Auto ISO: In setting up my Nikon D7500, I came across Auto ISO and would like to hear from anyone who has used this setting. For a test, I set the maximum ISO at 6400 and by default ...

Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

In setting up my Nikon D7500, I came across Auto ISO and would like to hear from anyone who has used this setting. For a test, I set the maximum ISO at 6400 and by default , as I understand it, the minimum was set at 100. I shot in Aperture mode at f/5.6 in RAW. The lens was a Nikon 50mm f/1.8. I shot in a variety of lighting conditions, interior and exterior, with some being quick "grab shots". Overall, I was pleased with the results even though I shoot using less automated control. I'll be happy to share the link with anyone who would like to see the results that show the ISO and shutter speed changes depending on lighting conditions.
Lee

deanfl Loc: Georgia

Lee Thomas wrote:

In setting up my Nikon D7500, I came across Auto I... (show quote)

I use Auto ISO on most of my handheld shots on my Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5500. I currently have it set to a max of ISO 4000 on the D7500.

BebuLamar

Lee Thomas wrote:

In setting up my Nikon D7500, I came across Auto I... (show quote)

You didn't say which mode you used. P, S, A or M?

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I don’t use it much, but here is my take. If your subject has relative uniform light with a low dynamic range, the camera will probably do a pretty good job at getting a reasonable exposure. If on the other hand there are highlights in your image, like a white bird with a dark background, the camera might get faked out and not compensate and the bird (in this case) can be over exposed. Perhaps in this case, spot metering might help. But the fact is, you don’t have as much control. In an exposure situation like this, the histogram won’t even indicate the brightness of your subject and fake you out. So, for me, I like (and need) the control so I tend to stay away from the auto features of my camera, like auto iso.

Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

Aperture mode

BebuLamar

Lee Thomas wrote:

Aperture mode

I do the same and it works well for me. Mainly because I don't shoot actions so it works well for me.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Many of us who are into wildlife / birding use manual mode, auto ISO. If you want some good tutorials on the subject look into Steve Perry's videos and books, which you can find on youtube and at backcountrygallery.com . There is a lot more to Auto ISO than setting an upper bound and enabling it. Your camera achieves it's highest dynamic range at base ISO and as ISO goes up dynamic range goes down and noise goes up, so you want to use the lowest ISO possible. I set my top end at 800, but if I can't get the shot there, I'll move it up knowing I should be able to make some improvement in Post, especially if I can average several shots together. At the end of the day, it's what's acceptable to you.

Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

Strodav wrote:

If you want some good tutorials on the subject look into Steve Perry's videos and books, which you can find on youtube and at backcountrygallery.com .

I found Steve's video's on YouTube and they are very helpful. He has captured some amazingly colorful birds. I like the way he explains things.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I use auto ISO almost exclusively (except with ETTL flash) and use the exposure compensation (EC) to make exposure adjustments if necessary, but I use manual for shutter speed and aperture (adequate SS to freeze motion including camera shake and aperture to produce the desired DOF). Using multiple automatic modes simultaneously (such as auto ISO and aperture priority) can produce unpredictable results

BebuLamar

TriX wrote:

I use auto ISO almost exclusively (except with ETTL flash) and use the exposure compensation (EC) to make exposure adjustments if necessary, but I use manual for shutter speed and aperture (adequate SS to freeze motion including camera shake and aperture to produce the desired DOF). Using multiple automatic modes simultaneously (such as auto ISO and aperture priority) can produce unpredictable results

I use Aperture Priority and Auto ISO and the results are 100% predictable. I know exactly which settings the camera will use under a given brightness level.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I use auto ISO almost exclusively (except with ETTL flash) and use the exposure compensation (EC) to make exposure adjustments if necessary, but I use manual for shutter speed and aperture (adequate SS to freeze motion including camera shake and aperture to produce the desired DOF). Using multiple automatic modes simultaneously (such as auto ISO and aperture priority) can produce unpredictable results. I think setting a max of 6400 is the right starting setting for a typical modern APS-C camera. You can lower or raise that depending on your tolerance for noise and the type of shooting you’re doing.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

I Manually set shutter speed and f stop using auto iso for action or movin wildlife. Otherwise manual and starting ISO of 50 or 100. Not saying it’s right it’s just what I do and works for me

NKshooter Loc: S. WI

Lee Thomas wrote:

In setting up my Nikon D7500, I came across Auto I... (show quote)

On my bucket list is getting a decent eagle photo. Upon retirement I bought a Sigma C 150-600mm for my D7100. What I’ve learned on this forum and through Steve Perry’s books has worked well, auto iso, aperture priority f8 for this lens. Still working on my handheld technique 😃, but I’m getting closer. This shot was handheld on a pontoon boat in N WI with these settings, PP with ON1, Topaz sharpen & Denoise, cropped, raw. I’ll try and incorporate another thing I learned here. Bracket +1 & -1 for better exposure though that’s hard “in the moment “ and a smaller buffer.

(Download)

photoman43

I shoot mostly nature and use Auto ISO 95% of the time in Aperture mode. I set my desired minimum shutter speed and set max ISO to the maximum. I do this on my D500, D850 and D810.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

Often used in M-mode where the photographer wants to control both the aperture and the shutter speed. Auto ISO will then balance the exposure triangle for the best shot. Max limits can be set so it doesn't go into the high noise region of ISO.