ISO for Beginners (7 Days to Mastering Manual Mode)

ISO: Understanding Sensitivity in Photography

Welcome to Day 5 of Mastering Manual Mode!

Yesterday we talked about how shutter speed works.  Today, we will focus on the last of the three essential elements of the exposure triangle: ISO - a very important setting to understand and use properly if you want to take the best possible photos.

What is ISO in Photography?

In photography, ISO refers to the sensitivity of your camera's image sensor to light and is one of the three essential elements of exposure, along with aperture and shutter speed (which we covered in our previous posts)

ISO is measured in numbers, such as 100, 200, 400, 800, and so on. 

• The lower the ISO number, the LESS SENSITIVE the camera's sensor is to light, which means that more light is needed to properly expose the image.
• On the other hand, the higher the ISO number, the MORE SENSITIVE the sensor is to light, which means that less light is needed to properly expose the image.

The term ISO has been carried over from the days of real film, which is made up of little crystal grains.  At ISO 100 or 200, those crystal grains are tiny and need more light to expose them.  With ISO 1600 or 3200 films, the crystal grains are much larger and thus require less light to expose them.  The trade-off is that the larger crystal grains are more noticeable, and photos are less smooth.

Digital cameras have ISO equivalents.  However, with digital cameras, it isn’t crystal grains that become noticeable as the ISO numbers get larger; it's the pixels that become more noticeable as noise or grain.

• Your camera sensor will need less light at higher ISOs to create a nicely exposed photo.  However, you will also see more grain and noise in the image.
• At lower ISOs, your camera sensor will need more light to create a nicely exposed photo, and you will see much less grain and noise in the image.

(This example photo was taken at ISO 6400 on a Nikon D610.  At 100, the grain is noticeable but not distracting.  No noise reduction has been applied).

What ISO Setting Should You Use?

Generally, you want to keep your ISO as low as possible.  However, this does NOT mean you should always shoot with an ISO of 100.

There is generally much less light available when shooting indoors than when taking photos outside in the sun.  In these low-light situations, you should use whatever light you have available and raise your ISO as necessary to get a good exposure.

Why?  Because capturing a nicely exposed photo is more important than worrying about grain or noise.

• Use lower ISO numbers when you have lots of light available (for example, outdoors where there is nice light).
• Use high ISO numbers when less light is available (for example, indoors in the evening or outdoors as the sun sets).

Digital cameras have really improved their high ISO capabilities in the last several years.  Many current cameras can shoot at high ISOs with relatively little grain and noise.

How to Change ISO Settings on Your Canon Camera

To adjust ISO on your Canon Camera, press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial.  The ISO button is located on the top of the camera in one of the locations shown in the diagram below.

How to Change ISO Settings on Your Nikon Camera

To adjust ISO on your Nikon entry-level camera, press the "Info" button and select ISO using the back circular dial.  Then set the number you want and press "OK."  Some entry-level Nikon cameras have touch screens that allow you to adjust ISO. 

TIP: Since setting ISO requires a few steps, consider setting the "Fn" button on the front of your camera to adjust your ISO.  Consult your manual for the exact steps to do this.

To adjust ISO on your Nikon Pro or Semi-Pro camera, press the "ISO" button and rotate the main command dial.  Depending on the model, the ISO button will be located on the top or back of your camera.

Conclusion

Make sure you remember these general rules about ISO before moving on to the next part of our Mastering Manual tutorial:

• Lower ISO numbers are less sensitive to light and produce little noise or grain, so use a lower ISO when you have lots of light.
• Higher ISO numbers are more sensitive to light but produce more grain or noise, so use a higher ISO when there is less light available.

Congratulations! You've just completed Day 5 of Mastering Manual!

But Don't Stop Now!

Don't miss the rest of our series to help you Master Manual Mode.  If you missed any of these posts, you can read/review them anytime by clicking these links!

Day 1. Why Shoot in Manual Mode

Day 2. How to Use Your Camera's Light Meter

Day 3. Aperture for Beginners

Day 4. Shutter Speed for Beginners

Day 6. Perfect Exposure: Putting it All Together

Day 7. Practicing Your Way to Manual Mode Perfection

Bonus: free downloadable Mastering Manual Cheat Sheet for use on the go!