Is a lower ISO always better?

Question

I know the ISO basics. What I'm wondering is if there is any benefit to using a high ISO when I can get a good exposure at a lower one?

Answer 1

The general benefit of using a high ISO such as 800 or above is primarliy for the fact that you can use faster shutter speeds to capture action. Other than this, there really isnt any benefit because you are going to typically end up with more noise/grain in your image, which if that is not aesthetically pleasing to you, then certainly it is not a benefit to you.

Answer 2

It depends on the effect you want. For maximum detail and very large prints then yes, a low ISO is the way to go.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, there was something called "film". People known as "photographers" would sometimes use "film" called "black and white" with a very high rating called "ASA" to achieve a gritty, grainy look to their prints. This was especially popular with "photographers" who roamed the urban landscape and photographed poor people and decaying, run-down buildings.

Answer 3

When I need to use a smaller aperture (to get greater depth of field), or when I need to use a faster shutter speed (to stop the action, or when I can't use the flash), I increased the ISO.

ISO 3,200
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/wtin/1c1423f6.jpg

ISO 1,600
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/wtin/2ddc0e64.jpg

ISO 3,200
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/wtin/88f39eeb.jpg

ISO 3,200
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/wtin/9475ff22.jpg

ISO 500
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/wtin/87532fb4.jpg

Hope this gives you some ideas.