ISO

ISO settings for shooting control

The ISO setting is not just a basic setting, but you can use it as a creative tool too. In this tutorial we show you how to use ISO settings dynamically to match your photographic aims.

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Usually, photographers use the lowest ISO possible for maximum quality, increasing the setting as conditions become darker. But with today’s high-quality image processing and highly sensitive sensors, Sony DSLR photographers do not have to be so limited.

Increase depth of field

Bright conditions mean we set low ISO, right? Wrong! Let’s break the rules: since modern sensors give us excellent results at ISO 400, we can use the ISO setting to give us great depth of field.

At the same time, exposure time can be shortend to ensure sharper images.

Set ISO 400 or higher for greater depth of field in bright conditions.
Set A mode (aperture priority) and set f/number to between f/8 – f/11.
Smaller apertures also help reduce flare.

Shorten exposure times for sharper images

Ever wanted to get sharper images from a moving car or coach? You need to set shutter times of 1/2000sec or shorter but you will also need a generous depth of field.

The solution?

Set very high ISO: try ISO 1600 or more
Set S mode (shutter priority)
Set your Shutter to 1/2000 or 1/4000 if available

The results will be somewhat noisy – like colour photos made in low light – but that is better than blurred photos.

Optimise colour and sharpness

When you require the best quality, then use the lowest practical ISO. Low ISO colours are more subtle and finely gradated, while shadows look more natural. And sharpness is higher because there is less noise to interfere with detail.

For the very best results combine low ISO with recording in RAW format.

Special effects: noise as grain

Noise is usually treated like the No.1 Enemy of Photography. But used creatively, it can give texture and tactile quality that is perfect for certain subjects. And it could not be simpler:

Dial a very high ISO setting, such as ISO 1600
If conditions are too bright, use a neutral density (ND) filter which cuts down the amount of light entering the lens.
A polarizing filter is also useful for cutting down light entering the lens.

Eager to learn more?

Low Light

Find out how you can still get great shots even in low light.

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RAW

All Sony DSLR cameras give you the choice: either record in JPEG format for speed and convenience, or record in RAW for the ultimate quality performance. Which you choose depends on your photo needs and access to computers.

Learn more