What are the best practices for reducing noise and preserving details when using high ISO settings?

High ISO settings can help you capture images in low-light situations, but they also introduce noise and reduce details in your photos. Noise is the unwanted grainy or speckled appearance that reduces the clarity and quality of your images. Details are the fine textures and edges that make your photos look sharp and realistic. How can you balance the trade-off between high ISO and noise reduction, while preserving as much detail as possible? In this article, we will share some best practices for reducing noise and preserving details when using high ISO settings.

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1 Understand ISO and noise

ISO is a measure of how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. The higher the ISO, the more light your sensor can capture, but also the more noise it can produce. Noise is caused by random variations in the electrical signals that your sensor converts into digital data. Noise can be more noticeable in dark areas, where there is less light and more amplification of the signals. Noise can also vary depending on the quality and size of your sensor, the ambient temperature, and the exposure time.

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2 Choose the optimal ISO for your scene

The optimal ISO for your scene depends on several factors, such as the available light, the subject movement, the desired depth of field, and the intended output size and quality of your image. Generally, you want to use the lowest ISO that allows you to achieve a correct exposure and a fast enough shutter speed to avoid blur. However, sometimes you may need to use a higher ISO to capture a fleeting moment, a dimly lit scene, or a creative effect. In that case, you should use the highest ISO that still produces acceptable noise levels for your purpose.

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Armand Hess

Content Producer at Farm Sanctuary | Creating Engaging Content
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Get to know your tolerance for noise. Practice shooting in low light conditions before attempting it in a paid scenario. All cameras are different and generate different levels of noise at different ISO's. Try using Lightroom to smooth out unwanted noise in post and see what you think is acceptable. You may need to upgrade your camera to full frame if you haven't already done so.

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3 Use a tripod or a stabilizer

One way to reduce noise and preserve details when using high ISO settings is to use a tripod or a stabilizer. A tripod or a stabilizer can help you keep your camera steady and avoid camera shake, which can blur your image and make noise more visible. By using a tripod or a stabilizer, you can also lower your ISO and use a longer shutter speed to capture more light and reduce noise. However, this may not work if your subject is moving or if you want to create motion blur.

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4 Shoot in RAW format

Another way to reduce noise and preserve details when using high ISO settings is to shoot in RAW format. RAW format is a file format that records all the data from your sensor without any compression or processing. This gives you more control and flexibility over the noise reduction and sharpening settings in post-processing. You can use a software program like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust the noise reduction and sharpening sliders to find the best balance between noise and detail for your image. You can also apply selective noise reduction and sharpening to different areas of your image, such as the shadows, the highlights, or the edges.

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5 Experiment with different noise reduction techniques

When post-processing, you can use different noise reduction techniques depending on the type and amount of noise in your image. Luminance noise reduction can smooth out the grainy appearance of noise, but it can also soften the details and make your image look blurry. Color noise reduction can remove the colored specks or blotches that noise can create, but it can also alter the color accuracy and saturation of your image. Additionally, you can use noise reduction plugins to enhance the noise reduction capabilities of your editing program. These plugins use advanced algorithms and presets to reduce noise and preserve details in your image, such as Topaz DeNoise AI, Nik Dfine 2, or Noiseware.

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Jon Farmer

Health & Safety Coordinator, East Anglian Galvanizing • NEBOSH General Certificate • Mental Health First Aider • Workplace First Aider •
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Sometimes you have to accept there will be noise … shoot enough indoor events and you accept the inevitable. I have recently (re)discovered Topaz Denoise AI and how easily it integrates into my existing Lightroom workflow. It has taken all stress away from shooting situations for me, when I’ve done what I can to minimise ISO but there is simply not enough light. I know that I have a backstop in post production. Find a product that works for you in the situations that work in … and don’t stress about it. We have to remember we are shooting in situations we would never have dreamed possible in the film days.

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6 Review and compare your results

The final step to reduce noise and preserve details when using high ISO settings is to review and compare your results. You should zoom in and inspect different areas of your image, such as the shadows, the highlights, the edges, and the textures. You should also compare your image with the original RAW file or with different versions of noise reduction and sharpening applied. You should evaluate your image based on your personal preference, your artistic vision, and your intended output. You should aim for a natural and realistic look that enhances the quality and clarity of your image without compromising its character and emotion.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Steve Slattery

Operations Director at Kenross Containers Ltd
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Shoot using the native ISO of the camera, if the camera has dual ISO then choose an ISO setting that gives you the desired result.

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What are the best practices for reducing noise and preserving details when using high ISO settings?

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1 Understand ISO and noise

2 Choose the optimal ISO for your scene

3 Use a tripod or a stabilizer

4 Shoot in RAW format

5 Experiment with different noise reduction techniques

6 Review and compare your results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Photography

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What are the best practices for reducing noise and preserving details when using high ISO settings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand ISO and noise

2 Choose the optimal ISO for your scene

3 Use a tripod or a stabilizer

4 Shoot in RAW format

5 Experiment with different noise reduction techniques

6 Review and compare your results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Photography

Rate this article

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