How do you know when to change ISO in your camera?

7 years 4 months ago #506713 by TGonzo
So I know you have 3 parts that impact exposure.  But when will you move ISO vs shutter speed or aperture?  I'm not exactly a newbie, however this question I've wondered for some time.  

I appreciate you helping me understand this.  


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7 years 4 months ago #506720 by KCook
I try to avoid extremely high ISOs. Otherwise, I adjust it only when I cannot get the aperture or shutter speed right. ISO is about the last thing on my mind.

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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7 years 4 months ago #506735 by TGonzo
What about using your camera's lowest ISO?


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7 years 4 months ago #506746 by Hassner
Like Kelly.
I always shoot at the lowest ISO possible.
When I can not get enough depth of field and the shutter speed is already maximum, and visa versa, then up goes the ISO.


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7 years 4 months ago #506760 by KCook

TGonzo wrote: What about using your camera's lowest ISO?

I don't bother with that "rule".  So long as the ISO is somewhere under 800 I'm Ok with it.  And that is for good light.  In weak light I just let it soar.  Did I mention that I rarely use a tripod?  Bringing a tripod into the picture usually allows for rock bottom ISO.

quickdraw

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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7 years 4 months ago #506848 by icepics
Depends on some variables, which is why it takes a lot of practice and learning to get good at photography. I depend on the meter to tell me if I'm getting too much or not enough light, or just the right amount.

I shoot film too, so my starting point with my digital camera is 100/200 outdoors/sun, and 400 indoors/lower light (similar to the film speed I'd use). I'm increasing the light sensitivity raising the ISO setting in lower light conditions. I go to maybe 800 or 1000 ISO, or higher if it's really low light, but a camera is recording light so I think you can only push it so far (without doing a long exposure).

I usually start at a midrange setting like f8 so I can fairly quickly open or close the lens a stop or two. I usually keep the shutter speed at least at 1/125 or maybe 1/60, whatever the sync speed is for the camera.

Sharon
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The following user(s) said Thank You: Emma-Simmons
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7 years 4 months ago #507395 by TGonzo
Ok, that makes since.  Thank you.  

BTW what ISO you shooting in directly sun?


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7 years 4 months ago #507450 by Dave Burburry
When I don't want to change the shutter speed and aperture 


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7 years 4 months ago #507577 by Joves
:agree:
Yeah that is pretty much how it works for me. I will go as high as I need to maintain my shutter speed especially when shooting action shots handheld. In really good light the problem with noise is not as bad. So if you are wanting to maintain that fast shutter speed, and cannot get it by adjusting the aperture, you up the ISO. If you want to retain a certain depth of field, and cannot use your f-stop, bring up the ISO. Got to love digital that now you can do that with a push of the button, and have something for lower light that is usable. Back in the film days all you could do was hyper/cook your film.


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7 years 4 months ago #507591 by Shadowfixer1
Always shoot the lowest ISO. You only up it when you either need more shutter speed to stop action/movement or you need more light for more DOF and you don't have a tripod which relates directly back to movement. The base ISO of your camera will always have the most dynamic range and color fidelity. 
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7 years 4 months ago #507685 by tobythephotoguy

Dave Burburry wrote: When I don't want to change the shutter speed and aperture 


There you go, simple as that.


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The following user(s) said Thank You: Emma-Simmons
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7 years 4 months ago #507689 by rogdel
The lower you can keep the ISO, the better. That being said, if you can't get a proper exposure, raise that ISO up.


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