ISO Setting

Tip: Use the default ISO setting.

As digital cameras were made for photographers, so-called film speed settings (based on ISO ratings) were incorporated. Many digital camera users are stumped as to the need for ISO when there is no film involved. This is an example of how legacy requirements affect even the design of new high-technology products!

Manufacturers of digital cameras usually rate their CCD's sensitivity to the equivalent of a film's sensitivity. Hence, if a CCD is rated at ISO 80, this digital camera is as sensitive to light as a normal film rated at ISO 80 is.

In the more expensive digital camera models, there is usually an option to increase this ISO setting to perhaps ISO 200, 400 or maybe even more. This gives the photographer more flexibility for action shots or even for low-light situations.

Unless you really need to, don't change the ISO setting as it is comparable to pushing a film. You will be able to get the shot but the results may not be very pleasing due to increased "noise".