SHUTTER SPEED Basics
Shutter Speed is a measurement of the time the shutter is open, shown in seconds or fractions of a second: 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s … 1/250 s, 1/ 500 s, etc. The faster the shutter speed, the shorter the time the image sensor is exposed to light; the slower the shutter speed, the longer the time the image sensor is exposed to light.
In the photograph (below) taken at a fast shutter speed, the walker appears “frozen” in mid step. If you are photographing a subject that is in motion, you will get different effects at different shutter speeds. Fast shutter speeds will “freeze” motion, while slow shutter speeds introduce blur. Changing the shutter speed gives you control over whether to “freeze” or suggest motion.
Shutter Speed Values: If you have a fast shutter speed, then you need more light (aperture). If your shutter speed is slower, then you need less light. As a result, an open aperture means a faster shutter speed. A closed aperture means a slower shutter speed, as expressed in the diagram:
To Sum Up: Shutter speeds are expressed in seconds or fractions of a second. For example 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000. Each speed increment halves the amount of light.
Don't worry - It'll all start making sense soon enough! Click below for the next segment.
Don't worry - It'll all start making sense soon enough! Click below for the next segment.