auto ISO?????

[tedbare]

I never used it w/ my D200, but now with the D3 and its useful high-ISO images, I find auto-ISO is a viable tool.

[tedbare]

I just listened to a Nikonians podcast interview with Dave Black. He loves the auto ISO feature.

[Bruce_Thatcher]

Originally Posted by tedbare

I just listened to a Nikonians podcast interview with Dave Black. He loves the auto ISO feature.

Auto ISO rocks. I have used it on my D2X's (auto ISO to 800) and now the D3 (auto ISO to 6400). It allows you to keep the shutter speed / aperature combination you want using manual setting and have the camera change the ISO as necessary. Typical uses are an older HS gym for basketball (center court 1/400, f2.8 ISO 4000) that has no lighting at the ends of the court (layup shot with the players face in shadow, 1/400, f2.8, ISO 6400), or field sports where part of the field is in shadow and the rest in bright sun light. It even helps with tight head shots of football linemen on the "shadow" side of the line. At the moment, I believe this is a major advantage for us Nikon shooters.

[Ronald Garrett]

How many of you use auto focus? I remember some of the same arguments when "auto" focus first came about. Unreliable was the first word.

When I first started using Nikons I was unaware Canon did not have the auto ISO feature. I made sure my 40D purchase did include it though.

I would whole lot rather use a calculator than counting on my fingers?

I'm lazy so I use "auto" ISO whenever I can along with aperture mode to get the results I'm looking for.

[Jerry Skrocki]

There are also instances where auto ISO would not be the best solution. When the image is intended for fine art prints, gambling with auto ISO is contraindicated. While noise is tolerated in images intended for the web or for small format printing, the same image at 17"x22" or larger would not be acceptable.

[Ronald Garrett]

In certain instances I would agree. But "gamble"? Unless one is an ultra pro and never wrong it's a gamble when you set the ISO. With proper lighting auto ISO will not jack up that much, if any. Also, most cameras with the "auto" feature let you set the parameters under which the ISO will function.

I often print at 17 X 22 and have never been unduly troubled with "noise" in the picture. I have no experience with larger than 17 X 22 as that is the limit of my printer. Judicious use of a good noiseware program before printing should help out.

Having said the above, I admire photographers that can nail the shot in full manual mode with manual focus lenses. Those were the days!

[Bruce_Thatcher]

Originally Posted by Jerry Skrocki

There are also instances where auto ISO would not be the best solution. When the image is intended for fine art prints, gambling with auto ISO is contraindicated. While noise is tolerated in images intended for the web or for small format printing, the same image at 17"x22" or larger would not be acceptable.

Jerry,

Agree with your assesment; Auto ISO is simply another tool that a photographer CAN use to get the shot. For (static) fine art work or anywhere the light is not changing, I would not use Auto ISO but for action work it can be invaluable.