ISO sensitivity

ISO 1,250

Exposure tables and noise expectations for ISO 1,250.

ISO 1,250
Sensitivity
+3.6
Stops vs ISO 100
12.50×
Brightness gain vs ISO 100
ISO 1,250 in practice: Fine on APS-C and full frame; visible noise in shadows on small sensors.

Shutter speeds at ISO 1,250#

Lightf/1.4f/2.8f/5.6f/8
EV 15 · Bright sun, distinct shadows (Sunny 16)too brighttoo brighttoo bright1/6400 s
EV 12 · Heavy overcast / open shadetoo bright1/6400 s1/1600 s1/800 s
EV 10 · Just after sunset1/6400 s1/1600 s1/400 s1/200 s
EV 8 · Bright interior, city street at night1/1600 s1/400 s1/100 s1/50 s
EV 6 · Home interior, daytime1/400 s1/100 s1/25 s1/13 s
EV 4 · Candle-lit close-up, Christmas lights1/100 s1/25 s1/6 s0.3 s
EV 2 · Distant city lights1/25 s1/6 s0.6 s1.3 s
EV 0 · Dim interior, Milky Way in moonlight1/6 s0.6 s2.5 s5 s
EV -2 · Moonlit landscape0.6 s2.5 s10 s20 s
EV -4 · Aurora (bright)2.5 s10 s30 s1 min
EV -6 · Milky Way, starlight only10 s30 s2 min> 4 min

Same noise on other formats#

At the same framing and depth of field, a full-frame camera at this ISO produces similar noise to the smaller formats at the lower ISOs shown (equivalence theory).

Full frame ISO 1,250 ≈ onEquivalent ISO (same total light)
APS-C (1.5×)ISO 556
Micro Four Thirds (2×)ISO 312
1-inch (2.7×)ISO 171
Medium format 44×33 (0.79×)ISO 2,003

Exposure calculator#

Your metered (or known good) exposure

New settings — change aperture and/or ISO, we solve the shutter speed

Equivalent shutter speed—
Exposure value (EV₁₀₀)—
Light conditions—

Other ISO values#

Frequently asked questions#

Is ISO 1,250 high?

Moderate. Fine on APS-C and full frame; visible noise in shadows on small sensors.

When should I use ISO 1,250?

When you need the shutter speed and aperture shown in the table above for your light level. Raise ISO only after you've reached the slowest safe shutter speed and widest useful aperture.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources