What does increasing the ISO setting on a camera do?

Increasing the ISO setting on a camera enhances the sensor’s sensitivity to light. This allows for better performance in low-light conditions, as the camera can capture more light regardless of the actual ambient light present. When the ISO is raised, the sensor amplifies the incoming light, which helps achieve proper exposure without the necessity of longer shutter speeds or wider apertures.

This adjustment is particularly useful in scenarios where light is limited and you want to avoid camera shake that can occur if the shutter speed is too slow. Setting a higher ISO means you can successfully capture images in dim environments, such as during sunset or indoors, without needing to use a flash.

However, it is essential to balance the ISO setting with potential noise in the image since increasing the ISO can introduce graininess, which may degrade image quality. The other options do not accurately define the specific effect of changing the ISO.