this isn't how it works or really what it is but one of the effects is how GRAINY the image may end up looking. More grainy/noisy the higher that number is.
However cameras are constantly improving so even that is in flux
@bengy when you are outdoors with enough light the ISO setting should be low, usually under 200. Indoors in low light the ISO is usually higher, 400 plus. That's the general principle. If you have don't have a tripod a high ISO really helps in a low light situation. Play around and you will get the hang of it.
It's the volume on your sensor
Thanks, still not totally sure what it does. I will look it up!
this isn't how it works or really what it is but one of the effects is how GRAINY the image may end up looking. More grainy/noisy the higher that number is.
However cameras are constantly improving so even that is in flux
So what is the trade off? Why can't you just set the ISO to maximum?
You get really noisy grainy pictures if you set to max ISO.
You get really smooth sharp images if you are really low on ISO
However when there's not much light you need more sensativity to light which is what ISO gives you.
I mean these are simplifications of the process but still it should help
Okay, thanks for the info. I think I will hunt down the hand held and toy around with the settings.
@bengy when you are outdoors with enough light the ISO setting should be low, usually under 200. Indoors in low light the ISO is usually higher, 400 plus. That's the general principle. If you have don't have a tripod a high ISO really helps in a low light situation. Play around and you will get the hang of it.
Thanks, I will play around and see what comes out.
Very good explanation @jarvie!