New Camera Mode that Makes Sense

[morehtml]

Saw a thread on dpreview on this. Canon needs to make a mode like AV/TV where you set the shutter speed and/or aperture and the ISO automatically changes. With low noise in high ISO's this makes more sense than ever. I know the auto modes sort of do this but they don't have raw and don't go past 400 ISO

[boink]

sounds a bit...

ridiculous.

Just use manual at that point.

[morehtml]

sounds a bit...

ridiculous.

Just use manual at that point.

Would it not make sense if say you were shooting sports or something (no flash) and wanted let's say you are shooting wide open at f2.8 and need 1/400th minimum shutter but as you were shooting around the scene, lighting was changing and you didn't have time to tinker with ISO? Maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.

[Carzee]

I assume -well perhaps- the green box Auto mode will select a ISO in a robotic fashion already.

Is that what you want?

[Raj]

dosent goes beyond 400 in any of the auto modes.
I guess it does makes sense to have auto ISO adjustment mode too.

[ACDCROCKS]

there is Point and shoots if you want modes, there is DSLR if you want skill, but anyway, why more modes?

[cosworth]

Set ISO at 400 (or w.h.y) and properly expose in TV or AV mode. Exposure comp a stop or two.

[TGrits10]

I'm in on this one. So many times I'm using Av or Tv, and adjusting the iso as well. Such a mode would automatically pick the iso for me, which is exactly what auto modes are for. I say build it and I will come.

[ACDCROCKS]

sounds a bit...

ridiculous.

Just use manual at that point.
indeed it is

[Lord_Malone]

Saw a thread on dpreview on this. Canon needs to make a mode like AV/TV where you set the shutter speed and/or aperture and the ISO automatically changes. With low noise in high ISO's this makes more sense than ever. I know the auto modes sort of do this but they don't have raw and don't go past 400 ISO

No thanks. I'm more than capable of selecting the ISO myself. If people want Canon to dumb down controls, I recommend them being implemented in cameras other than pro level DSLRs. Controlling the outcome of the shot is part of the fun. ;)

[Carzee]

I like the M (magic) mode -you free up the camera's CPU to handle the AF calcs = better focus. At least, thats what I have read/been fed.

[TGrits10]

It's not dumbing down the controls, it's delegating a non-creative, repetitive task to the computer so you can think about more important things.

[Bob_A]

there is Point and shoots if you want modes, there is DSLR if you want skill, but anyway, why more modes?

Because this would actually be a useful feature that I would be pleased to see Canon replace the Basic Zone modes with (Av-ISO, Tv-ISO). This wouldn't be a point and shoot mode, but an alternate Av or Tv mode. To me it would only make sense if ISO is constantly displayed in the viewfinder though.

[ACDCROCKS]

It's not dumbing down the controls, it's delegating a non-creative, repetitive task to the computer so you can think about more important things.
like drinking coffie hehe

[Curtis N]

It would be a nice feature that makes a lot of sense.

There are three settings that affect exposure - Shutter, aperture, and ISO.
Most all DSLRs have settings (Av and Tv) that allow the user to select two of the three and let the camera determine the third. This would be a logical way to round out the options.

Here's an example of where I might use it. When using fill flash with a long lens, I want the shutter at 1/250. Period. But to manage DOF with aperture while keeping the shutter speed there, I would need to change the ISO every time I change the aperture. With this option, it would be easier.

[Lord_Malone]

Because this would actually be a useful feature that I would be pleased to see Canon replace the Basic Zone modes with (Av-ISO, Tv-ISO). This wouldn't be a point and shoot mode, but an alternate Av or Tv mode. To me it would only make sense if ISO is constantly displayed in the viewfinder though.

Okay, so why not go one step further? Make it Full Auto 2 with the camera selecting ISO beyond 400 and recording both jpeg and RAW? I just think it's overkill. The basic zone exists in the non-pro level DSLRs because it simplfies operations for those users not photographically inclined. Canon would NEVER replace the basic zone functions on those cameras to create more creative zone controls for a niche group of users. Just my opinion.

[hemuni]

Just make an "auto" in the iso selection maybe with a short range like 100-400. Then have the currently selected iso visible in the viewfinder maybe with an A in front eg: A100, A200 etc. so you know what is going on.

From my gathering most people around here choose to shoot Av. Why is it more stupid to have the camera control iso than shutterspeed?

By the way AC isn't there actually something like this in the D70?

[TGrits10]

From my gathering most people around here choose to shoot Av. Why is it more stupid to have the camera control iso than shutterspeed?

EXACTLY.

[Lord_Malone]

Maybe I've had too much Jack and Coke. Maybe I'm just and @$$hole and going against the grain here. Don't let my opinion rain on your parade. Petition Canon and see if they'll grant your wish. ;)

[Jim G]

So long as the camera can do 1/3 stop ISO increments it'd be fine.. it'd be like any of the other modes on the camera, if people don't want to use them they don't have to :p

Personally I don't think I'd have a great deal of use for it but you never know, I'd certainly give it a go if it was on there and see if it was of any use to me.


++ Actually... Hmm. I shoot M mode alot and it might be handy in concerts with rapidly changing light, yeah. *ponder*

[lefturn99]

It would be a nice feature that makes a lot of sense.

There are three settings that affect exposure - Shutter, aperture, and ISO.
Most all DSLRs have settings (Av and Tv) that allow the user to select two of the three and let the camera determine the third. This would be a logical way to round out the options.

Here's an example of where I might use it. When using fill flash with a long lens, I want the shutter at 1/250. Period. But to manage DOF with aperture while keeping the shutter speed there, I would need to change the ISO every time I change the aperture. With this option, it would be easier.

That's exactly right except you forgot the exposure compensation setting.

You now have 3 settings (EC and Av EC and Tv). Set two, let the camera set the third. Why is that "smarter" than setting three things and letting the camera set the fourth?

Curtis' example is good. How about this? Low light. Max Av. I want a certain Tv. I set the EC, Av, and Tv, let the camera set the ISO that will give the correct exposure? I can live without it but it might be nice.

[karusel]

Another example: shooting low light, you choose maximum aperture and minimum acceptable shutter speed at ISO 3200. Lightning usually often changes, so in the end you don't get blurry shots, at least not that many... This would be useful because it conserves time and you make shots that you'd eihter miss because you were changing ISO or the images would have camera shake etc.

[Jaymz]

I don't see a real point to this, more modes=bad idea imo. But how about a CFn that allowed "auto" iso selection.

[Bob_A]

Okay, so why not go one step further? Make it Full Auto 2 with the camera selecting ISO beyond 400 and recording both jpeg and RAW? I just think it's overkill. The basic zone exists in the non-pro level DSLRs because it simplfies operations for those users not photographically inclined. Canon would NEVER replace the basic zone functions on those cameras to create more creative zone controls for a niche group of users. Just my opinion.

Personally I don't think that I would categorize and Av or Tv mode that changes ISO as a Basic Zone type mode. You still have complete control over aperature or shutterspeed while taking advantage of digitals ability to adjust ISO.

I find the Basic Zones, P, green box mode and A-Dep to be of no value, but someone must be using them. At least I can see some use for Av-ISO and Tv-ISO modes. On a pro body, why not have a couple of user configurable spots on the mode dial where you can select from a list of available modes?

[Lord_Malone]

Personally I don't think that I would categorize and Av or Tv mode that changes ISO as a Basic Zone type mode. You still have complete control over aperature or shutterspeed while taking advantage of digitals ability to adjust ISO.

I find the Basic Zones, P, green box mode and A-Dep to be of no value, but someone must be using them. At least I can see some use for Av-ISO and Tv-ISO modes. On a pro body, why not have a couple of user configurable spots on the mode dial where you can select from a list of available modes?

As Lax_Lacks said, I can see Canon maybe implementing this feature in the cfn menu of a pro body, but not creating a totally new set of controls on the control dial esp. on prosumer level and below bodies. Maybe some time in the near or distant future Canon will introduce fully customizeable bodies. Just buy the body and download and install the functions you want, or order the body directly from Canon according to your specs. Pick and choose your own shooting modes, custom functions, image parameters, etc. and assign them to the buttons or dials that suits the user. And if you decide to sell the body, the new user can reformat the entire system and reconfigure the camera to his specifications or just keep yours. Now that would be awesome.

[kram]

Just make an "auto" in the iso selection maybe with a short range like 100-400. Then have the currently selected iso visible in the viewfinder maybe with an A in front eg: A100, A200 etc. so you know what is going on.

From my gathering most people around here choose to shoot Av. Why is it more stupid to have the camera control iso than shutterspeed?

By the way AC isn't there actually something like this in the D70?

The ISO as a range rather than a set number makes a lot of sense. There are always parts that the majority of people here 'delegate' to the camera.

I find 'let camera do AF and let me do everything else' less compelling than 'let the camera do all that I want it to control and let me focus on the creative part that I want to focus on'.

And yes, just coz Canon may not give it tomm. doesnt mean we cant petition Canon.

[morehtml]

Agreed I would usually want to change ISO myself under 95% of my shooting and not let the camera do it but there are a few select cases where I believe it would be advantageous to let the camera do it up to 1600/3200 with changing light conditions and me being to slow to change ISO fast enough. I think the custom function idea sounds good.

[René Damkot]

I think it'ld be a good idea: The difference between ISO 200 and ISO 800 has less impact on the image then changing from 1/15 to 1/60s or f/2.8 to f/5.6...
Only problem I see is that the ISO range is a bit small: On a typical concert I find myself shooting from 1/30s @ f/1.4 up to 1/250s @ f/4. (ISO 1600); If I'ld select 1/125s @ f/2, ISO would have to range from ISO 128000 to 400 in this case. Maybe some 'safety shift' would be needed as well. But then: Shift shutterspeed or aperture (or both)?

[J Rabin]

Uhh. Loyal Forum friends... Canon does provide this feature, implemented on my 1-MkII as ISO bracketing, and I use it a LOT in outdoor hi contrast situations.

I have my 1-DMkII set to do exposure bracket sequences of 5 (instead of 3) with the Personal Function. Then, in any Exposure Mode, when I set the 1-D "bracket by ISO," button and dial, the camera fires (in 0.6 seconds) a sequence of 5 shots with aperture and shutter held constant, and the ISO changes.
Lots of cameras are going to provide this in the future.

Because the 30D and 5D FINALLY adjust ISO in 1/3 stops, you just put the camera in Manual Mode, set shutter and aperture. Shoot, press button, rotate QCD dial and change ISO under and over standard exposure.

All the Nikon's back to D70 provided for this ISO by 1/3 stops, but I never used it since Nikon ISO above 400 was so bad.

Jack

Edit: I use ISO bracketing a lot, because in fast changing difficult exposure situations, one aims for the "best possible" exposure, not "perfect" exposure. The 1-D MkII makes it easy. At work, I am the reigning champ of hi-contrast situations, and digital ISO bracketing just KILLED film forever for me.

[DocFrankenstein]

sounds a bit...

ridiculous.

Just use manual at that point.
It's not.

Since ISO is the third variable we control, it makes a lot of sense.

Right now the controls are labelled the way they are only because of the film history.

[Jon]

I'd definitely like to see this implemented either as a discrete mode, or, like "Safety Shift", as a CF for Av and Tv where if the aperture/shutter combo gets out of range the ISO rather than the "fixed" (aperture or shutter speed, depending on mode) value is changed. Yes, it can be done manually, but so can focussing. How many of you (aside from CondyK and Buze) focus manually on a routine basis? I started years ago with external meters and then match-needle, MF (including on some cameras without RF or any other kind of focussing aid). I don't feel that asking for a different kind of automation is any threat to my photographic skills. I still have to make the critical decisions in composition however the mechanical details are handled.

[farrukh]

Saw a thread on dpreview on this. Canon needs to make a mode like AV/TV where you set the shutter speed and/or aperture and the ISO automatically changes. With low noise in high ISO's this makes more sense than ever. I know the auto modes sort of do this but they don't have raw and don't go past 400 ISO

Yes but no need for additional mode. just an addition of ISO AUTO option in ISO select list should be enough. so any mode can have AUTO ISO capablities. and AUTO ISO must go beyong ISO 400 also.

[chris clements]

If the camera could change all 3 variables from shot to shot ('green cube' mode), we could get correct handheld autoexposure across a range from (say) 1/30th f1.8 @ ISO 3200 up to 1/2000th f22 @ISO 50 . My calculator melted before I could work out how many stops that might be.

As I understand it, to change ISO the amplification/gain of each receptor is changed. Could this be done at 8 or 10 fps without meltdown?

[kalmo]

Well...this function does sound REAL good, but , if photoshop is any clue as to where DSLR's might be heading its HD SLR! with like 32bit colour debth, in which you dont even NEED to change the ISO, as there will be so much info that you can properly expose later. This kind of undermines photography, but im sure its the way we are heading, sort of what RAW is like now(i said SORT OF!) ;)
But yeah, its a cool idea anyhow!
Tino

[Headcase650]

Right now with the 5D and 30D having ISO's from 100-3200 in 1/3 stops this would make an incredable upgrade to the system. If you dont want a new mode then make it a custome function, when in full manual allowing the cameras meter to choose the ISO from 100-3200 or what ever you select as a range, if your not within proper exposure with your selected range it would flash the ISO in the viewfinder as a warning. Wedding and concerts move fast, imagine being in full manual 2.8/ 125th catching the shots of the wedding couple leaving the alter, your trying to stay one step ahead of them as your backing out of the dimmily lit church into the open sunshine and not having to adjust anything, or at a concert and not have to wory about the bright burst of stage lights over exposing your shot that was metered for the dark just a few seconds prior.

Like said above, exposure is a triangle, you already have AV meter selects speed, TV meter selects aperture, with the new mode meter selects ISO. How does this take any of the skill out of the trade? It doesnt, it just makes your tools better. It cant be that difficult to do because nikon has been doing it synce the introduction of the D70.

[lancea]

Saw a thread on dpreview on this. Canon needs to make a mode like AV/TV where you set the shutter speed and/or aperture and the ISO automatically changes.
I agree this is a very sensible idea and no different to any of the other automation on our cameras. Something of an Automatic Gain Control.

[walter23]

there is Point and shoots if you want modes, there is DSLR if you want skill, but anyway, why more modes?

It makes a lot of sense to me. I think some of the Nikon cameras and higher end Canons have this; you can restrict shutter and aperture to certain ranges and compensate for exposure with ISO. Something like that. It's a very useful mode for some people, I'm sure.

Lighting changes, and sometimes events happen quickly. There's no shame in using (or wanting) convenience functions on your camera. Using your gear skillfully doesn't necessarily mean you must dial up the "M".

[johneric8]

No thanks. I'm more than capable of selecting the ISO myself. If people want Canon to dumb down controls, I recommend them being implemented in cameras other than pro level DSLRs. Controlling the outcome of the shot is part of the fun. ;)

Lord, I must say you are the man and I enjoy your post but let me give it to you like this.... I shoot theatre at least once a week and let me tell you, having an iso priority would be a useful feature in certian situations. Let me give you an example: :lol: At times when I begin in the dark theatre I will normally be set on 400 ISO.. I will normally get respectable shutterspeeds of between 1/60th and 1/250th using Aperture priority shooting wide open. Now, what happens if the lights go to half power and the "baby jesus manager scene" is in near dark with only a diffused spot? well, here is what would be nice- Seeing that I'm in aperture priority and I'm shooting wide open there is no way to change the iso quick enough to get the shot. Now, I have been known to be able to change the iso pretty darn quick but most of the time not quick enough. So, here is where ISO priority would be very useful. Wouldnt it be nice if my camera automatically shifted to ISO 800 to give me that extra stop? I would then go from my slow shutter of 1/30th to 1/60th ? I can tell you first hand that that extra speed does wonders in capturing a sharper exchanging of gifts for baby jesus..:lol: again, just some thoughts for you to consider...

[CyberDyneSystems]

1. Some Manufacturers allready have this feature.

2. Digital introduced ISO as an adjustment that was not available with film (unless you changed film or "pushed" )

3. Along with Shutter speed, aperture, and light,. ISO setting is now our fourth variable in achieving correct exposure, and the third that is adjustable on the camera. Like AV and TV the setting should be both instantly readable in viewfinder and instantly adjustable via a control dial.

4. Canon allready has the groundwork layed with ISO Bracketing.

It is an excellent Idea and a sensible evolution of the digital media and camera. We should not be held back by old film prejudices. Using it would be no more a dumbing down than using AV,. it would just be taking advantage of an adjustment in your camera that the old film SLR could not.




P.S.

This is not something you need to ask for.

It simply will happen in all DSLRs in time,.

[johneric8]

1. Some Manufacturers allready have this feature.

2. Digital introduced ISO as an adjustment that was not available with film (unless you changed film or "pushed" )

3. Along with Shutter speed, aperture, and light,. ISO setting is now our fourth variable in achieving correct exposure, and the third that is adjustable on the camera. Like AV and TV the setting should be both instantly readable in viewfinder and instantly adjustable via a control dial.

4. Canon allready has the groundwork layed with ISO Bracketing.

It is an excellent Idea and a sensible evolution of the digital media and camera. We should not be held back by old film prejudices. Using it would be no more a dumbing down that using AV,. it would just be taking advantage of an adjustment in your camera that the old film SLR could not.



There ya go cyberdune!! You go boy!! That is well said and very true.. I remember the days of pushing film.. I'm done with film to be honest but I still like it's latitude.. Of course I can live without it....

oh, in case the question comes up why dont I just shoot with ISO 800 instead of 400, well, it's because I dont want to! LOL... Yes, I would get a more consitant shutterspeed but I would have a bit less detail.. So,if 90% of my shots work well at ISO 400 why would I want to go to ISO800 to save that 10% ?? I know it's a matter of preference...

[Lord_Malone]

Lord, I must say you are the man and I enjoy your post but let me give it to you like this.... I shoot theatre at least once a week and let me tell you, having an iso priority would be a useful feature in certian situations. Let me give you an example: :lol: At times when I begin in the dark theatre I will normally be set on 400 ISO.. I will normally get respectable shutterspeeds of between 1/60th and 1/250th using Aperture priority shooting wide open. Now, what happens if the lights go to half power and the "baby jesus manager scene" is in near dark with only a diffused spot? well, here is what would be nice- Seeing that I'm in aperture priority and I'm shooting wide open there is no way to change the iso quick enough to get the shot. Now, I have been known to be able to change the iso pretty darn quick but most of the time not quick enough. So, here is where ISO priority would be very useful. Wouldnt it be nice if my camera automatically shifted to ISO 800 to give me that extra stop? I would then go from my slow shutter of 1/30th to 1/60th ? I can tell you first hand that that extra speed does wonders in capturing a sharper exchanging of gifts for baby jesus..:lol: again, just some thoughts for you to consider...

No need to convince me, bro. I gave in on page 2. You bring up some valid points I never considered. I never had to shoot in such conditions (if I did it was because I was probably drunk), so it just went over my head. But now I can fully see the merits of having an ISO priority type mode. I still stand by my original statement that Canon probably won't implement this as an alternative to the existing modes esp. in the basic zone on prosumer level DSLRs, but rather as a custom function. But who knows? If the people scream loud enough I'm sure Canon will eventually fold. How long have we been asking for a Mirror Lock-up button? And what do they give us? A direct print button! At least we now have ISO in the viewfinder on non1-series bodies and a high resolution FF body that we don't have to take out a second mortage to get. ;)

[transcend]

there is Point and shoots if you want modes, there is DSLR if you want skill, but anyway, why more modes?

Whatever, dude. Skill has nothing at all to do with it. I shoot sports and now make a living at it, a decent one at that. Should I use a point and shoot? ( Currently Use a 1dmk2.)

I would find this mode incredibly useful. Set Aperture and a minimum shutter speed, and let it do the rest. I have better things to do then screw around with ISO on 2 bodies every 10 mins to maintain a decent shutter speed at a proper aperture while the sun is setting during a playoff game.

edit: ISO bracketing sort of does this, but you need to take 3/5 shots to get it to do it. I may miss that one fumble, or that split second when both wheels are off the ground. I'd prefer to have it do it for every shot so that i can blast off my normal 3 shot sequence and get "the shot". I am sure it is in the pipe.

[René Damkot]

I don't see ISO bracketing as an alternative, because it *brackets* exposure. This 'Iv mode' would shift ISO to get a *correct* exposure.

[chris clements]

We juggle shutter and aperture for reasons other than exposure.
Now that noise is (increasingly) under control across a wide ISO range, auto exposure via an ISO mode wouldn't have such 'side effects' . It would allow correct exposure without affecting our decisions on DoF and freezing motion.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Exactly!

[DocFrankenstein]

they might as well put it on the handheld lightmeters too.

[lefturn99]

Auto, Auto, Auto. Good greif! ISO priority is no more auto than Av or Tv. To me, Auto is when the camera decides on two or three of your settings. In ISO priority, you set the EC, Av, and Tv and the camera is forced to set the ISO. It has no more choice than it does setting the shutter speed in Av or aperture in Tv (or EC in manual).
.

If that's auto, then you need to get the Linhof with the Phase 1 back like Michael Reichmann. Now, that's manual. Take the back off and peer through the naked lens to frame the shot. Manually cock the shutter.

I'm not saying ISO priority is good or bad. But it's not auto. And it isn't ISO bracketing. And since it doesn't exist, you can't prove I'm wrong.

[rklepper]

Okay, so how many of us have used the auto modes? Yeah I know. And was the outcome always pleasing, I mean did the cameras computer select everything the way you wanted it to? No, not for me either. So why would another auto mode do any better? Use M and get to know your camera and you will, well...know your camera.

[transcend]

Okay, so how many of us have used the auto modes? Yeah I know. And was the outcome always pleasing, I mean did the cameras computer select everything the way you wanted it to? No, not for me either. So why would another auto mode do any better? Use M and get to know your camera and you will, well...know your camera.

Ever shot action sports in perpetualy changing conditions with 2 cameras while trying not to get run over, or miss the shot?

Now you know why we sometimes use AV and TV.

I know very well how to use my camera, thank you very much. My paying clients would agree. I can get the exact same results in AV and TV mode as I would in M mode, and I don't have to constantly fiddle with things across 2 bodies while possibly missing that particular catch, tackle, fumble etc.

I love how all these "purists" come out of the woodwork over things like this. "The semi auto modes are for talentless hacks, get to know your camera, real photographers use Manual mode only!"

[AJSJones]

Okay, so how many of us have used the auto modes? Yeah I know. And was the outcome always pleasing, I mean did the cameras computer select everything the way you wanted it to? No, not for me either. So why would another auto mode do any better? Use M and get to know your camera and you will, well...know your camera.

So, is anything other than M defined as "auto" in your world?

[transcend]

So, is anything other than M defined as "auto" in your world?

Apparently not just his world.

[mbze430]

seriously... the only mode you really need is MANUAL! Bulb shouldn't even be a mode, it should be a special button....

[Lord_Malone]

Guys, can't we all just get along? :(

[lost]

You would swear that the OP suggested getting rid of Manual mode instead of suggesting additional functionality.

What would be the problem with adding it? It would be infinitly more usefull that the "Green Box". But I dont see a giant push to get that removed.

If you dont need the feature dont use it.

[Spiral Photo]

I would use it. When I shoot parties, the light is always changing. If I have an ideal shutter speed and DOF, I don't want to change that, so yes...I always find myself adjusting the ISO so I can keep those settings. And with things constantly happening that I want to capture, I don't want to have to fumble around with the ISO menu so I can miss the action.

[DunnoWhen]

All I ever think about is what I want the resulting picture to look like . :)

With that in mind, I try to figure out what the correct "creative" exposure should be.

Whether I use manual or semi automatic mode (av/tv) the resulting exposure setting should be the same.

:lol:As the memory is not quite what it once was, I'll take any help I can get.

[Lord_Malone]

I would use it. When I shoot parties, the light is always changing. If I have an ideal shutter speed and DOF, I don't want to change that, so yes...I always find myself adjusting the ISO so I can keep those settings. And with things constantly happening that I want to capture, I don't want to have to fumble around with the ISO menu so I can miss the action.

If I'm hanging out a party, bar or anywhere else that's low light or changing light, I choose a high ISO and stick to it. I consistently get good images from ISO 1600 and 3200, so that's why it never really concerned me. I'm sure an auto ISO will be useful for a lot of people, I currently do just fine right now w/o it. I'm sure if it was introduced I'd use it. ;)

[Spiral Photo]

Normally I would agree with you, but I use the 300D, which doesn't handle noise very well at higher ISO's. At least not near as well as the 350D.

[Lord_Malone]

Normally I would agree with you, but I use the 300D, which doesn't handle noise very well at higher ISO's. At least not near as well as the 350D.

Point taken. ;)

[Molydood]

Normally I would agree with you, but I use the 300D, which doesn't handle noise very well at higher ISO's. At least not near as well as the 350D.

Yep, agreed, I use a 300d... but I still think it's a killer function; as long as you can cap your ISO limit so the camera doesn't 'cross the line'. I don't think it will take long for the Auto-ISO modes to become totally standard on dSLR cameras, and the discussions contained in this thread and others are gunna make us all LOL in a few years time :D

Martin

[nadtz]

There seems to be a huge dichotomy between the "its the photographer not the camera" and "omg use manual!" philosophies. The camera is generally doing the metering and focusing, but for some reason its less pure or artistic to be able to set a shutter/aperture and have the camera control ISO? I personally would love to see this feature (and I believe nikon has it). Im for anything that helps me get the shot.