All About Auto ISO (Nikon Cameras)

Auto ISO is a frequent source of confusion but it doesn't have to be that way! In this comprehensive video, we'll cover how Auto ISO works in Nikon cameras (although it's likely very similar for all brands). We'll start with what it does, why / when you should use it, how to set it up, and how it interacts with your various exposure modes. Check it out!
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Manual + Auto ISO Video:
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[@sharonleibel]

just finished the "Nikon Exposure" book from Steve, And moving to the "Nikon Auto Focus" book. Guys, BUY HIS BOOKS! With a minimal price you get so much information in there that your head will spin. Along with many myth busting...

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much for the kind words - greatly appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed the book :)

[@sharonleibel]

Steve Perry I stopped counting the “A-Ha” moments after I passed 20 :) By the way: Is it possible to send you a few clarification questions on some of the metering explanations?

[@backcountrygallery]

@@sharonleibel Sure - hit me up via my contact form on the website. Note that I'm in Africa at the moment though, sometimes without internet.

[@sharonleibel]

@@backcountrygallery Great. It will be probably answered on the book if you identify common misunderstandings. No hurries, Enjoy Africa!

[@multimedia542]

Trying to find pay options on his website?

[@glecas]

Your tutorials are the greatest I have ever watched. I keep coming back to them whenever I need to refresh my memory. So many things make your tutorials so good! Here's just a few of the things I love: Your ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand way with simple language. The simple yet beautiful illustrations as you explain things. The way you show the camera's menu, explain the settings and what they do. Keeping the narration straight and to the point, without a ton of "filler talk" that is so common among others. Thank you for all your tutorials, tips and tricks!!! 🙏

[@zmanagadze]

another masterpiece, Steve! I am from Georgia (Republic) far away from the USA :), your follower for years and have already bought all your books and they are worth every penny. keep going, Steve

[@adiringer1959]

You make THE BEST educational videos, so easy to understand. The dropping sun while showing how it changes settings is genius!

[@greggorter]

The most easy to understand and comprehensive explanation for these settings that I’ve found. Your ebooks are also awesome Steve, great work & thank you 😊🙏🏿

[@veloz7860]

Absolute best, most thorough, most clear explanation of the "flowchart" that the camera follows when applying ISO area to the various modes. THANK-YOU for clearing things up for me, finally!!!!

[@stanleywall9196]

Another great informative video... thank you and welcome back Steve...

[@dance2jam]

So good to see your productions back again! Hope you enjoyed the break. Will definitely miss the videos (definitely my favorites!). Thanks again Steve.

[@anita.s6332]

Steve I learn something new every time I watch your videos. I always keep my camera in auto iso but didn't know I could toggle it on and off with the front dial button. Thank you for another awesome video!!

[@Irishkilt67]

I've been using auto iso for 2 years now and love it! I can still manipulate the iso by adjusting my shutter or aperture if needed. Fantastic advice for everyone!

[@GoneToHelenBach]

You can also manipulate auto-ISO in manual mode with exposure compensation without altering aperture or shutter speed at all. Exposure compensation, when used this way, will alter the zero point of your cameras meter from its standard 18% grey. Let's say you dial in two thirds of a stop of negative exp-comp, the zero point of your meter will now be two thirds of a stop below 18% grey and auto-ISO will continue to zero the meter as it always has, so you will get an image two thirds of a stop darker...very useful when you're shooting a small bright subject against a large dark background. This, of course, works the other way around too i.e. a dark subject against a bright background, just dial in positive exp-comp so that the meter zeros at a brighter value than 18% grey.

[@larsvolz4316]

Your videos are absolutely perfect. Clean delivery and a solid explanation of how the system works under Auto ISO. You are an excellent teacher and are providing wonderful service with this sort of clear explanation. Nikon should hire you to do a series of tutorial videos. Keep it up.

[@warrengh5647]

Thank you, Steve, that has cleared up a lot of questions I needed answers to in a clear and understandable tutorial.

[@xxcmag]

Thanks so much for the video. I’ve been shooting Nikon for years but you always seem to find something that I’ve been messing up. Keep up the great work.

[@Mully410]

This is an excellent video. Thank you! It perfectly explains a topic I've been trying to explain to my friends for years. Keep up the good work!

[@ShaunakHub]

This is without a doubt the best guide I have ever seen on Auto ISO. Thanks a lot!

[@rmehta54]

This is GOLD, Steve! Thanks for making it so easy to understand.

[@JMHSPhoto]

Another great video Steve.. Thank you for all you help out with and contribute with in the FM/Nikon community.

[@jsfbay1]

I stumbled onto using auto-iso in manual mode a year or two ago and love it! This video provides a very good tutorial for how the settings change in various exposure modes. Highly recommended, and I wish this video had come out 7 years ago when I first started (trying to rather unsuccessfully) shooting high school Cross Country anack and Field.

[@droppingcoconuts]

I want to thankyou once again for turning me on to this. been using auto ISO in manual mode for about a year now, along with back button focus and will never look back.

[@NikhilShahi]

I had seen your other video on Auto ISO and so understood the concept and have been using it for a while now (thanks much). However, I have to say that this is a really concise and well laid out video. You really have a gift for teaching,

[@tomwear4613]

This is quite possibly the best instructional video I have ever watched! The narration and graphics make a somewhat complicated subject completely clear. I'll have to check out more of your vids.

[@chrisdunford2346]

Absolutely the best explanation of this whole subject I've ever seen. Applies equally well to Canon users. Thank you Steve.

[@MrTolesi]

I agree!

[@dasp125]

I can second Steves books, they are fantastic; full of lots of valuable information which he explains in a very clear way with his diagrams, photos and sense of humour. Great job Steve, the books are worth every penny.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!!

[@DavidBennettplus]

Dear Steve, you give me confidence that I know what to set on the camera, and why. Thank you.

[@Balconeswpg]

I've read the book twice. No, I'm not a glutton for punishment. It's just that it's packed with so much helpful information, it takes more than one read to absorb it all. Manual with auto ISO has become one of my favorite modes for shooting action. Steve, thanks so much!

[@captandy34449]

Wow! Steve this video was outstanding! It really cleared up several things for me. Thank you very much for posting it.

[@robcawston861]

Great work Steve.....the best help on KZbin! I don't know how you remember all this stuff but very well done!!

[@_The_Able_Gardener]

FINALLY!! . . Finally I have found that one video I’ve been looking for. For some reason I managed to get myself tied up in knots over the ISO settings. Many thank for sharing. Much appreciated. 😊

[@jimwlouavl]

The sliding sun from bright to dark is an excellent graphic. Thanks. Thanks also for the detail about when the camera goes below the minimum shutter speed and when it allows underexposure.

[@mgamga]

Your teaching skills are matched by your photographic skills, Kudos.

[@dah7772]

500 pages into your exposure book. Best one that I’ve purchased from you. Learning more than I honestly thought I would.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!

[@mailanmanu]

Very well explained. Concise and a good visualization of the underlying logic. Thanks for your effort!

[@simonmason7760]

Hi Steve, great video. I know many people learn faster by watching tutorials. Keep them coming!

[@shwekhine5836]

The best instruction on ISO settings I have ever seen.

[@derbydiva9090]

Just got purchased a D850, thank you for your explanation of ISO/Auto Iso control and how to set them..Cleared the fog in my brain

[@Aplus205]

Lots of info for me to grasp at ones. I will watch it over again.. I am a Nikon D7100 shooter and your two e-books were the best purchase I made to improve my photography. always look forward for your material. Thanks Steve.

[@adarajennifer]

Steve's examples make such a potentially-confusing subject very clear. Highly recommended video created by a superb teacher.

[@NabilAbdulla07]

Totally agree. Thanks Steve.

[@MrTolesi]

@@NabilAbdulla07 And me!

[@walterbraun1079]

Great to have u back again.

[@TheLoumel100]

Thank you so much Steve. I've tried this technique before but got scared off by it over exposing my shots. I have a D500 with a 200-500 F5.6. Trying to maintain a good exposure in difficult lighting conditions. Now with this video I'm dipping my toes in that water again and already my test shots are coming out better. I think I need to embrace higher iso's and allow the camera to do it's thing while I'm in manual when in low light. Furthermore I like your explanation regarding exposure comp and how you won't see the indicator. That offers some reassurance as I felt I was doing something wrong. Great work and thanks again. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@laurelb8372]

Makes such a lot of sense, thank you. I now understand my iso function on D5600.

[@ianbachanek2538]

I went manual + auto iso about a year ago. A suggestion from a different KZbin photographer (Morten Hilmer). Works great if you hike as light conditions can change so quickly in a forest. Great video! So informative!

[@sarajitsil]

Excellent tutorial. I have bought your ebooks. Those are simply awesome!!!

[@JagaatBhari]

This is really good video Steve. Exactly what I wanted to know about auto ISO settings and more importantly recommendation. Thanks and Cheers :)

[@aniruddhavidwans3626]

This is very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain this complicated subject.

[@peterbrackenbury]

THanks Steve, again a very helpful video. I didn't fully realise the implications of using Auto ISO but having watched the video it all makes sense now and hopefully I will benefit more from using this useful facility.

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

I started using this technique in aperture priority mode, but mostly use it in manual mode so I can quickly adjust the shutter speed. Best of both worlds.

[@kontrolla1]

Thanks for another excellent video Steve. I already use manual and auto ISO on my D850 and D500 but I still learnt a few things from this.

[@peterlemke3468]

Thanks for the video Steve much appreciated. You are generous in sharing your knowledge and expertise. Clearly explained but a lot to digest here. Will roll through it a few times while l menu dive.

[@scottk.8494]

VERY helpful video! I got a D7500 a couple months ago and your videos have been super useful fully understanding some of the settings.

[@TracyClark]

Your videos are always so helpful. Thank you.

[@JoeHTX]

Thank you for this valuable information. Much needed for beginners like me!

[@marcelvanlierop]

Very comprehensive info mixed with the usual dose of humor. Very well explained!

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Really helpful and informative Steve, thank you 😊

[@alanalain4884]

Your videos are very sharp with awesome in-depth explanations. Many thanks...

[@michaellennon9427]

Today my wife asked me to photograph a “Century ride” for her dressage club. It’s when a rider and horse combined age is 100 years. A pretty rare occurrence. I knew the barn was poorly lit by sun from one side, and today is overcast. So I wanted to be able to control the motion (shutter speed) so I set shutter priority on my D850, and I set the Auto ISO per this video. It worked really well. Thanks!

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

I've gone ahead and given it a thumbs up before I've even watched it. I have that much confidence in Steve! I'll probably watch it over lunch.

[@danielmartinezhoyos]

This was crystal clear and super helpful, thank you so much!

[@cutieerica]

Thank you for this video. This really helped me out. I will check out your books.

[@Jsfrog]

OMG I am less than 1/3 thru this video and you already taught me something I had no idea I could do on my D850: switch between normal ISO setting and Auto ISO using the ISO button with the front command dial. I had no idea! I had that in the "My Menu" set of options, but I just removed it after discovering I don't need it there using your tip. Geez....thank you! Oh, and I've used Auto ISO with great success for 8th graders as they pass between bright areas and shadow areas like your bird example, and for bees on flowers. Bees fly around of course, but they also jiggle as they crawl all over the flowers. I've found that a minimum of 320 shutter speed is needed, I still set the aperture under aperture priority, but let the ISO scream up (within limits) to make it all work.

[@PaulCrispin]

Well presented, clear tutorial on a complicated subject. Nice work

[@linacoe340]

Thank you for sharing, the information has been so useful.

[@phooesnax]

Love auto iso. Thank You for the details.

[@Ngaijames]

We missed you... thanks for the knowledge

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I glad I figured out how to use this over the weekend on my d7500. Was at the local wildlife refuge and went from shade to bright Florida sun and I was finally able to get good bird picture. Thanks for all your tips.

[@TrailsideFitness]

Really enjoying your videos! I understand my camera features much better since finding your channel thank you!

[@govindrajanv5857]

Wonderful wonderful video. So insightful!!! I say he is the best Nikon teacher out there.

[@mikelitecky1549]

Thank you Steve for making auto ISO understandable

[@reneecatherine4757]

I never comment on youtube videos, but this actually helped me so much! Thank-you for making this so easy to understand!!

[@markcarter5491]

I love my d7200 and with your videos and expert expertise its now double the fun. Thanks a ton

[@stephenhunt7655]

This has always been confusing to set up. Thanks for sharing this just in time for me as I'm heading out to take some shots of the tundra swans today :)

[@macmcmillen6282]

Great explanation of how auto ISO works in all camera modes. I'm a manual + auto ISO convert. :)

[@JetonAliji]

Beautifully explained. Thanks!

[@hdb14154]

Thank you so much for this video, it has helped me tremendously

[@marcel_max]

Welcome back, what a nice surprise.

[@thematey3592]

Wow, I think I actually get it now! What a great teacher........ Thank you!

[@digimagic3288]

Thanks for breaking down this section of auto iso, very helpful tutorial.

[@markmozley5604]

Great Great Video. Loads of information for us camera and Nikon users. This will help me a bunch in wildlife photography.

[@BB..........]

I understand this much better now thanks to your vid! Can't wait to dial this in on my D4 soon.

[@TediumGenius]

Incredible explanation!! Thank you!

[@laurelb8372]

Good to see you back. Will check out the new book.

[@aniquewaseem6259]

No body can explain it better than you, Bravo 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@davidarcherimages]

Those graphics are really helpful. Well done!

[@strongandco]

Another beautifuly informative video as usual.

[@clickerfun]

Thank you for this! Really appreciated 👍

[@davidb9547]

Really informative video. Just like always.

[@gewglesux]

Thanks Steve!!! This was very helpful!

[@davidcarbon1442]

Very helpful video. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@hurleygreen927]

Appreciate this video! It cleared up some confusion about the Auto ISO for me!

[@jesdiet]

Thanks a lot. That was extremely usefull!!! I look forward to test it with my D500.

[@mickmckigney4177]

Have looked at a few of Steve's You Tube tips videos and been so impressed I have bought his book. :-)

[@barrycarrier1599]

Another great video. Thanks Steve!

[@petercseszarik6552]

Great information! Thank you very much Steve.

[@paulmason9482]

Awesome video - thanks for all the information.

[@eyewaves...]

Very good video. Informative, clear and covers the points straight up...

[@miloradkaravidin8818]

Great explanation from a great photographer!!!

[@davidbuurma9309]

Another great video... thanks ... the best instruction on the web!

[@VioAdri83]

Great video as always Steve!

[@riazulislamrimon8934]

Awesome tutorial.... many many thanks for minor exclusive details.... 👌👌

[@gunnarlade4689]

Great video...and i learned something new about my Nikon...Thank you!

[@panfon5650]

very good info and explanation, thanks !!