LET’S TALK ISO

LORD PHOTO • 19 juin 2022
Une personne prend une photo avec un appareil photo sous la pluie.

How to Choose the Right ISO Value on My Camera

For those who want to delve a bit deeper and make specific adjustments to their cameras, this article covers the parameter of light sensitivity, ISO.


ISO stands for International Standard Organization. It refers to the sensitivity value assigned to the camera's digital sensor.


These values are similar to those from the days of film (35mm film)

The difference is that film had a fixed and calculated value, while digital sensors have variable and adjustable values that the photographer can control. In automatic modes, the value is determined by the camera based on the light and scene. In more advanced modes (P/S/A or M or P/TV/AV and M), the user should take control of the ISO value.
de la valeur ISO.


The typical values found in cameras are:

100-200-400-800-1600-3200-6400-12,800-25,600 (some cameras offer even higher or lower values depending on the manufacturer).



To understand what happens, as this value is transmitted to the camera sensor, it is an electric impulse (electric charge) sent to the sensor. The higher the value, the more the sensor increases its sensitivity with the help of the electric charge.


This generates images affected by a disturbance called digital noise, which becomes more visible as the ISO value increases. At very low ISO values, the effect is negligible; at higher values, contrast and colors are affected, in addition to showing digital noise. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the ISO value to minimize this effect. In automatic ISO, the photographer does not control this value and, therefore, does not control the resulting quality.


It is recommended to choose this parameter primarily based on the brightness (ambient light) and the movement of the subject.


The recommended values according to ambient light are: (these values are approximate)


  • ISO 100 or 200: Sunny day
  • ISO 400: Cloudy or overcast sky
  • ISO 800: Low outdoor light or late in the day
  • ISO 1600 to 6400: Indoor evening photography
  • ISO 3200 to 25,600: Outdoor evening photography without a tripod
  • ISO 100 to 3200: Outdoor evening photography with a tripod (will show motion blur)
  • ISO 1600 to 6400: Concert photography (depending on movement and lighting)


Note: These values are standardized for a static scene without movement. If there is significant movement in the photographed scene, increase the ISO value by two stops to counter the movement and obtain a more appropriate exposure time. Example: move from the recommended normal value of 200 to a value of 800.


Practice by capturing photos at different ISO values, then compare them.

Un gros plan d'une mouche sur une fleur violette.

Proper Preparation for a Macro Photography Session

par Cloé Pelletier-Bossé • 18 juillet 2023
Proper Preparation for a Macro Photography Session Macro photography is not a very complicated field, as a simple garden can provide hours of enjoyment. However, it requires patience, skill, and creativity. If you want to improve and respect nature, it is important to prepare well in advance. We operate in a wild and sensitive environment, in contact with fragile and skittish animals. Therefore, being careful is very important if you want to approach this with the passion it deserves. Here are some tips from my personal experience and advice I’ve received to maximize the chances of returning with a calm mind and, most importantly, allowing you to capture images that meet your expectations!
Un gros plan d'une tête d'aigle avec un arrière-plan flou.

Nikkor Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 VR S review

par Yves Pinsonneault • 9 mai 2023
Nikkor Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 VR S We tested for you: Nikkor Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 VR S This lens is designed for users of Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. It is compatible with all Z series models, including both APS-C and full-frame (FF) bodies. As the model name indicates, its coverage ranges from 100mm to 400mm (150mm to 600mm equivalent on APS-C) and features a variable aperture depending on the zoom ring position. At 100mm, the maximum aperture is f/4.5, and at 400mm, it is f/5.6, which is more than acceptable for general outdoor photography. It’s also important to note that Z series cameras have excellent high ISO performance, which means this lens can be used in a wide variety of situations without limitation. The box includes lens caps and a lens hood, which should always be equipped. You will see this lens in the hands of various sports photographers and wildlife photographers seeking detail and precision in their images, but at relatively short distances. 400mm is a bit limited for bird photography unless you are close to the subject. Weight: Right off the bat, the lightness of the lens is striking, and it balances well on cameras like the Z9 or even a Z6/Z6II. The balance is a bit more challenging with a Z30/50, but it’s still manageable with some practice and familiarity. Autofocus: Fast—very fast, in fact—and consistently accurate. Even in the shade, the subject is focused with spectacular speed. The speed easily compares to that of the Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 VR S. Regardless of the camera body used, it performs flawlessly and is highly effective. It is definitely worthy of the S series lenses (Nikon’s professional series for Z bodies).
Un homme est debout sur un balcon et regarde les étoiles la nuit.

THE PERSEIDS AND ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

par Eddie Pelletier • 9 août 2022
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