Nikon D300 Complete Manual page 298

ISO
LO values
200
400
800
1600
3200
HI values
Additional ISO-related suggestions:
Large prints require lower ISO. If you're going to use an
•
image for printing large prints (13x19 inches or bigger),
use only ISO values 200 through 800, if you can.
• Conversely, small prints allow higher ISO. If your work is
to be used at small print sizes (5x7 inches or smaller), you
can probably work at up to ISO 1600 (and even 3200)
with relative impunity. I routinely get good looking ISO
3200 prints off my 4x6" PictBridge printer with only
modest noise reduction or other adjustments. Still, the
higher the ISO value you use, the more likely you'll spend
significant time performing image correction, especially as
you go up in print size.
Thom Hogan's Complete Guide to the Nikon D300
General
Recommendation
Avoid if high
contrast situation
or highlights
important
Optimal ISO value
to use; use freely
Very close to ISO
200; use freely
Very usable with
slight loss of
dynamic range and
very mild noise;
don't avoid using
Some loss of
dynamic range and
visible noise
Visible loss of
dynamic range,
very visible noise;
use sparingly
Use only if
unavoidable; very
visible impairments
High ISO NR
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Off or Low
Low
Normal
Normal or
High
V1.02
Other Settings
Any
Any
Any
Any (though
consider lower
sharpening)
No sharpening,
if possible
No sharpening,
if possible;
avoid high JPEG
compression
No sharpening;
avoid high JPEG
compression
Page 298