Different Lighting Conditions – The Basics of ISO
ISO measures the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light.
One way to think of ISO is to think of it as a sponge.
Low ISO means a sponge is less absorbent
High ISO means sponge is more absorbent.
Some common settings for ISO:
Bright Sunny Day
100-200
Ideal for outdoor shots in bright sunlight.
Slightly Cloudy Day
200-400
Good for outdoor shots with some cloud cover.
Overcast Day
400-800
Suitable for cloudy days or shaded outdoor areas.
Indoor with Good Lighting
400-800
Best for well-lit indoor environments, like classrooms.
Indoor with Low Lighting
800-1600
Useful for dimly lit indoor settings, like homes.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
800-1600
Appropriate for low light outdoors before it gets dark.
Night Photography
1600-3200
Necessary for night shots, especially in low light.
Concerts/Theaters
1600-3200
Helps capture low light events with some movement.
Sports (Indoors)
1600-3200
Ideal for fast action in poorly lit indoor arenas.
Very Low Light/Night Sky
Sky3200+
Required for extremely low light situations like star photography.