ISO Speed Settings (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 (Timer 06sec).

  2. Set the ISO speed.

    • Select the ISO speed with the Left key Right key keys or the Main dial dial while watching the viewfinder or screen, then press SET.
    • ISO speed can be set within ISO 100–25600.
    • With [AUTO] selected, the ISO speed will be set automatically ().
    • To specify [AUTO] when setting [ISO speed] in [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings] (shown above), you can 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].
  • Under [Set-up: Custom Functions(C.Fn)], if [ISO expansion] is set to [1:Enable], “H” (equivalent to ISO 51200) can also be selected ().

Caution

  • If [Shooting: Highlight tone priority] is set to [Enable] or [Enhanced], ISO 100/125/160 and “H” (equivalent to ISO 51200) cannot be selected ().
  • Shooting in high temperatures may result in images that look grainier. Long exposures may also cause irregular colors in the image.
  • When you shoot at high ISO speeds, noise (such as dots of light and banding) may become noticeable.
  • If you use a high ISO speed and flash to shoot a close subject, overexposure may result.
  • 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.
  • As “H” (equivalent to ISO 51200) is an expanded ISO speed setting, noise (dots of light, banding, etc.) and irregular colors will be more noticeable, and the resolution will be lower compared to the standard setting.

[AUTO] ISO Speed

  • If the ISO speed is set to [AUTO], the actual ISO speed setting will be displayed in the viewfinder or on the screen when you press the shutter button halfway.
  • When [AUTO] is set, the ISO speed is indicated in whole-stop increments. However, the ISO speed is actually set in finer increments. Therefore, in the image's shooting information (), you may find an ISO speed such as ISO 125 or ISO 640 displayed as the ISO speed.

Maximum [AUTO] ISO Speed

For ISO Auto, you can set the maximum ISO speed limit within ISO 400–25600.

  1. Select [Shooting: StillsISO speed settings].

  2. Select [Max for Auto].

    • Select [Max for Auto], then press SET.

  3. Select the ISO speed.

    • Select the ISO speed, then press SET.