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Is there any way to increase the amount of light entering a (digital) camera for high-speed photography?

I know that increasing ISO value is one way to compensate for low light levels, but I don't like the accompanying increase in noise. I'm thinking of something that does the opposite of a circular polarizing filter, something that lets me use a faster shutter speed at a given light level.

Unfortunately there is no filter that will admit more light than what is available. If you can repeal the laws of physics you might be able to make such a filter.

In low-light photography lens speed is of the essence. If the maximum aperture on your lens is f3.5 then you are limited to that. Your only choice is to either invest in a very fast prime lens like a 50mm f1.4 or use a higher ISO.

Here is a hypothetical chart which shows, accurately, the relationship of lens speed and shutter speed at several ISO settings.

ISO 100
f1.4 @ 1/125
f2 @ 1/60
f2.8 @ 1/30
f3.5 @ 1/20
f4 @ 1/15

ISO 200
f1.4 @ 1/250
f2 @ 1/125
f2.8 @ 1/60
f3.5 @ 1/40
f4 @ 1/30

ISO 400
f1.4 @ 1/500
f2 @ 1/250
f2.8 @ 1/125
f3.5 @ ~1/80
f4 @ 1/60

ISO 800
f1.4 @ 1/1000
f2 @ 1/500
f2.8 @ 1/250
f3.5 @ ~1/160
f4 @ 1/125

The faster the lens the faster the shutter speed at a given ISO.

Photography Tips: ISO (part 3 of 4)

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