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High sensitivity mode
Shooting at higher ISO helps reduce the effect of camera shake when taking pictures in low-light. It often allows photos to be taken without a flash, making images appear more natural.
However, because compact digital cameras have small sensors, image quality begins to degrade once the sensitivity is set above ISO 100. The higher the ISO, the more noise is introduced in a image.
As of this writing, with few exceptions, only Digital Single Reflex cameras provide the cleanest images at high ISO numbers.
Improving sensors
Manufacturers have begun to improve the sensors and sensor size used in consumer digital cameras. But none to date do it as well as FujiFilm with the development of it's Super CCD sensor. Not all FujiFilm cameras have the Super CCD. [See models with Super CCD]
The Super CCD sensor captures more light with less electronic noise. As a result, shots taken at ISO 400 are cleaner. Even those taken at ISO 800 can be quite useable. And while photos taken at ISO 1600 have noise and some minor loss of detail, they can be less no noisier than shots taken at ISO 400 with most other non-dsrl cameras.
Pitfalls of using high sensitivity mode
Some cameras have a high sensitivity mode that can be switched on when lighting is low. The mode automatically selects an higher ISO number according to the level of light.
When set to high ISO, some digital cameras automatically reduce the image resolution. In other words, if you have a six megapixel camera, you may only be able take high ISO photos at three megapixels.
Noise reduction and high ISO
Digital cameras address noise with built-in Noise Reduction (NR). However, Noise Reduction can cause images to look soft. Loss of fine detail and smearing of colors in the original image occurs. The higher the ISO, the more noise reduction, the more smearing and loss of detail.
Bottom line about using high ISO
Avoid using higher ISO number unless you have a digital camera that is capable of handling it well. For important low light shots, shoot at a lower ISO and use a camera support.
When shooting in low light, it's better to select an ISO number than let the camera decide for you. Test your camera to see the highest number you can tolerate.
