Red One MX ISO

[Ryan Lightbourn]

I've read a few conflicting reports on this, so I just wanted a simple yes or no answer.

I think I have a decent understanding of how various ISOs will affect your highlights & shadows under various circumstances...so this question has nothing to do with that:


Is the Red One MX ISO natively locked at 800, and changing this in camera is simply adjusting the metadata?

 

[Jon Carr]

It's 320 natively but you can adjust it to I believe 6400 if needed. Most people prefer to shoot at 800 for high light protection and better s/n ratio.

 

[ericyoung]

The ISO is not locked, and goes up to ISO2000 in camera menus. Changing ISO is only changing metadata, but it does affect how bright your displays and histogram appear, which can affect how you light/expose a scene.

Shooting ISO 800 does tend to make you protect your highlights because the brighter monitoring and histogram will push you to reduce exposure. And the highlight rolloffs can look nicer, because it's spreading the highlight information across more of the digital bits. Many Redusers swear by it. It does not give better s/n ratio.

An equal number of Redusers swear by exposing the Red One M or MX at ISO320, and using the RAW exposure tools instead. If extra highlight protection is desired, just ND or close down the iris a bit.

Both methods are equally valid considering the great pictures shot by Redusers of both schools of thought.

 

[Chris Pyle]

Thanks Eric for the clear and concise explanation. As a new R1 owner I appreciate all input from experienced users. This seems a great group of users.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

There is a bit.ly link in my sig, that may be of interest

 

[Ryan Lightbourn]

Thanks for the help guys.

Gunleik, I'd read your article already...that helped out big time...thanks!