Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.
Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.
You can learn more at our glossary entry.
Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
X Vario test data on DxO Mark K-30 test data on DxO MarkPentaprism viewfinder is bright and accurate; Weather-sealed body can handle direct rain; Twin control dials make exposure control a snap; Solid build; Great image quality.
Lower resolution than some rivals; Not as small as recent Pentax entry-level and mid-range models; A couple of ergonomic and UI quirks; Shutter isn't the quietest; 18-55 kit lens isn't weather-sealed.
Outstanding design and build; Exceptionally sharp 28-70mm equivalent zoom lens; Very good still image quality with accurate and realistic colors; Fairly speedy and accurate autofocusing.
Expensive, especially for a fixed-lens compact; Relatively slow f/3.5-6.4 lens; Below average video functionality and quality; Not at all pocketable, about as big and heavy as a mirrorless camera with a moderate zoom lens attached.
