Is Noise only an issue in low light?

[Karl Rove]

That's basically my question. If you're outdoors during the daytime and there's plenty of sun, should I expect noise to be an issue?

[mcenut]

Yes and no. It all depends on the ISO setting of your camera. Higher ISO settings equal more noise.

If you are letting the camera automatically make all the settings for you, then you never know what it is going to do. True in bright sun the camera may automatically select a low ISO setting, but then again it may not.

I never use full auto functions on my camera. I always use the functions that allow me to at least select the ISO. This way I know what kind of noise I'm going to get.

[Karl Rove]

So, should higher ISO settings be chosen for lower light and lower ISO settings for good or bright light?

[Visual Reality]

That would be pretty much correct.

The lowest ISO setting you can take a picture with will be ideal. A higher # can help stabilize a high speed shot but can introduce noise. Also a higher # helps in low-light but keep it to a minimum to avoid the white speckles from appearing.

Also a cheaper camera will not handle ISO settings much over 200-400 without noise whereas your high $ DSLR will do fine at double or even triple the ISO (bigger sensors).

[zmikers]

Basically the realationship between Shutter speed, aperature and ISO is what gives you a properly exposed photo. So if the light is not enough to get a fast enough Shutter speed then upping the ISO will allow more light sensitivity and thus able to use faster shutter speed, but yes, higher ISO equals more noise.