ISO Explained - how to use it

Now we're going to explain how to use ISO to get the shutter speed you want or need whilst shooting some real photos. In the first explanation I'm using a wide lens with a small aperture for max depth of field. But on a dull day my shutter speed gets very slow and I'm in danger of getting a blurred image through camera shake.
To get a faster speed the only way I could do it was to boost the ISO so the camera becomes more sensitive. This isn't a problem very often when shooting wide - but remember it's your ISO that'll get you out of trouble.
With a longer lens using ISO becomes much more important because long lenses suffer from camera shake - especially on windy days!
We have loads of photography tutorials, downloadable courses, workshops and one on one tuition on our site at www.photography... - please drop by and see us.

[@nilda64pr]

I've seen many Photography tutorials, but none are like yours! You translate the most complex, most confusing information about Photography to an easy understandable language. I've learned so much from your videos and my photographs are starting to improve. Thank-you for taking time of your busy schedule to make these videos that help every person who wants to learn and improve their photo shootings. Your the best teacher !!!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +Nilda Marrero So good to know the videos are helping. Please continue helping me make more by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE

[@ssingh6197]

This guy deserves an award for this tutorial series. Just makes sense.

[@MikeBrowne]

Wow thank you! - Melissa pp Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Paul. Yes - Higher ISO makes the camera more sensitive to light so you can use a faster shutter speed if you can't (or don't want to) open the aperture any wider. But it will lose you some image quality unless you're using a high end camera which has been made to perform at high ISOs. Hey just have fun at the shoot and enjoy it... I have a Flikr account but don't use it - we have all images and chat on our Facebook page.

[@vayptunya1983]

I'm new to DSLR photography, just bought a 60D from Canon, and now I watch and admire your videos Mike, they are really awesome ! Good Job !

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes - go to our channel home page and the banner at the top links to our website, twitter and Facebook pages. Look forward to seeing you there... - Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you so much Paul. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you lazarus_taxon . Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - all our vids are also on our site and should be easier to navigate. Try the link on our channel page and see what you think. - Mike

[@cracktower0]

Watched this video and your shutter priority video. I just got into dslr photography with a D5200, 18-105mm vr, 35mm 1.8 g and a 70-300mm vr lens. I have been watching other videos and in all honesty you have used common language that is easy for beginners to understand. Subscribed!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry I forgot - there's a bit about cold to warm and wet on this video /watch?v=r563Yl7PwPo

[@antlovers]

Your video's are super informative......and the fact that you have a sense of humor makes your video's watchable.......I've subscribed.

[@310579stewart]

Hi Mike, I just got my first DSLR a couple of weeks ago and you have helped me learn a lot since watching your channel. thanks very much

[@richardweathers6194]

I'm new to photography and your videos have been a tremendous help in advancing my skills. You make everything accessible, easy to understand and cap it all off with your own twist. Thank you! Keep up the fantastic work.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Richard Weathers. Please help me make more by sharing them around with other photographers... MIKE :-)

[@PaulUrmston]

Had my D7000 and have been to lots of different channels in KZbin looking for help. By far yours is best. Explaining the differences whilst actually doing it really helps. I've learnt more on this one video, than 2 days searching hundreds in KZbin. Good for you, I'm subscribed and ill be watching a lot more in the future!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for your suggestion. I'll give it some thought.

[@dangerpowers123]

Great guide to ISO, I hope you never stop publishing these videos, brilliantly explained.

[@morbidbushido]

Got a camera about a year ago, supposed to have used it a lot and learnt the ropes by now but never made time for it. Watched 2 of your videos and my camera's out of the bag, battery charged and im ready to learn and practice...thanks to you sir. Sub'd

[@glittergirl028]

Walking through and asking/answering why you're doing it helps SO much thank you!!

[@beachbum4691]

Thank you, another great and important video. Photographing for decades with film; I was very slow to grasp the value of being able to change ISO with individual shots and that using digital allowing a third variable along with shutter speed and aperture. I also assumed the lower the ISO the better the image and was slow to learn that the in INTEL sensors Bell graph had the sensor set at its most accepting at 200 ISO, not 100 ISO (with digital lower is not always better) so again thank you.

[@tdtan3278]

Thank you Mike! I'm not new to aperture/speed/ISO but your explanations are based on real experiences and practical things to remember. Love it!

[@SeshuTD]

You're the best Mike.... The way you explain things.... God, no words to express my gratitude.... Thanks Mike and keep up the good work.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Seshu Td Please help me make more vids by sharing those you like best with other photographers... Cheers. MIKE :-)

[@antimoonspy]

I really wish I could spend a day or even a week to learn and for you to show me how to do awesome photography. You're awesome. Keep up the work!!

[@beachbum4691]

I've been subscribed for a longish while but I haven't previously hit that little bell so that I get email advices every time a new video is posted. Important and am now thank you... :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks John. May I suggest you sign up to my newsletter so i can send you links to new videos on my website where they all have free accompanying articles too. I'll also send you weekly video tips too... Link below... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/new_video_notification.html

[@kushsakhu]

Brilliant Mike, I now have it. Your a great teacher.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Please help us make more by spreading the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@TheAndymazz]

Hi Mike i'm Brit living in China watching your vids there great, I lost my job and because i'm too old difficult to get one now so I want to make a career out of photography which I love, I have taught my self a lot of photoshop, and learning Photography. You kind of remind me of Sir David Attenbourough, in the way you teach, Your a great teacher. And seriously its very professional you should have a TV series!!

[@EnzoGiannotti]

Once again I got to say you are an excellent teacher! Really fun to watch Mike! I didnt know about grain with high ISOs

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Enzo Giannotti

[@skiathos678]

Your videos are excellent and very well presented in a nice easy format for anyone to understand. More please....

[@chadstrawn178]

I love your videos. Great information and that brilliant somewhat self deprecating English humor make your channel spot on. I have referred several people to your channel for photography tutorials. Well done, sir.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Chad Strawn both for your kind comment and for helping out by sharing the vids which helps me make more. :-)

[@PunctualPothead]

The videos are really helpful. I'm new to real photography, I always used a cheap point and click camera. I recently invested in a Sony a58 and I didn't realize how much I didn't know about photography. Thanks for pushing me in the right direction

[@TheFreeg8407]

I really appreciate that explanation of everything in your clips. For me as beginner it is really helpful, thank you.

[@bentleybloke]

Really great advice. I have gone from a Canon 50D with lots of auto settings and modes to a 5D mkII with hardly any. I'm struggling to get the pictures I want and your videos have helped me understand the mechanics behind what the camera is doing. Cheers

[@ApolloPwnsYou]

Your videos are really great. I enjoy watching them.

[@UkuleleGo]

As with all your tutorials, this is excellent. I found it really insightful and very well explained.

[@MikeBrowne]

I don't think it matters much and rather than have to explain about backing off which would detract from a video about ISO I thought it best to keep it simple and go for the big aperture / small aperture approach. I don't use any noise reduction software other than what's in Lightroom and Photoshop

Muchas gracias por este gran tutorial. Eres el mejor, Mike. Saludos desde España.

[@CHULI1971]

I am really learn a lot just watching your videos and I hope that you will bring us a lot more. Thanks.

[@russellford2069]

Fantastic tips. Just bought a Panasonic GH4 and didn't have a clue how to use it. Your short tutorials make things simple to understand and are bringing out the best in my camera now I understand how to use it. Thanks Mike. PS Can see you shot this one at Milford on Sea. I used to live in New Milton and played golf at Barton on Sea. Lovely part of the world and I miss it ; )

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Russell. Happy the vids are helping. Please share them around because it helps me make more of them. Spot on with location. I'm a local boy and grew up around these parts.. Take care... MIKE

[@russellford2069]

Hi Mike. I've been glued to your videos. You have a great knack of explaining things so they make so much sense. I have got a couple of video projects on the go and need to invest in a motorised slider with pan and tilt. Have you got any recommendations. Kind Regards, Russ

[@MikeBrowne]

sorry Russ I don't use one so can't help you with that one... Good luck with your project.. MIKE :-)

[@sweetguy19762]

Mike Browne Why did you not want to use a wider aperture?

[@MatHanley]

I thought I'd watch to make sure I wasn't missing anything Hmmm, is it just me or was f22 a bit far ? You could have got away with a wider aperture than that. P.s what do you use for noise reduction? I use Nik Dfine

[@mikebluntblunt6597]

What a great explanation of ISO I now understand how to use ISO in my camera thank you Mike,,, All the best Mike'

[@MikeBrowne]

happy to have helped +Mike Blunt Blunt Please help me make more videos like this on by sharing them around .. Many thanks - MIKE :-)

[@moodyrcf]

Good to know. I think it would also be good to point out that Cheap zoom lenses create a vacuum when zooming in and out. getting moist or maybe dust into the sensor, making it difficult to remove with just a blower. Anyway, Thank you Sir Mike. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply to both my comments that are almost the same.

[@vinodkottassery]

sir i feel deep feel of sincerity in your attempt so i am happy , congratulation

[@MikeBrowne]

I don't really do anything to maintain my gear other than cleaning the glass on lenses regularly and giving the sensor a couple puffs of air with a blower bulb if dust spots start appearing. Camera kit is much more rugged than people think. That said - I wouldn't take the lens of in wind and spray like this, I'd go somewhere sheltered away from the water like a cafe / car etc. In this vid I didn't change lenses. I use 2 bodies and had the lenses I needed already on them before I got there.

[@MyAndZ]

well if using continuous burst mode there is a good chance one of the shots being sharp - good technique in windy situations. so.. you can use a little bit slower shuttersped, not forcing you to raise the iso, following me?

[@jeevanbasavaraju]

Thanks to you and your team for these demonstrations to explain "O" of this ISO .

[@paulhammond5507]

Thanks mike I’m getting to grips with iso but this video just laid it out so clearly for me brilliantly 👍👍

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome Paul - and thanks. gary's a good guy... MIKE 🙏

[@andvasc]

Thank you very much for your videos. These tips are helping me a lot to get better pictures. Very good explanations, very simple, direct and easy to understand. Really... the British are the best, including when it comes to photography... :)

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Andre Vasconcelos I’m delighted they are helping. Please help us make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums etc.- MELISSA FOX ( for Mike Browne )

[@drnimish333]

Nice way to explain something is to demonstrate it. You did exactly that. Nice and informative video. I really am happy. Thank you.

[@iaingeoghan2548]

Sitting outside at a cafe I watched the sunlight fade to check out how high iso I was going to need whenever I could not use my tripod. Watching the sun go in for hours really helped me to prepare for a shoot at night. Was not planning to use flash. I asked the waitress if she would not posing for me and at 2200iso I was blown away at how sharp the image file was in Lr. Don't go anywhere without your tripod!!! Unless you are going out to shoot street.

[@LongTimeTTFan]

Thank you very much, Mike for going through all the trouble doing the episode on a windy, cold and wet day on the beach. But i became nervous when the little lovely girl was walking very close to the water. What if a wave! What if a gust of wind! Very relieved all was fine. Thanks to the beautiful girl for her contribution, and of course thanks to Launa and her boy friend as well.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks LongTimeTTFan, it was an extremely blowy and rainy day but they were safe and what a brilliant video it ended up being - CHRISTINA

[@peterwilliamson5953]

i went to like this video..i already liked it from before..thats how good you are.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you peter! - Melissa pp Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks peter williamson - CHRISTINA

[@rehanakber1995]

Absolutely amazing way of explanation you are a great teacher

[@sovideo_]

No, he isn't! He can't even handle correct professional terminology! :)

[@interkike1]

buuuuu

[@tdoakes24]

Hello sir. I really love watching your videos. They are very informative. The pictures you posted on this episode, were they touched up in anyway. If so, will you explain to me(us) how you produce these amazing photos? Thanks

[@Jeff1995born]

Can you do a video about how to take care of DSLR camera? (Moving from Cold temperature to home tempterature) to avoid moisture.

[@tsmith3139]

Outstanding video and a great explanation of ISO!

[@Realestatechandler]

Thank you Tom Smith & Happy New year and all the very best for 2015.

[@RebeccaTantastic]

I found this so so helpful!! i've been fiddling with my camera doing the wrong thing time and time again this all makes sense now! thank you!! :-)

[@michaelabrandon]

thank you from windy Brighton!

[@ooNap0oo]

Because the pictures at iso 3200 have more noise then at iso 100, for the camera this noise means extra detail in the image which can be compressed less efficiently when the image file is created on the card.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - Mike

[@isik_tarik]

Thank you for the information Mike! I've been looking for tutorial how to use kit lens. I just paid a lot of money for my new Canon EOS 750D (T6i) with 18-55mm kit lens and I'm not ready upgrade my equipment. That's why I am trying to figure out how can I get sharp and good images with Landscape, Urban, Portrait etc. photography in order the choose which path will I master. Can you please make a playlist photography with the kit lens?

[@eddietang68]

I love all of Mikey's videos.

[@akilies23]

just wondering,does any camera of this caliber tell you that you need more or less of iso or shutter speed etc.......if not how can you trouble shoot each picture a diff way???thanks

[@jimjimskimmer1935]

Excelleny explanaition. One of the best online. What do you think the best camers settings between iso, aperuture shutter speed is for the sharpest images?

[@estherdiskin3968]

Brilliant explanation of iso and how it gets shutter speed up

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Esther

[@lynrankine7847]

Your tutorials are great as you explain exactly the settings you are using for that particular shot and why you are choosing them. I will be looking at the light meter from now on. Thanks again for another great lesson.

[@dannyrocko22]

Really useful information to a newbie like myself and very enjoyable.. Thanks Mike (subscribed)

[@JULAW64]

With the help of your videos I am really beginning to slot everything into place. Do you do photography days around the country at all?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks JULAW64 Yes i do and will be adding more over the next few months. Please see my site www.photographycourses.biz/photography_workshops.html

[@james123oo]

Hi Mike, new photographer here, I really love your videos they're really helping me a lot, one question I have about this video is you said you were checking the softness of the image on the scene, how do you do this? thanks in advance.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you James Roberts - you can check sharpness by zooming into the image in the LCD. Somewhere on your camera ther'll probably be a pic of a magnifying glass with a + in it and another with a - to zoom back out.

[@james123oo]

Mike Browne Perfect, thank you

[@andrewmtbfreak]

you do a great job explaining things :) most of your tips arent of much use to me as I only have a GoPro(small action camera) and my cellphone at the moment, but its still really cool to learn the tricks. on my phone I have options to change ISO and shutter speed, but not the F stop, and so some of these still apply, but are much harder to apply.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Andrew Stewart - If you learn light and composition you can get great images from any camera

[@MikeBrowne]

Wow Thank you Syed. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@Lostpanda123]

Thanks a lot Mike! You are a great teacher!

[@Uncle19]

thanks for the video! I'm getting my first dslr this month, so I'm reading up on how to utilize the camera to its fullest, any hints or tips?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Sons of War - yes a couple of hundred of them. Check out our YT channel or the free video section of our website at www.photographycourses.biz/photography_videos.html

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes with that length lens I could have used 11 or 16 but chose F22 to explain the technique - not to achieve the photo.

[@evelasq1]

When it comes to wet weather, I would use a transparent plastic cover that is made for SLR cameras to protect any intrusion of water getting into my camera and lens. You should do the same. Cheers!

[@gorursuresh4246]

Nice explanation for ISO, thanks

[@Aruba1]

wow , you really explain every details i have learn allot i have a new d3200 and did not know it could do wonders hahaha thx to your videos. have a great day

[@PaulUrmston]

A few questions. To increase shutter, I need to bump up the ISO, right? In a few days I am shooting a catwalk fashion show for the first time, I'm somewhat scared. And do you have a Flickr account to check out your photos?

[@2010jackster]

What a brilliant collection of videos mike. Has totally inspired me to get the camera out again. Which DSLR would u recommend around £500? Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Graham Jack - Please tell your friends and share them wherever you can. I'm sorry but I know very little about what cameras are out there on the market, I only use mine, so I'm not the best person to ask for this kind of advice. All cameras for around £500 will be much the same but Canon and Nikon have more lenses and accessories available if you're likely to want to grow a system. Have a look at some forums etc to see what people are saying.

[@tulintok9302]

This is amazing video......thank you Mike Browne....You are an awesome guy!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Tulin - MIKE

[@cliveorange]

Hi Mike, great video as always, instead of increasing iso, could you not use exposure compensation to get more light into the shot

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Clive Orange EXP Comp adjusts the aperture or shutter speed to increase or decrease light so if the shutter speed is getting slow then using it in AP mode will only make the shutter speed slower so the only place you can go is increase ISO - or use a tripod if the subject isn't moving.

[@interludo]

brilliant tutos Mike many thanks for sharing and yr enthusiasm. Was wondering what you are using for sound to record these videos? if anything?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks interludo We use Sony radio mics with a Sony XDCAM EX PMW-EX1

[@claudiaizaguirre3768]

Omg! You Are soo good... So much to take in! Thumbs up!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +Claudia Miller Don't worry, just keep on practising and it'll go in - MIKE :-)

[@imaginaryboys007]

hei do you have blog or anything for follow photography tutorial?

[@wanneske1969]

How come I can store much more pics on my memory card at Iso 100 as opposed to Iso 3200 ? Thanks.

[@jimosman311]

this is amazing

[@earlierthoughts]

Great informative tutorial Mike, thank you! I have a question: Does this technique apply to film cameras as well, or do you generally have to leave the ISO constant for the duration of that roll of film? Thanks!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you earlierthoughts You can't change the ISO on a film camera because it's the film itself that is the ISO. In the Film days I used to have to change rolls mid way through when I needed to change ISO. One of my fav things about digital is changing it frame by frame :-)

[@ThePaulCDickie]

Mike Browne I agree about being able to change the apparent sensitivity of the medium in the middle of a shoot but, with film, one could sacrifice earlier shots by changing the ISO rating and then use a different developer or a longer development time to get the shadow detail in the later shots. That was why I normally carried a box of film holders for the MPP, some loaded with HP5 but most loaded with FP4 or, if shooting on roll film, I had to use two roll film holders.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you..

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure:-)

[@alterego924]

I finally understand ISO, thank u so much, great video :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Alter Ego - MIKE

[@StanStallings]

Thank you, very helpful. Very good information.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Stan Stallings

[@jffrym]

Love your videos, very informative and i'm learning a lot!!!! Thank you so much...

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - sorry i missed your post..

[@ericgeorge5483]

Fantastic video that certainly taught me a few things! What a brill location too, where was it please?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Eric George happy the video helped. Please help me make more like it by clicking the like button and sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook etc. This was filmed opposite the Marine restaurant in Milford on sea UK - here's a link to Google maps.. www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Marine+Restaurant/@50.719285,-1.583876,588m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x487383d0bffc5125:0x5905fc868d4b1e9!6m1!1e1?hl=en

[@ericgeorge5483]

Cheers Mike, thanks for all your efforts in your brilliant tutorials.

[@ericgeorge5483]

Also, since looking at the map, I have always fancied visiting the Isle of Wight and Milford looks like a great place to visit whilst down there!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Yep - every time :-)

[@david_keating]

Really good advice, well explained 👍

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you David, have you looked at any of my free course samples? www.photographycourses.biz/courses

[@david_keating]

@@MikeBrowne I have indeed Mike and the 7 building blocks of photography looks very appealing, something I could probably do with as often I struggle with being able to look at or see things through the eyes of a photographer.

[@ktm-bc1dw]

fabulous help thanks very much for giving your time

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries jason williams happy to help. Please help me make more videos by sharing them on forums etc with other photographers.

[@brandonprescott5753]

Hi Mike, when taking those shots, was the camera on spot metering.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Brandon. No Evaluative (matrix). I never ever use spot metering because it adds another level to think about finding a mid-grey tone to meter from. ... MIKE 🙏🙂

[@MrLevent79]

Mike. You are saying in the video that when you take the meter off at f22, camera is giving you 10th of a shutter speed. Your camera seems to be in manual mode though. What am I missing? I thought only aparture mode would do that.

[@MikeBrowne]

Metering is the same in any mode Led and when reading this metering at f22 and the iso I was using it was giving me a 'correct' reading at 10th second. Hope this helps...

[@MrLevent79]

Mike Browne Thanks for the response. I am a beginner. Is there a video of yours that show that clearly? Love your vids and learning a lot from you. I do not fully understand what you mean by giving you a "correct reading" at 10th second. I guess if you can somehow show us inside your viewfinder in these videos, that would help a lot. thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries Led - have a look at this video which explains manual exposure and how to interpret what the light meter is telling you.. www.photographycourses.biz/manual_exposure.html

[@vannialatto]

Thank you so much sir... i have learned a lot from your vedios

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome Kumara Liyanage. Please share them around, it helps me make more of them... MIKE

[@theblockchainhustle]

Excellent tutor, thank you for sharing knowledge. :)