Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding film speed and image graininess?

1. Higher film speed results in finer grain

2. Lower film speed leads to more grain

3. Higher film speed results in grainier images

4. Film speed does not affect graininess

The correct answer is: Higher film speed results in grainier images

The statement about higher film speed resulting in grainier images is accurate because film speed, which measures the sensitivity of the film to light, is commonly denoted by an ISO (International Standards Organization) value. Higher ISO ratings indicate that the film is more sensitive to light and can capture images in lower lighting conditions. However, this increased sensitivity often comes at the cost of image quality, leading to more noticeable grain in the final photographs. As the film sensitivity increases, the chemical processes within the film that produce the final image become more likely to yield larger, more visible grains, particularly in the shadow areas. This effect is particularly pronounced in high-speed films commonly used in low-light situations where photographers seek to maintain faster shutter speeds to avoid motion blur. In contrast, lower film speeds allow for finer grains since they require more light to achieve a proper exposure, thus contributing to cleaner, more detailed images with less visible grain. Understanding this relationship between film speed and graininess is crucial for photographers selecting film for specific lighting conditions and desired image quality.