Back in the mid-2000s, when I was selling digital cameras, one of the most common questions I heard from customers was, “Which camera has the least noise?” The digital photography world was obsessed with achieving crystal-clear images at high ISOs, and Canon, with its groundbreaking CMOS sensor technology, often led the race. At the time, photographers wanted the cleanest, smoothest files possible—no grain, no noise, just perfection.
Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted in fascinating ways. While many photographers still fear the dreaded “noise” and avoid high ISOs at all costs, there’s a growing counterculture that embraces noise, grain, and imperfections. Whether it’s adding grain in post-processing, embracing the quirks of old film stocks, or shooting with “vintage” digital cameras, the texture and character of noise are finding their way back into the art form.
The Fear of Noise: A Missed Opportunity
Even now, there are photographers who will miss a shot because they refuse to raise their ISO, choosing instead to shoot at slower shutter speeds or wider apertures than they might want. For them, any hint of noise is a sign of failure. They pore over RAW files at 100%, scrutinizing every pixel for the faintest sign of imperfection. Ironically, in their quest for perfection, they often miss the magic of the moment.
The truth is, noise is not the villain we’ve made it out to be. Yes, it can obscure details and create technical challenges, but it’s also a natural part of photography. Noise is the digital counterpart to the beloved grain of film, and when used well, it can add depth, texture, and emotion to an image.
The Revival of Grain
Here’s where it gets interesting: while many photographers are still chasing noiseless perfection, others are intentionally adding noise back into their images. Film-look presets, grain overlays, and vintage camera aesthetics are all the rage. Editing software like Lightroom and Capture One even include tools to add grain in a controlled, artistic way.
Photographers who shoot film embrace grain as part of the medium’s organic charm. Grain brings nostalgia and warmth, evoking the work of masters from decades past. Even in the digital realm, many of us have learned that a little noise can make an image feel more tangible, more real.
The CCD Revival
A fascinating offshoot of this trend is the renewed love for old digital cameras with CCD sensors. Once discarded as obsolete, these 10-20-year-old cameras are now hot commodities among certain photographers who crave their unique “look.” The tonal richness, distinctive colors, and yes, the noise, are being celebrated rather than avoided. What was once considered a drawback is now seen as character.
The Emotional Truth of an Image
Ultimately, the debate over grain and noise misses the point of photography: it’s not about the technical perfection of an image but how it makes people feel.
When someone looks at a photograph, they don’t care if it was shot on a CCD or CMOS sensor. They don’t care if it was captured at ISO 100 or ISO 6400. They don’t care if it was film or digital. What matters is whether the image resonates with them. Does it tell a story? Does it evoke an emotion? Does it make them pause and look a little longer?
When we look at some of the most famous and iconic photographs in history—think of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square, the migrant mother during the Great Depression, or the first steps on the moon—no one cares about the camera they were shot on. No one wonders whether the ISO was too high, whether the lens was sharp enough, or whether there’s grain in the shadows. These images are etched in our collective memory because of the stories they tell, the emotions they evoke, and the moments they immortalize. No one pixel-peeps a masterpiece; we simply feel its impact. And that’s the beauty of photography—it’s not the technical details that make an image iconic, but the way it speaks to our hearts.
Embracing Imperfection
In the end, the quirks and imperfections of grain and noise are what make images memorable. They remind us that photography isn’t just about capturing light; it’s about capturing life—and life is rarely perfect. So, the next time you find yourself avoiding high ISOs or obsessing over noise reduction, ask yourself: is this making the image better, or is it just a habit of old thinking?
Sometimes, a little imperfection is exactly what your image needs to stand out and connect with your audience. And that’s what truly matters.
