Digital camera ISO speed blues?

Question

In a non-SLR digital camera like mine where the ISO speed can be selected, why the option when the auto ISO feature could be used? I mean, why would one chooses an ISO value that is unsuitable to the surrounding?

Answer 1

ISO works hand-in-hand along with shutter speed and aperature to control the exposure. You are correct that auto ISO in most cases will work just fine. But say you are trying to take a picture of a skateboarder later in the evening and it's getting darker. By turning up the ISO setting to a higher number, you can increase the shutter speed to "freeze" your subject and still get a proper exposure. Don't set the ISO any higher than you require to get the shot. The higher the ISO setting the grainier the photo.

Answer 2

Auto ISO cranks up the ISO in low light. The higher the ISO, the more noise you get. Compact cameras are generally poor performers in low light. However, for less noise in your images, you can use a low ISO in low light/at night...if you use a tripod, delayed shutter and a long exposure.

Answer 3

Petra Au is so right. If you have a tripod you can shoot your subject at night or evening and still stay with a fairly Low ISO setting to get a better image and not look like it's blurry.

You've gotten two excellent answers before me.