{"id":361139,"date":"2021-06-10T10:55:54","date_gmt":"2021-06-10T09:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/?post_type=learning-centre&p=361139"},"modified":"2024-04-15T17:33:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T16:33:10","slug":"using-high-iso-settings-in-low-light","status":"publish","type":"learning-centre","link":"https:\/\/www.fujifilm-x.com\/en-gb\/learning-centre\/using-high-iso-settings-in-low-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Using High ISO Settings in Low Light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve seen that one strategy to cope in low light is to raise the ISO sensitivity of your camera\u2019s sensor. This is a bit like turning up the recording volume with a microphone to better capture quiet sounds \u2013 by increasing ISO, we make the camera more sensitive to light so we don\u2019t need to use such a large aperture or such a long shutter speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is a very useful way to photograph in low light without using your camera\u2019s flash, which can kill the atmosphere of the occasion. Increasing ISO lets you use the ambient light already present, so you can represent the look and feel of a scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can adjust ISO sensitivity using your camera\u2019s dedicated ISO control dial, if it has one. Alternatively, some X Series cameras use a function button or menu to adjust ISO. Consult the manual that came with your camera if you\u2019re not sure which approach to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Warning About Image Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boosting ISO in dark conditions does not come for free, however. To return to our microphone analogy for a moment, if we turned up the recording volume very high, we might hear a background hiss caused by random electronic noise being recorded along with the sound we actually want. The same principle applies with cameras: background electronic noise in the camera\u2019s circuitry can get amplified as the ISO sensitivity is increased until it becomes visible in photos as small grain-like speckles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9 Andy Noble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This noise is not the end of the world, though \u2013 in fact, it can enhance the look and feel of gritty or moody images, and if images are being used online, you\u2019ll probably not even notice it\u2019s there. Only you can decide how much of that noise is acceptable or bothersome. But always remember: choosing the right ISO sensitivity for a particular situation is about balancing the convenience of being able to photograph handheld with maintaining good image quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Auto ISO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If that balancing act sounds like too much to be thinking about when all you want to do is create some pictures, then you are not alone. It\u2019s why we introduced Auto ISO on our X Series cameras. Put simply, this super-useful feature automatically increases ISO when the light levels fall in order to keep the shutter speed high enough for handheld photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Turn the ISO dial to the A setting (or select A using the on-screen ISO controls) and try making an image in low light without flash (you can switch this off in your camera\u2019s Q Menu). You\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised with what you see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n