> 4 minute read

The Advantages of Auto ISO

The automatic ISO sensitivity of X Series cameras is helpful in a multitude of situations. We explain what it does, when you should use it, and how to set it up for your photography

Even if you haven’t used them yet, you’ll no doubt be aware of the automatic aperture (A) and shutter speed (S) functions on your X Series camera. Used in isolation, these ‘priority’ modes give more control than AUTO, by allowing us to focus on whichever single exposure control matters most in any given scene. For example, if you use aperture-priority, and select an aperture of your choice, the camera will choose a corresponding shutter speed for an accurate exposure. Many photographers use these modes on a regular basis, but there’s a third – often overlooked – function that gives even more flexibility.

We’re talking about Auto ISO. Directly, this setting does exactly what its name suggests. Figuratively, it unshackles your camera and gives you a perfect balance of control and speed.

The Auto ISO benefit

Using aperture or shutter priority with a fixed ISO, we’re relying on just one automatic setting to do the heavy lifting when it comes to nailing exposure. Imagine, for example, you manually set a small aperture for a larger depth-of-field. If you’ve set ISO 400, the camera might select an automatic shutter speed of just 1/8 sec – far too slow to freeze any action. Getting a faster shutter speed to freeze action requires raising your ISO, but in that split second, the subject may move on, so you end up missing the shot.

Now, with Auto ISO, we could choose the desired aperture, then let our camera select a shutter speed based on predetermined preferences. In the same scenario, instead of lowering the shutter speed, your camera would just raise the ISO instead.

The obvious benefit is efficiency – and it’s not like the camera is making a change we wouldn’t make ourselves. Raising the ISO may mean an increase in digital noise, but that’s preferable to a blurred image, and X Series cameras handle higher ISO settings exceptionally well. There are even three Auto ISO presets, which can be set up differently and chosen when light conditions change. Using Auto ISO really gives you an additional safety net, increasing your confidence in being able to get a worthwhile result.

As with aperture and shutter priority modes, you can still use the Exposure Compensation Dial to make your image brighter or darker with ease. Another benefit is the potential to remove ISO from one of your customisable buttons or dials, to free space for another more frequently used setting.

Setting up Auto ISO

To customise your Auto ISO profiles, enter the SHOOTING SETTINGS menu and select ISO. Here, you’ll see the standard ISO choices, along with AUTO1, AUTO2 and AUTO3. In each case, these options will have default settings, but these can be changed according to your image making needs. Three parameters can be changed: DEFAULT SENSITIVITY, which is your preferred ISO that the camera will use whenever the lighting levels allow; MAX. SENSITIVITY, which the camera will use (but not exceed) when the light levels are low; and MIN. SHUTTER SPEED, slowest shutter speed the camera will choose.

One important consideration is that these Auto ISO settings will be adhered to whenever possible, but if the combination of settings still don’t allow for an accurate exposure, the camera will override them. Given this, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the settings to ensure you still get the desired result.

Making use of all three slots is the best idea – even if you use one far more than the others. In addition to AUTO1, which may contain ideal daylight settings, you might wish to set up AUTO2 with a higher MAX. SENSITIVITY for low light settings, and AUTO3 with a raised MIN. SHUTTER SPEED for photographing with longer lenses, for example. You can tailor each option to your precise needs.

That’s really all there is to it! It’s a very easy setting to program and means you’re ready for more moments than ever. Be sure to give it a try. When you do, share your images with us by tagging #RepostMyFujifilm on social media.

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