For dark, static night scenes, is lower ISO with a longer exposure better than higher ISO?

Asked 10/6/2013

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I photograph very dark night scenes with a few lit subjects, and large parts of the frame are meant to stay black. I’ve usually been shooting at ISO 100, then adding light and/or increasing exposure time if the image is too dark. For this kind of scene, will I get less visible noise by keeping ISO low and using a longer exposure, or by raising ISO and shortening the exposure? I’m usually not shooting cityscapes; the scene is mostly static and often shot from a tripod.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

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I would say that if your scenes are stationary and you are shooting from a tripod increasing exposure time is the way to go. Also, many recent cameras do a great job at higher ISOs, even upto 1600 (I'm thinking of the D5100 sensors) so you could increase ISO quite a few stops and not be hit. What size do you want to view the photos?

Originally by user22122. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user22122

12y ago

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For static scenes on a tripod, the usual choice is low ISO and a longer exposure. Lower ISO generally gives less visible noise, while raising ISO amplifies both the image signal and the sensor’s noise.

If you can safely lengthen the exposure or add more light, that usually improves image quality because you’re capturing more actual light rather than relying on ISO amplification. Since much of your frame is intentionally black, you can also let deep shadows fall to black and fine-tune black/shadow levels in post.

The main reasons to raise ISO are when you must shorten shutter speed to avoid motion blur, or when you can’t add more light. Many modern cameras are still quite usable at moderately high ISOs, but if noise is the priority, “spend ISO last.”

One caveat: extremely long exposures can eventually introduce their own issues, including extra shadow noise and heat-related sensor noise, so there is a point of diminishing returns.

In short: for your dark, mostly motionless scenes, start with the lowest practical ISO, use a tripod, add light if possible, and lengthen exposure before increasing ISO.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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