In reply to turboman:
turboman said:I have the Nikon D7100 which has the auto iso function, but never used it yet
I'd be interested to hear how straightforward it is to use T-man. Checking the user guide it seems.... a bit confusing, but that may be because I'm used to Canon's implementation (which is easy)
It suggests Auto-ISO kicks in if the ISO setting you've chosen will result in an incorrect exposure (so acting as a safety net) when using P or A, but a more traditional use if using S or M (ie it simply chooses the correct ISO depending on your other settings).
It would be good if it's usable as it always seemed a bizarre gap in functionality (and I've met too many novice users who are confused by having to set ISO as well as mess about with shutter speed and aperture).
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Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
In reply to Whistling Joe:
Replying to my own post...
I've gone back and found the thread I was referring to - it was discussing Birdiebeginner's D5100. Checking out the userguide for that camera now, I can find the same sort of info that's in the D7100 guide. So either I (and a couple of others) misread it at the time, or it is a feature enhanced by a later firmware update perhaps. All very odd! Anyway, at least we know it IS possible with Nikons, even if a bit non-intuitive to use
Interesting information regarding the Nikon gear; being a Canon user I had no idea about the possible difficulties of auto ISO on Nikon camera’s. It all seems to point to when using full manual mode, so would I be correct in thinking that there aren’t issues with auto ISO in shutter priority (S) mode?
My bird photos HERE
In reply to Paul A:
I've already added a link to the 'Getting off Auto' index at the beginning of this thread but with all the talk of shutter speeds and ISO settings, it may be of some help to have a look at WJ's thread specifically dealing with exposure (here).
Paul A said:....would I be correct in thinking that there aren’t issues with auto ISO in shutter priority (S) mode?
I believe so
<Geek mode on>
It looks like the Auto-ISO feature on a Nikon is tied to the shutter speed, so that with S (shutter speed) and M (manual), Auto-ISO works how you'd expect, changing the ISO to maintain correct exposure depending on the shutter speed you've chosen. In P (program) and A (aperture) modes however, it only alters the ISO you've chosen yourself IF the shutter speed the camera chooses falls below the value you've decided is the minimum you're happy with
<Geek mode off>
Compare that to Canon where Auto-ISO isn't buried in menus (where Nikon's is) - you simply click down from 100 to Auto. Simples. It also behaves the same way whatever camera mode you're using.
So good news that the option exists - and for BiF shots especially, where shutter speed is key, looks like being straightforward in use. At least I can go back to not fuelling the Canon vs Nikon debate when people ask what I recommend for someone buying their first DSLR* :-)
* For what it's worth, my advice is always the same. Handle the camera first - if it feels wrong, you won't use it & it becomes an expensive doorstop. Don't get too hooked up on specs - every DSLR out there is better than 99% of photographers. Realise you're buying a system, so think about what lenses you're likely to be after, that may drive the make of body (Pentax don't get full support from Sigma for example, so you won't get a 150-600mm zoom for birding that fits a Pentax). Finally, if money is tight, buy Canon or Nikon. They're the most numerous and have the widest support from other manufacturers (eg Sigma, Tamron) and there's always loads of second hand kit available.
I had a read through my D7100 manual on Auto ISO, and found it rather confusing, still not sure how it works in various modes, but will give it a go. I usually use S or A mode depending on what I'm shooting, but more often than not A.
Found this online WJ https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/understanding-auto-iso.html explains things a bit better I think.
cheers Terry
my photo's here
Thanks Terry - yes, that article is a useful one. Looks like I did manage to work it out correctly above :-) Using A especially you'll have to be careful about checking the Auto-ISO settings each time you use the camera I reckon. If you've set the minimum shutter speed to 1/100 whilst taking pics of the family with a kit lens, then swap to a long zoom for birds you're going to have trouble as it won't up the ISO for you until you get down to 1/100 sec (likely far too slow to handhold a 400 or 600mm lens). Still, good for a day's birding ramble through different light levels when you're not lens swapping :-)
Thanks to Paul and everyone who has added to this thread, very interesting reading and must try this all out when home, so wish I had my canon with me now and not my little Panasonic tz80. Trying to capture birds in flight with it is so difficult but I will change single point focus to multi point to see if that helps. Thanks
Tony
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/
In reply to tony:
Interesting my post above is timed at 9.19am when it's 22.20pm where I am currently watching an episode of Graham Norton from Nov 2016...........