Adjusting ISO and auto ISO on the Leica Q3
Some adjust their ISO in manual mode as they like, and others like to trust the camera to do this for them. For example, when we use Aperture priority mode with a preset range where the camera can decide what ISO to use. Both are valid methods; don't get into the trap of thinking you're only a pro if you use full manual mode. Fortunately, adjusting ISO on the Leica Q3 is very easy. And we have multiple methods to do so.
Manual ISO adjustment
Thumbwheel button
If you did not change this, the thumbwheel button brings up the ISO settings.
From here, you can use either the touch screen to adjust ISO or the directional pad. This way only takes a second to adjust or re-adjust your ISO values as necessary.
The slowest way to adjust ISO is to push the menu button, tap the ISO number and adjust it with the thumbwheel. It is a great option because if you're already in the menu adjusting something, you don't have to exit it, just tap and adjust the ISO parameter.
ISO settings in the Main Menu
Preset ISO range
If you're in any half auto mode like Aperture or Shutter priority, it is a good idea to have a preset range for ISO. This controls the value range where the camera can adjust your ISO. Note that this is a fixed setting, so if you set it up, the camera will never use any value that is outside the predetermined area. For example, if you set it from 100 ISO to 800I SO, no matter how dark your scene is, the camera will use 800 ISO, even if, for the correct exposure, ISO 1600 would be the best choice. As the Leica Q3 has an ISO invariant sensor, we can use a much broader range. For example, in my street photography profile, I use the range ISO 100-6400. It is broad but works perfectly.
Go into the menu: on page 1, at the bottom of the page, you’ll find the standard ISO menu, where you can manually set a value. I don’t recommend this method, it’s unnecessary to set ISO this way.
Page1: ISO Settings
On page number 2, at the top, you can find the Auto ISO Settings, entering this you can set a maximum ISO setting your camera will use when you are in Aperture or Shutter priority mode.
Page 2: Auto ISO settings
Auto ISO Settings menu
Of course, if you plan to use flash for example, or want to use full manual controls, then you should manually select what ISO is necessary for the situation. As you can see, the Leica Q3 has more than one method for adjusting ISO. Use whichever suits you best.