What happens when we select a certain ISO value in our digital camera? What is the best ISO setting for our particular camera? Can we change it light-heartedly or does it deserve a more careful consideration? Read on to learn how we can improve our photographs through the right selection of the ISO setting.

Let me give you the bad news, first. Camera manufactures do not disclose strategic and sensitive information such as what happens internally when the user select a certain ISO value. Anyway, through sound reasoning and a little of reverse engineering we can speculate on it and come to meaningful conclusions. In particular, reverse engineering is best performed on RAW file format, rather than JPEG, because JPEG compression introduces artifacts and algorithms complicating the process.

For starters, we need a definition. Image sensors have a so-called native sensitivity. This is the innate or natural sensitivity of the sensor when compared to a standard film. For instance, if the native sensitivity of a certain sensor is 100 ISO, it means that it gives comparable results to a 100 ISO rated film when both are used at the same aperture and shutter speed. Native sensitivity cannot be changed, because it is inherent to a certain sensor. Therefore, when we change the ISO speed setting, something must occur involving the circuitry serving the photosensitive sensor. More specifically, things play out differently according to whether an ISO greater or lower than the native sensitivity is selected. Let us see...

The Great Things About Photography Are you thinking about taking up the hobby of photography? Many who have already discovered this exciting and fulfilling hobby can tell you the top ten reasons why photography is so great. Maybe you will be captivated by this compelling and diverse art as well.

1. The Challenge of Getting the Perfect Picture If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Sometimes a hundred shots have to be taken and you have to try for several days to get just the picture you want. An individual must have patience, but at the end of the day a great sense of accomplishment is felt from capturing the best part.

2. Tell A Story From beginning to end of a snowball fight, with people throwing their first snowball and eventually rolling in the snow and then dusting off, you can see the event and it tells the story of friendship, fun and joy of life. Looking at pictures of an old family farm from its humble beginnings to the growth and increase over a hundred years it tells a story of family, hard work and sacrifice. Everyone has a story, photos can share that story and bring it to life.

3. Express Individuality A photographer subject matter will reflect their interests, likes and preferences. A photo can also reflect the individuality of a subject. The clothes they choose to wear and the location they want the pictures shot all show who they are...

A nine minute video tour around the Nikon D80 DSLR by Gordon Laing, Editor of www.cameralabs.com.

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