ISO sensitivity

ISO 200

Exposure tables and noise expectations for ISO 200.

ISO 200
Sensitivity
+1.0
Stops vs ISO 100
2.00×
Brightness gain vs ISO 100
ISO 200 in practice: Base or near-base ISO: maximum dynamic range and clean files.

Shutter speeds at ISO 200#

Lightf/1.4f/2.8f/5.6f/8
EV 15 · Bright sun, distinct shadows (Sunny 16)too bright1/8000 s1/2000 s1/1000 s
EV 12 · Heavy overcast / open shade1/4000 s1/1000 s1/250 s1/125 s
EV 10 · Just after sunset1/1000 s1/250 s1/60 s1/30 s
EV 8 · Bright interior, city street at night1/250 s1/60 s1/15 s1/8 s
EV 6 · Home interior, daytime1/60 s1/15 s1/4 s0.5 s
EV 4 · Candle-lit close-up, Christmas lights1/15 s1/4 s1 s2 s
EV 2 · Distant city lights1/4 s1 s4 s8 s
EV 0 · Dim interior, Milky Way in moonlight1 s4 s15 s30 s
EV -2 · Moonlit landscape4 s15 s1 min2 min
EV -4 · Aurora (bright)15 s1 min> 4 min> 4 min
EV -6 · Milky Way, starlight only1 min> 4 min> 4 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 200 ≈ onEquivalent ISO (same total light)
APS-C (1.5×)ISO 89
Micro Four Thirds (2×)ISO 50
1-inch (2.7×)ISO 27
Medium format 44×33 (0.79×)ISO 320

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 200 high?

No — it is a low ISO. Base or near-base ISO: maximum dynamic range and clean files.

When should I use ISO 200?

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