What is ISO?

 ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is a measurement that determines the sensitivity of a camera's image sensor to light. It is one of the three main components of the exposure triangle, along with the aperture and shutter speed. Understanding and mastering ISO can greatly improve the quality and overall look of your photographs.

The standard ISO range for most cameras is between 100 and 6400, with some cameras offering even higher options. Lower ISO values, such as 100 or 200, indicate that the sensor is less sensitive to light and will require more time or a larger aperture to properly expose an image. Higher ISO values, such as 3200 or 6400, indicate that the sensor is more sensitive to light and will require less time or a smaller aperture to properly expose an image.

Using a lower ISO value is ideal for well-lit scenes, such as outdoor landscapes or studio portraits. This will result in a clean, sharp image with minimal noise or grain. However, in low-light situations, such as a dimly lit room or a night sky, a higher ISO value may be necessary to properly expose the image.

It is important to note that as the ISO value increases, so does the amount of noise or grain in the image. This can be especially noticeable in darker areas or in images with a lot of fine details. However, many modern cameras have built-in noise reduction technology that can help to minimize this effect.

In addition to adjusting the ISO, photographers can also use other techniques to properly expose an image in low-light situations. For example, using a tripod can help to keep the camera steady and prevent blur from camera shake, while using a flash or other lighting equipment can add additional light to the scene.

Overall, understanding and mastering ISO is an essential part of photography. By experimenting with different ISO values and techniques, photographers can greatly improve the quality and overall look of their photographs, regardless of the lighting conditions