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CAMERA SENSITIVITY – ISO
FLASH RANGE AND CAMERA SENSITIVITY
Flash range (wide angle)ISO setting
AUTO
100
200
400
800
0.5m ~ 3.5m (1.6 ft. ~ 11.5 ft.)
Flash range (telephoto)
0.9m ~ 3.0m (3.0 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)
0.5m ~ 2.4m (1.6 ft. ~ 7.8 ft.)
0.5m ~ 3.5m (1.6 ft. ~ 11.5 ft.)
0.5m ~ 4.9m (1.6 ft. ~ 16 ft.)
0.5m ~ 7.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 23 ft.)
0.9m ~ 2.1m (3.0 ft. ~ 6.9 ft.)
0.9m ~ 3.0m (3.0 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)
0.9m ~ 4.2m (3.0 ft. ~ 13.8 ft.)
0.9m ~ 6.0m (3.0 ft. ~ 19.6 ft.)
The flash range is measured from the CCD. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the
same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.
Five camera sensitivity settings can be selected: Auto, 100, 200, 400, and 800; the numerical values
are based on an ISO equivalent. ISO is the standard used to indicate film sensitivity: the higher the
number, the more sensitive the film. Camera sensitivity is set in the Basic section of the multi-
function recording mode menu (p. 50).
The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 100
and 400. When the flash is activated and camera sensitivity is set to auto, the ISO value is set to
200. When any other setting than auto is used, “ISO” will appear on the data panel, and “ISO” and
the set value will be displayed on the monitor.
Photographers can select a specific sensitivity setting. As the ISO value doubles, the camera
sensitivity doubles. Like grain in silver-halide film that increases with speed, noise increases with
sensitivity in digital imaging; an ISO setting of 100 will have the least noise and 800 will have the
most noise. High ISO settings (400, 800) will allow the photographer to hand hold the camera in low-
light conditions without the need of a flash. A change in ISO also affects the flash range; see below.
