The ISO sensitivity dial

The camera’s sensitivity to light (ISO sensitivity) can be adjusted according to the amount of light available. In general, choosing higher values allows faster shutter speeds at the same aperture.

Adjusting ISO sensitivity

  • Hold the ISO sensitivity dial lock release and rotate the ISO sensitivity dial.
  • The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Photo mode

  • Choose from values of from ISO 100 to 51200. You can set the ISO sensitivity dial to [H1] (Hi 1) for about one step higher, or [H2] (Hi 2) for about two steps higher from ISO 51200.
  • In mode b, the setting is fixed at ISO-A (AUTO), and the camera automatically adjusts ISO sensitivity.
  • If [Silent photography] in the photo shooting menu is set to [On], ISO sensitivities [H1] (Hi 1) and [H2] (Hi 2) cannot be used. If the ISO sensitivity dial is set to [H1] or [H2], the ISO sensitivity will be set to ISO 51200.

Auto ISO sensitivity control when taking photos

If you set [ISO sensitivity settings] (ISO sensitivity settings) > [Auto ISO sensitivity control] in the photo shooting menu to [On], the camera will automatically change the ISO sensitivity when proper exposure cannot be obtained with the ISO sensitivity set in modes P, S, A, and M.

Video mode

  • You can adjust the ISO sensitivity only under the following settings. In all other cases, the camera automatically adjusts ISO sensitivity.
    • Mode: M
    • [ISO sensitivity settings] > [Auto ISO control (mode M)] in the video recording menu: [Off]
  • Choose from values of from ISO 100 to 25600. If the ISO sensitivity dial is set to any other value, it will be set to ISO 25600.

High ISO sensitivities

The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing pictures to be taken when lighting is poor and helping prevent blur when the subject is in motion. Note, however, that the higher the sensitivity, the more likely the image is to be affected by “noise” in the form of randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines.

H1 and H2

A setting of [H1] (Hi 1) corresponds to an ISO sensitivity approximately 1 EV higher than ISO 51200 (equivalent to ISO 102400) and [H2] (Hi 2) to an ISO sensitivity approximately 2 EV higher (equivalent to ISO 204800). Note that pictures taken at these settings are particularly prone to “noise” in the form of randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines.