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ISO setting, also called film speed, determines how sensitive a film or camera is to light. When using a traditional camera with manual settings, you will need to choose the ISO setting every time you place a film in it. When using a digital camera, you can manually change the ISO setting to get better results when taking pictures. This page is a guide on how to change ISO settings on a camera.
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ISO setting, also called film speed, determines how sensitive a film or camera is to light. When using a traditional camera with manual settings, you will need to choose the ISO setting every time you place a film in it. When using a digital camera, you can manually change the ISO setting to get better results when taking pictures. This page is a guide on how to change ISO settings on a camera.
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Introduction
- ISO (film speed) controls a film's or digital camera's sensitivity to light. If you use film in an amateur camera, you typically don't have to worry about ISO, because the camera detects the ISO of the film. On a manual camera you will have to set the ISO on the camera to the same as the ISO of the film you are using. On a digital camera, you don't have to change the ISO, but you can do it to get different effects when taking pictures.
Step 1: ISO Basics
- ISO determines how sensitive the camera sensor or film is to light.
- Common ISO speeds are 100, 200, 400 and 800.
- ISO 100 or 200 is recommended for outside pictures during sunny weather.
- ISO 400 is recommended for overcast or cloudy days.
- ISO 800 or 1600 is used for night time pictures.
- A low ISO provides very high detail, while high ISO can result in grainy pictures. When shooting portrait pictures, it's often wise to avoid ISO 100, especially during close-ups, because it can show wrinkles, blemishes and other details of the skin.
Step 2: Film ISO
- Different film come in different ISO speeds.
- Choose a film appropriate for the conditions you expect when taking pictures.
- When inserting a film in a manual camera, you need to change the ISO setting on the camera to the same ISO as the film. Automatic cameras will do this for you.
- On a manual camera, you typically need to press a button named ISO and then change the settings using the arrows next to it. Different cameras will have different ways to change camera ISO, so consult the manual for specific instructions.
Step 3: Digital Cameras
- In digital cameras, the ISO on the camera indicates the sensitivity of the camera sensor.
- On a digital camera, it's not necessary to change the ISO setting.
- You can choose to change the ISO setting to manage specific conditions during shooting.
- When taking pictures at night, you might need to change the ISO to 400, 8000 or higher to avoid blurry pictures, unless you use a tripod.
- Consult your camera manual for instructions on how to change the ISO settings on your camera. You will need to set the camera to a manual mode before being able to change it.
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