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If you are new to digital photography, you may wonder what is ISO in DSLR. Many of the best digital cameras, after all, are DSLR models, and these cameras can be adjusted to suit various ISO parameters. So what exactly does ISO mean, how does it impact the best DSLR cameras, and what tips should you keep in mind? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When learning how to set up a DSLR camera, it is important to understand ISO. The term stands for International Organization for Standardization, which is a regulatory agency that handles universal measurements if you are conducting a camera comparison of a Sony Alpha 6000 vs a Nikon D5300. Funnily enough, though the term ISO was adopted via the agency, it actually has nothing to do with it, so contacting this agency will not help you, for instance, learn how to reset a DSLR camera.
Insider Tip
ISO is not the only metric of a camera that refers to how much light is allowed to meet the lens and sensor, as shutter speed also impacts here.
When it comes to cameras, ISO refers to how sensitive the gadget is to light, even if you are comparing a Blackmagic Ursa V1 vs V2. A camera’s sensitivity to light directly impacts your photos, and you want a model with plenty of range here if you are learning what to check when buying a used DSLR.
ISO is a relatively simple concept with some major implications for your photos. Here are some tips worth considering to help wrap your head around the idea so you can make adjustments to better your photography.
ISO is measured in simple numbers, like 100, 200, or 400, though some cameras represent this as a fraction (for example, 1/100 or 1/400.) Changing this number changes your camera’s sensitivity to light, which brightens or darkens your image. The basic gist? The lower the ISO, the darker your image will be; the higher the ISO, the brighter your image will be. This isn’t the whole story but it is enough for now.
The best way to get a handle on ISO settings is to “just do it.” Experiment with different ISO settings in different environments. Try a low ISO at night to see what happens or a high ISO at noon while outside. Then try the exact opposite in both scenarios. Finally, make some middle-ground adjustments.
STAT: A low ISO is technically going to give you the best image quality possible. (source)
You don’t have to learn about ISO at all, as the camera’s automatic setting will handle all of the adjustments for you. This is worth considering, especially if you are a beginner.
