What Does ISO Mean for Cameras?

People just getting started with digital photography might wonder what ISO means for the cameras. While most people know how aperture and shutter speed will affect the light coming into their camera, few people understand the importance of ISO for the cameras.

Generally defined, ISO is the camera's sensitivity to light. If the camera has a low ISO, the camera will be less sensitive to the light coming in. If the Slr camera has a high ISO, it will be extremely sensitive to light. ISO settings are as follows: 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600. Although if you have a high-end DSLR camera, 

you might have ISO settings as high as 6400. As much as possible, you want to be able to get the lowest ISO setting on your camera, which in most cases is 100. This way, your pictures will always be of the highest quality.

However, in low light situations, this is not always possible. If you've already tried your best to adjust your shutter speed and aperture to let in the most light possible, another solution to getting better light is to make your ISO higher. Although the picture will be grainier, the exposure will be better.

If you are in a bright location, where there is plenty of light (outside), you should always check and make sure that your ISO is at 100. Bumping up your ISO to 200 or 400 won't affect the quality of your pictures that much, but if you make your ISO 1600, you'll definitely notice a depreciation in quality.