ISO is one of the three pillars of photography, along with aperture and shutter speed. It refers to the sensitivity of the camera’s image sensor to light. In digital photography, ISO is an important setting that allows the photographer to control the exposure of a photo.

In simple terms, the higher the ISO setting, the more sensitive the camera is to light, and the brighter the photo will be. This is particularly useful when shooting in low-light conditions, such as indoors or at night, where a higher ISO setting can help capture enough light to produce a properly exposed image.

However, increasing the ISO setting also has some drawbacks. Higher ISO settings can introduce digital noise or grain into the image, which can result in a loss of image quality. This is particularly noticeable in images shot in low-light conditions, where higher ISO settings are often necessary. Additionally, higher ISO settings can reduce the dynamic range of the image, resulting in a loss of detail in the highlights and shadows.

Choosing the right ISO setting is important for achieving the desired result in your photos. Generally, a lower ISO setting (e.g. 100 or 200) is recommended for bright, well-lit conditions, while a higher ISO setting (e.g. 800 or 1600) is recommended for low-light conditions. It’s important to strike a balance between the desired exposure and image quality, and this often requires some experimentation and practice.

In summary, ISO is an important setting to consider when taking a photo. It controls the sensitivity of the camera’s image sensor to light and can be adjusted to achieve the desired exposure. However, higher ISO settings can introduce digital noise and reduce image quality, so it’s important to find the right balance between exposure and image quality.