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Photogoof · 01-10-2020, 02:39 PM

How high can you generally set the ISO on your DSLRs before you see noise? And when you do see it, what are your options for decreasing it?

Adam · 01-10-2020, 03:11 PM

It depends on the model. Newer cameras can go much higher than older ones. Our reviews are a good source of data as they include tests at various ISO settings.

Techniques such as image stacking can help reduce noise, as can good noise reduction software such as Topaz DeNoise.

**Apet-Sure** · 01-10-2020, 04:16 PM

This is a very open-ended question, since different people have different ideas about acceptable noise levels. Ask 50 people, get 50 different opinions. In my case, I found that on my K10D if I went above ISO 400 the images looked significantly compromised. On my K-5IIs I can get very good results at ISO 1600. I keep the camera's built-in noise reduction set to 'auto', and it seems to do a good job. Newer cameras will do even better. The KP for instance has a maximum ISO of 819200, so I imagine its images would look very good at ISO 6400 or even higher. KP owners can chime in.

Photogoof · 01-11-2020, 05:51 AM

Thanks! My now-defunct DSLR is a K10D, and I found that increasing the ISO increased the noise dramatically, and there was little Photoshop could do about it.

Not a Number · 01-11-2020, 05:53 AM

See also this related thread:
Iso .. how high is too high for you? - PentaxForums.com

01-10-2020, 02:39 PM	#1
Photogoof Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,422	Noise How high can you generally set the ISO on your DSLRs before you see noise? And when you do see it, what are your options for decreasing it?

01-10-2020, 03:11 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	It depends on the model. Newer cameras can go much higher than older ones. Our reviews are a good source of data as they include tests at various ISO settings. Techniques such as image stacking can help reduce noise, as can good noise reduction software such as Topaz DeNoise. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-10-2020, 04:16 PM	#3
Apet-Sure Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,872	This is a very open-ended question, since different people have different ideas about acceptable noise levels. Ask 50 people, get 50 different opinions. In my case, I found that on my K10D if I went above ISO 400 the images looked significantly compromised. On my K-5IIs I can get very good results at ISO 1600. I keep the camera's built-in noise reduction set to 'auto', and it seems to do a good job. Newer cameras will do even better. The KP for instance has a maximum ISO of 819200, so I imagine its images would look very good at ISO 6400 or even higher. KP owners can chime in.

01-11-2020, 05:51 AM	#4
Photogoof Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,422 Original Poster	Thanks! My now-defunct DSLR is a K10D, and I found that increasing the ISO increased the noise dramatically, and there was little Photoshop could do about it.

01-11-2020, 05:53 AM	#5
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	See also this related thread: Iso .. how high is too high for you? - PentaxForums.com