Optimize your images.
ISO indicates the light sensitivity of film or the image sensor on a digital camera and is referred to as an ISO rating, setting or number. ISO performance is the ability to manipulate the ISO setting to minimize photo defects referred to as noise reduction.
Definition
ISO affects photo quality.
The ISO numbers commonly range from 100 to 3200. The lower the ISO number the less sensitive the image sensor is to light. Achieving better photo quality is often done by using a lower ISO number. ISO performance becomes an issue when taking photos in environments with dim lighting where flash is not permissible or desirable.
Alternatives
Utilize camera features.
Compensate for the low light to the sensor by adjusting the shutter speed, the aperture size (f-stop) or the ISO setting. Increasing the ISO speed is the most common method but it results in photo defects often referred to as noise or grain.
Technique
Achieve photo quality.
Increased ISO performance can be achieved by using the noise reduction feature of the camera, using a faster lens or by attaching a lens with a large aperture. Adjust the captured image using a photo editor. Options vary by manufacturer yet the most important indicators of ISO performance are experience and individual preference.
Tags: photo quality, image sensor, lower number, noise reduction, number performance, photo defects