Struggling with ISO

I am struggling with the really high ISO rates that are now possible with digital cameras. My photographic origins were in the days when ISO 400 was only used if you deliberately wanted grain (noise). So I am haven't a real mental struggle in letting the camera automatically select speeds that are any higher, even though I know that the noise is less of an issue and thanks to Bob, I am now using Neat Image to deal with what little noise is being introduced.

Is it just me or are others having the same mental struggle?

I'm the opposite - I love high ISO

I am always having a mental struggle, thats why those nice men in white coats don't let me out after 6pm.

Bazza

No it's not just you, though my cameras can handle really stupidly high ISO, it seems wrong (mentally).

I'm the same.

Both my cameras are quite old models and whilst it isn't an issue for landscapes I find it can be an issue with birds or wildlife when the ISO is used to govern the required shutter speeds.

Generally speaking I will try to maintain 1/400 or faster at 400mm at f5.6. As soon as I need to go past ISO 800 to retain 1/400 then I know the results wont be the best.

I have just taken delivery of a Fuji X100 in the last couple of days, this camera can handle huge ISO numbers and to be honest I am struggling to get my head round that, so I can relate to what you are saying Gav.

I'm lovong the fact that it can though and am learning to embrace it.

Thanks for all the replies that confirm it isn't just myself that is struggling with the concept. Hmmmm, actually when I think about it we have had metric in Australia for about three decades and i still mentally convert to miles per hour. Interesting because I like to think I am an early adopter when it comes to technology.

I must admit having clean shots at ISO 6400 changes the way I shoot. It lets me concentrate more on the subject than worrying about the little light available. I look forward to going out for a shoot in very overcast days or going inside an exhibit with low key lighting. I never use flash which gets me unusual shots like this one, ISO 6400.



Here's one with my new small camera, a Sony Alpha NEX-5N, shot handheld at ISO 3200.

Quite impressed with the ISO in that Sony Alpha NEX-5N shot Bob!

Thanks Azz. I turned around in the booth where I was sitting at McDonald's to snap the shot of Jose. He's a really nice guy and a regular with our coffee group.