It has been carried over to digital imaging and all manufacturers now provide the ISO equivalent for the sensors they employ in their camera.
Most digital cameras allow the user to set ISO equivalent. This function adjusts the sensor's sensitivity to light. Higher settings allow fast shutter speeds, often needed when shooting telephoto to prevent camera-shake induced blur.
For several years, digital sensors did not have a range of "speeds" approaching those of fast film, at least not without obvious noise, but current (2010) DSLRs are capable of capturing light at higher ISO equivalents.
Most films have ISO speeds, and digital cameras have ISO equivalents. Actually, the digital figures are ISO speeds, too: Like ISO film speeds, they're assigned based on standards issued by the International Organization for Standardization.
There is no equivalent standard for digital cameras but the sensitivity of a sensor to light is given as an ISO equivalent. Changing sensitivity can be useful at times.
The digital camera is in many ways more flexible than the film camera. You can switch ISO equivalents per frame, rather than per roll as with film. This can be an asset in underwater imaging, where you can't change rolls on a single dive.
Digital Camera Sensitivity / ISO Equivalent
Best Digital Camera Burst Rates
Digital Camera Battery Usage
Are you considering a digital camera but are not sure if the time has come?
Since digital cameras do not use film but use image sensors instead, the ISO equivalent is usually given.
The more advanced digitals will let you set the ISO equivalent speed. Others turn up the ISO automatically. Learn how yours works.
 See also: Camera, Image, Digital, ISO, Film
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