ISO is a balance, not a fear

ISO controls how strongly the camera amplifies the sensor signal. A lower ISO generally gives the cleanest file, while a higher ISO lets you work with less light or use a faster shutter speed.

When to raise ISO

Raise ISO when shutter speed is more important than absolute image cleanliness: during action, handheld work in low light or when you need enough aperture for depth of field. A sharp high-ISO photograph is usually more valuable than a blurred low-ISO one.

Practical approach

• Use base ISO when the camera is on a tripod and the scene is still.
• Set shutter speed first for moving subjects.
• Open the aperture only as far as depth of field allows.
• Then increase ISO to complete the exposure.

Modern cameras handle higher sensitivities very well, especially when exposure is accurate. Test your own camera and learn the range you are comfortable using.

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