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F. ISO, Gain and Dual ISO
Section Introduction
The PXW-FX9 features a Dual ISO function. This function
gives the camera the ability to operate at two different
sensitivity levels, Hi or Low. This is different from adding
gain and has only a very minimal impact on image
quality. The camera’s full dynamic range and full colour
response is preserved whether you use the low or high
base sensitivity (ISO) mode. There is a very small increase
in noise when you use the Hi sensitivity mode, so where
possible you should normally use the Lo sensitivity mode
unless you are shooting in very low light levels. Please see
section 6.3 for more information on Dual ISO.
In addition to this the signal that comes from the camera’s
sensor can be made brighter by adding additional gain
(amplifying the signal). This may be useful when shooting
in low light situations where it is difficult to obtain a
sufficiently bright image. However, it should be noted that
when you increase the camera’s gain, as well as making the
desirable image brighter you will also increase the noise
seen in the image. Because of this it is normally desirable to
use the lowest possible amount of gain for the best results.
In custom mode gain setting of the camera can be displayed
as “gain” in dB or as the equivalent ISO rating of the camera.
The operation of the camera is the same in both cases, there
is no image quality difference form using one over the other.
