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Exposure & Metering

Auto ISO

A camera mode that lets the body select sensitivity automatically within limits the photographer sets, usually with a minimum shutter speed.

Measured in ISO

In depth

Properly configured, Auto ISO turns manual mode into a semi-automatic system: the photographer fixes aperture for depth of field and shutter speed for motion, and the camera varies only the least damaging of the three. The important settings are the ceiling — beyond which noise becomes unacceptable — and the minimum shutter speed, which many cameras can tie to the focal length in use.

Examples in practice

A wedding photographer sets f/2, 1/250 s, Auto ISO 100-6400, and shoots an entire reception without touching another dial.