Minolta Dimage A1 - Manual (Page 74)

74 A DVANCED RECORDING
CAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISO
The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 100
and 200. When any other setting than auto is used, “ISO” will appear on the data panel, and “ISO”
and the set value will be displayed on the monitors.
Photographers can select a specific sensitivity setting. Like grain in silver-halide film that increases
with speed, noise increases with sensitivity in digital imaging; an ISO setting of 100 will have the
least noise and 800 will have the most. A change in ISO also affects the flash range; the higher the
ISO, the greater the range.
As the ISO value doubles, the camera sensitivity doubles; changing the ISO between 100 and 200,
200 and 400, or 400 and 800 changes the camera sensitivity by one stop or 1 Ev (p. 111). A change
between 100 and 800 changes the camera sensitivity by a factor of 8 or three stops. High ISO set-
tings (400, 800) will allow the photographer to hand hold the camera in low-light conditions without
the need of a flash.
Five settings can be selected for camera sensitivity:
Auto, 100, 200, 400, and 800; the numerical values are
based on an ISO equivalent. ISO is the standard used to
indicate film sensitivity: the higher the number, the more
sensitive the film.
Turn the function dial to the ISO position (1). Press the
function button in the center of the dial (2). Turn the front
or rear control dials to change the camera sensitivity (3).
Press the shutter-release button partway down or press
the function button to set the mode.
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