Shutter speed is the length of time the camera's shutter is open so that light can enter through the lens onto the film or digital sensor. Combination of exposure (exposure) that is right-which consists of shutter speed, lens aperture (lens aperture), and ISO sensitivity-will produce a bright and contrasting image. The right shutter speed will give you the beautiful photos you want.
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Part 1 of 2: Understanding Camera Shutter Basics
Step 1. Understand shutter and shutter speed
The shutter is the part of the camera that blocks light from entering the sensor. When the camera takes a picture, the shutter opens quickly to expose the camera sensor to a controlled amount of light. The shutter then closes again to block out the light.
Shutter speed is the length of time the shutter is open. This means the length of time the camera sensor sees the scene you want to capture. Usually, this time duration is only a fraction of a second
Step 2. Know how shutter speed is measured
Shutter speed is measured in fractions, ranging from 1/80000 to several seconds in length. Speeds of 1/60 and above are usually the most frequently used speeds.
- Speeds below 1/60 can cause camera shake, which causes images to look blurry. You will need a tripod (tripod) if you want to use a slower shutter speed.
- Usually only the denominator is written on the camera. For example, “125” means 1/125 second.
- Some cameras can take pictures in full seconds, for example 1, 2, or 10 seconds. This is used for low light photography and when there is a lot of movement.
Step 3. Learn the difference between a fast and a slow shutter speed
To know what shutter speed you should use in a given situation, you must first understand which shutter speed is fast and which is slow. In general, 1/60 is the boundary between fast and slow.
- A denominator greater than 60, such as 1/125, 1/500, or 1/2000, is a fast shutter speed. Denominators below 60, such as 1/30 and 1/15 are slow shutter speeds.
- A shutter speed of full seconds, such as 1 or 2 seconds, is a very slow shutter speed.
Step 4. Get to know your shutter priority shooting mode
Most cameras usually have a shooting mode that prioritizes shutter speed. With this mode, you just have to choose the shutter speed based on the image you want to take, while the camera will automatically adjust the aperture so you get the most appropriate exposure.
- On most cameras, the shutter priority mode is labeled “S”. On some cameras, such as Canon cameras, this mode is labeled “Tv.”
- You can shoot using aperture mode and let the camera choose the shutter speed for you, while you only have to choose the lens aperture.
- In manual mode, which is labeled “M”, you must select a shutter speed and aperture.
Step 5. Pay attention to the focal length
The focal length of your lens can cause camera shake. Because of this, you should consider your focal length when choosing a shutter speed. If you have a long focal length, you may need to use a faster shutter speed.
The denominator of the shutter speed must be at least equal to, or greater than, the focal length. For example, a 50mm lens must use a shutter speed of at least 1/50th of a second if the camera is held by hand, while a 200mm lens must use a shutter speed of at least 1/200
Part 2 of 2: Choosing a Shutter Speed
Step 1. When shooting still objects, choose a shutter speed that will not result in a blurry image
The most important thing when shooting is that you should avoid camera shake. Use a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake and blurry images. Choose a shutter speed of at least 1/60 for this type of photo. If your hands don't shake easily, 1/30 may also suffice.
- For situations like this, changing the shutter speed has almost no effect (except general exposure levels) unless the object you are shooting suddenly moves slightly, which can cause the image to blur by several pixels. But even if this were to happen, it would only make the image look a little less sharp, unless the object moved enough that it could look blurry across many pixels.
- If you are using a lens or camera with image-stabilizer technology, you can choose a shutter speed one or two levels slower. You can also do this if you hold your camera carefully.
- Placing your camera on something sturdy, such as a tripod, can reduce camera shake, especially if you choose a slower shutter speed.
Step 2. Choose a fast shutter speed if you want to freeze motion
Deciding whether the object you want to shoot is still or moving can really help you in choosing a shutter speed. If you want to shoot something moving, you need a faster shutter speed.
- Use 1/500 for general photos of daily activities, sports activities, and other subjects.
- Use 1/1000-1/4000 when shooting very fast and close subjects. 1/1000-1/2000 is great for photographing birds. 1/1000 is good for photographing cars.
Step 3. Use a slower shutter speed to get a motion blur effect (blurred image caused by motion)
When you shoot something in motion, a slow shutter speed will capture the motion blurry. This can be an excellent effect for sports photos and photos that involve a lot of action. A slow shutter speed will give you a blurred background.
- You can also use this method to create a panning effect, where your object will appear still against a moving background. To achieve this effect, use a shutter speed of 1/15. Follow the movement of your subject so that the background and not the subject move relative to the camera and become blurred.
- Use a slower shutter speed when you are shooting running water that you want to appear blurry.
Step 4. Determine the shutter speed based on the exposure
The amount of light affects the exposure of your photo. The light source determines what shutter speed you should choose. If you let too much light in, your photo will be too bright. On the other hand, if you don't let enough light into your camera, your photos will become too dark.
- A faster shutter speed is more appropriate when there is a lot of light.
- A slower shutter speed is used in low light conditions, so more light can enter the camera and illuminate your photos. In situations where you have very little light, you may need to use the shutter speed for a few seconds. For this you will need a tripod or something else to keep your camera steady.
- A slow shutter speed can be used at night. This will give the effect of streaks of light, as if you were photographing cars or fireworks. Try a shutter speed of 2-30 seconds if you want to get this effect.
- To shoot motion in dark areas, increase your ISO sensitivity and choose a slower shutter speed. Use an external flash. Combined with a slow shutter speed (eg 1/250), you will be able to freeze motion.
Tips
- The ISO setting may need to be adjusted when taking photos. The aperture setting may also need to be adjusted.
- If your camera frequently takes incorrect exposures, even if you have set them correctly and the lighting conditions are normal, you may need to change your camera shutter.
