Digital photography has come about as a result of the convergence of both IT and photography. Both technical and aesthetic aspects of digital photography are derived from conventional photography, and hence a good knowledge of photographic skills also help to make or break a picture.

Inevitably, digital photography brings with it new techniques and means to capture an image. Basic photography skills such as lighting, exposure and composition are naturally important.

ISO Settings
Suggestion: Use the default ISO standard settings.

As the digital cameras were made for photographers, so-called film speed settings (based on ISO standards) were incorporated. Many digital cameras users are stumped as to the need for ISO when there is no film involved. This is an example of how legacy requirements affect even the design of new high-technology products!

Manufacturers of digital cameras usually rate their CCD's sensitivity to the equivalent of a film's sensitivity. Hence, if a CCD is rated at ISO 80, this digital camera is as sensitive to light as a normal film rated at ISO 80 is.

In the more expensive digital camera models, there is usually an option to increase this ISO setting to perhaps ISO 200, 400 or maybe even more. This gives the photographer more flexibility for action shots or even for low-light situations.

Unless you really need to, don't change the ISO setting as it is comparable to pushing a film. You will be able to get the shot but the results may not be very pleasing due to increased "noise".

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