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 Left key key.

  2. Set the ISO speed.

    • Set by pressing the Left keyRight key keys.
    • ISO speed can be set within ISO 100–12800 in 1/3-stop increments.
    • With [AUTO] selected, ISO speed is set automatically. You can also press the INFO button to set the speed to [AUTO].
    • When [AUTO] is selected, pressing the shutter button halfway will display the ISO speed actually set.
    • To specify [AUTO] when setting [ISO speed] in [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings] (shown above), press the INFO button.

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].
  • To add [H] (equivalent to ISO 25600) as an available option, set [ISO expansion] to [1:Enable] in [Set-up: Custom Functions(C.Fn)] ().

Caution

  • Setting [Shooting: Highlight tone priority] to [Enable] or [Enhanced] will prevent you from selecting ISO 100/125/160 or [H] (equivalent to ISO 25600) ().
  • Shooting in high temperatures may result in images that look grainier. Long exposures may also cause irregular colors in the image.
  • Image noise (such as dots of light or banding) or irregular colors may be noticeable at high ISO speeds.
  • Overexposure may occur with subjects captured at close range at high ISO speeds.
  • 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.
  • Image noise (such as dots of light or banding) and irregular colors may increase and apparent resolution may decrease at H (equivalent to ISO 25600), which is an expanded ISO speed.

Maximum [AUTO] ISO Speed

For ISO Auto, you can set the maximum ISO speed limit within ISO 400–12800.

  1. Select [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings].

  2. Select [Max for Auto].

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

  3. Select the ISO speed.

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