The MOST Misunderstood Setting in Photography

Summary

This video script debunks common misconceptions about ISO settings in photography, focusing on how high ISO doesn't inherently lead to noise. It explains that ISO acts as a brightness amplifier, and modern cameras are better at managing noise. With the introduction of ISO invariant cameras and AI noise reduction tools, photographers can now push their ISO limits with confidence. The script encourages photographers to embrace high ISO for creative shots, emphasizing that the story told through a photo is more important than pixel-perfect quality, and offers practical tips to help photographers improve their work.

Takeaways

• 😀 ISO does not make your camera sensor more sensitive to light; it amplifies the signal after the light is captured.
• 😀 Increasing ISO amplifies noise, but it doesn't create it. The noise comes from the low light in the scene.
• 😀 Modern cameras are highly capable of managing noise even at high ISO settings, making high ISO usable for cleaner images.
• 😀 ISO invariance allows you to boost exposure in post-processing with almost identical results to adjusting ISO in-camera.
• 😀 Base ISO (like ISO 100) provides the cleanest images with maximum dynamic range, but you don’t have to stick to it if the situation demands a higher ISO.
• 😀 Using high ISO to freeze motion or brighten a dark scene may result in more noise, but it’s often a small trade-off for getting the shot.
• 😀 Extended ISO ranges (e.g., ISO 50 or ISO 100,000) are often digitally created and sacrifice image quality. Post-processing adjustments can achieve better results.
• 😀 AI-powered noise reduction tools (e.g., Topaz DeNoise AI, Lightroom) can effectively clean up high ISO images while preserving detail.
• 😀 A small amount of noise in an image can actually add character and texture, similar to how film photographers embrace grain.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to experiment with higher ISO settings in low light situations. The results may surprise you with more detail and clarity.
• 😀 Your audience cares more about the story in your photos than the noise. Unless they’re fellow photographers, they won’t scrutinize the noise level.

Q & A

Why is ISO not as important as people think in modern digital cameras?

In modern digital cameras, ISO doesn’t directly increase the sensitivity of the sensor to light. Instead, it amplifies the signal already captured by the sensor. This means that ISO doesn’t gather more light, but it adjusts the brightness of the image, making it appear brighter.

What is the difference between how ISO works in film and digital photography?

In film photography, ISO was related to the sensitivity of the film to light, but in digital photography, ISO simply amplifies the signal of light already captured by the sensor. Digital sensors do not get more sensitive to light with higher ISO; they just adjust the brightness of the image.

How does ISO affect noise in a photo?

ISO doesn’t create noise, but it amplifies existing noise. Noise in photos typically comes from low-light conditions, where the camera struggles to separate the signal (light) from background interference. Increasing ISO amplifies both the signal and the noise, making the latter more visible.

What does the term 'ISO invariant' mean in cameras?

ISO invariant cameras allow for exposure adjustments during post-processing without significantly increasing noise. These cameras produce similar results whether exposure is adjusted in-camera with higher ISO or later during editing, thanks to minimal read noise in modern sensors.

Why is Base ISO considered important in camera settings?

Base ISO is the setting where the camera produces its cleanest images with the least noise and the best dynamic range (the ability to capture details in both shadows and highlights). It’s considered the most efficient setting for your camera sensor.

What are the drawbacks of using extended ISO settings in cameras?

Extended ISO settings are achieved through digital manipulation, either brightening or darkening an image to simulate a higher or lower ISO setting. This often results in more noise, less dynamic range, and lower overall image quality. It's usually better to adjust exposure in post-processing.

Can high ISO still be useful in modern photography?

Yes, high ISO can be very useful, especially in low-light situations or when you need to freeze fast motion. Modern cameras manage high ISO better than ever before, allowing you to capture cleaner images even at higher ISO settings, though there may be a slight increase in noise.

What role do AI noise reduction tools play in modern photography?

AI-powered noise reduction tools, such as Topaz AI and Lightroom’s noise reduction, can significantly reduce noise in high-ISO images while preserving important details. These tools analyze noise patterns and separate them from the image details, resulting in cleaner and sharper photos.

How does using higher ISO affect motion in photography?

Using higher ISO allows you to use faster shutter speeds, which is crucial for freezing motion, especially in fast-moving subjects. For example, increasing ISO can help you capture a hummingbird in flight without introducing motion blur that would occur at a slower shutter speed.

Why should photographers embrace a little bit of noise in their photos?

A small amount of noise can add character to a photo and make it feel more organic, similar to film grain. It’s often barely noticeable and can contribute to the aesthetic of the image. Embracing some noise allows photographers to focus more on capturing the moment rather than worrying about perfection.