Shoot high ISO in camera or boost in post? at DVinfo.net

Adrian Tan · April 3rd, 2015, 04:11 PM

It seems that, for photo, it's better to shoot high ISO in camera. That's what a Google search tells me anyway.

But I'm having trouble finding answers about video. Is it better to raise ISO at time of shooting, or boost in post, or do you get the same results either way?

Gary Huff · April 3rd, 2015, 09:57 PM

You should not underexpose your video image. If it's the difference between raising the ISO, or underexposing your video, raise the ISO.

Robert Benda · April 4th, 2015, 07:45 AM

My understanding was it matters how close to correct your exposure is. For instance, slightly dim is fine, but at some point on the curve, the value of low-noise iso is gone because of how dark the image.

Roger Keay · April 4th, 2015, 08:17 AM

Boosting video levels means using electronic gain. Gain amplifies both the desired image and the sensor noise. High ISO settings in the camera add gain and are equivalent to using the boost switch on a traditional video camera. If you boost levels in post production then you amplify the desired image, sensor noise and artifacts from the video compression system. In general, using high ISO/video gain in the camera before compression yields better results. Remember that using gain can lead to clipping in brighter parts of the image so make sure you consider the balance between overall higher brightness and highlight reproduction.

April 3rd, 2015, 04:11 PM	#1
Adrian Tan Trustee Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1,149	Shoot high ISO in camera or boost in post? It seems that, for photo, it's better to shoot high ISO in camera. That's what a Google search tells me anyway. But I'm having trouble finding answers about video. Is it better to raise ISO at time of shooting, or boost in post, or do you get the same results either way?

April 3rd, 2015, 09:57 PM	#2
Gary Huff Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,006	Re: Shoot high ISO in camera or boost in post? You should not underexpose your video image. If it's the difference between raising the ISO, or underexposing your video, raise the ISO.

April 4th, 2015, 07:45 AM	#3
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: Shoot high ISO in camera or boost in post? My understanding was it matters how close to correct your exposure is. For instance, slightly dim is fine, but at some point on the curve, the value of low-noise iso is gone because of how dark the image.

April 4th, 2015, 08:17 AM	#4
Roger Keay Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 75	Re: Shoot high ISO in camera or boost in post? Boosting video levels means using electronic gain. Gain amplifies both the desired image and the sensor noise. High ISO settings in the camera add gain and are equivalent to using the boost switch on a traditional video camera. If you boost levels in post production then you amplify the desired image, sensor noise and artifacts from the video compression system. In general, using high ISO/video gain in the camera before compression yields better results. Remember that using gain can lead to clipping in brighter parts of the image so make sure you consider the balance between overall higher brightness and highlight reproduction.