ISO Speed Settings for Still Photos

Set the ISO speed (image sensor's sensitivity to light) to suit the ambient light level. In Basic Zone modes, ISO speed is set automatically.

For details on ISO speed in movie recording, see ISO Speed in Movie Recording.

  1. Press the ISO button.

  2. Set the ISO speed.

    • Turn the Dial dial to set it.
    • ISO speed can be set within ISO 100–32000 in 1/3-stop increments.
    • With [AUTO] selected, ISO speed is set automatically.
    • When [AUTO] is selected, pressing the shutter button halfway will display the ISO speed actually set.

    • You can also press the INFO button to set the speed to [AUTO].

ISO speed guide

  • Low ISO speeds reduce image noise but may increase the risk of camera/subject shake or reduce the area in focus (shallower depth of field), in some shooting conditions.
  • High ISO speeds enable low-light shooting, a larger area in focus (deeper depth of field), and longer flash range but may increase image noise.

Note

  • Can also be set on the [ISO speed] screen in [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings].
  • Setting [Custom Functions: ISO expansion] to [Enable] () expands the maximum speed to H (equivalent to ISO 51200).

Caution

  • Image noise (such as graininess, dots of light, or banding), irregular colors, or color shift may be noticeable at high ISO speeds, in high temperatures, or with long exposures.
  • When shooting in conditions that produce an extreme amount of noise, such as a combination of high ISO speed, high temperature, and long exposure, images may not be recorded properly.
  • If you use a high ISO speed and flash to shoot a close subject, overexposure may result.

Maximum Auto ISO Speed

For ISO Auto, you can set the maximum ISO speed limit within ISO 400–32000.

  1. Select [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings].

  2. Select [Max for Auto].

    • Select [Max for Auto], then press the Quick Control/Set button.

  3. Select the ISO speed.

    • Select an ISO speed, then press the Quick Control/Set button.