecting the appropriate ISO value for your photo, you need to consider the lighting conditions and the type of image you want to capture. If you are shooting in low light situations or want to capture images with fast-moving subjects, a higher ISO will be appropriate. For instance, when shooting at night, you will need a high ISO to capture bright and clear images. In contrast, when shooting static objects or landscapes in daylight, a lower ISO value will help produce clear and detailed images with less noise.

It is also essential to note that high ISO values can introduce noise in your images, making them appear grainy and pixelated. To minimise noise, you can try to shoot at the lowest ISO possible for the lighting conditions, or use a tripod to stabilize the camera and allow for longer exposure times.

In summary, ISO is a vital component of photography that allows photographers to capture images in various lighting conditions. The appropriate ISO value depends on the lighting conditions and the type of image you want to capture. A higher ISO will be appropriate in low light conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects, while a lower ISO will be appropriate for static objects or landscapes in daylight. Always keep in mind that high ISO values can introduce noise in your images, so try to shoot at the lowest ISO possible for the lighting conditions, or use a tripod to stabilise the camera and allow for longer exposure times.