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.
T4i test data on DxO Mark SX50 test data on DxO MarkCameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.
Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable
Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes.
Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.
50x optical zoom with whopping 24-1200mm-equivalent reach; Excellent image quality for its class; 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD; Ergonomic design and controls; Improved image stabilization and Zoom Framing Assist; Shoots RAW; Full 1080p HD video.
Poor low-light AF performance; Image quality deteriorates at ISO 800 and above; Sluggish cycle times; Below average battery life.
