What ISO do you typically use

[maderito]

There are many variables that affect perceived and actual image sharpness. A partial listing includes:

1. Focus accuracy
2. Camera shake
3. Subject movement
4. Image noise (due to poor exposure or high ISO)

To reduce the variables, I’ve always shot at the relatively high ISO in order to have faster shutter speeds for any shooting setting.

With low noise of the 10D CMOS sensor, ISO 400 seems fine for most situations (indoor sports representing an important exception). Generally, I don’t even think about it. I just keep my camera fixed to an ISO 400. Under most situations, I can use high enough shutter speeds to control #2 and #3. Noise is not an obvious problem. So most unsharp shots result from poor focus.

What is your usual ISO setting – and do you vary it?
Above what ISO do you think image noise contributes to nonsharp images?

Just curious :?

[RichardtheSane]

I vary my ISO between 100, 200 & 400 while doing wildlife shooting
Landscapes I do ISO 100 all the time
Rock concerts are ISO 800-1600
People I try to use 100 & 200

800 and above I find the noise can reduce overall sharpness unless you are prepared to spend some time on the image.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It really depends on the lighting,. I try to keep it as low as possible.. without sacrificing too much shutter speeds..

Yesterday was a really geogous day.. so I was able to get 1/1000 @ f/7.1 with ISO 100... certainly no need to be at 400 then.

However,. I agree,.. with the 10D in good light the 400 ISO looks hardly distinguishable from 100 :)

But often enough I will still forget.. so I have the word ISO Printed and stuck onto the top of the built in flash housing in bright white!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[IndyJeff]

But often enough I will still forget.. so I have the word ISO Printed and stuck onto the top of the built in flash housing in bright white!!!!

By George that is one of the greatest tips I have seen on this board. As a matter of fact I think you have posted that before and I said so then too.

[Jesper]

My default setting is ISO 100. I always try to set it as low as possible, for minimal noise. In low light situations, I only use ISO 1600 if it's really not possible to use a lower setting. I've tried the expanded mode ("H", ISO 3200) to see what it looks like, but the noise is so bad that I consider it unusable.

[iwatkins]

ISO100 for me. I will bump it up if necessary though :)

Another way to remember is to get into the habit of pushing the "info" button as soon as you start the camera up. This way you can have a quick look see at the various settings before you start shooting.

Cheers

Ian