What is shutter speed? What does it mean to take pictures?

Shutter speed is one of the important factors affecting image quality. So what is shutter speed? Why is it important? Let’s find out with Tnhelearning.edu.vn.

What is shutter speed?

First, let’s learn the concept of the shutter. The shutter, also known as the shutter, is a layer of metal screen placed in front of the sensor. It is a very important part of the camera, helping to regulate the amount of light reaching the sensor.

In Mirrorless cameras , the shutter stays open until you press the shutter button. As for DSLR cameras , it will be harder to see the shutter because the camera’s sensor is located above the mirror.

Shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter is open to allow light through the lens to enter the sensor. It describes how fast or slow the shutter is open, which is the exact amount of time (also called exposure time) that your camera records the image.

How to measure shutter speed?

Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, expressed as a fraction, the larger the denominator, the faster the speed.

Today’s DSLR or Mirrorless cameras can handle shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec, even some high end cameras can handle 1/8000 sec or faster.

The longest shutter speed is usually set to 1/30 of a second with most cameras. You can of course adjust the shutter speed longer if needed.

How does shutter speed affect exposure?

Shutter speed affects the amount of light entering the sensor, affecting the exposure as well as the brightness of the image .

• If you use a slow shutter speed , the camera sensor will capture more light and the resulting image will be brighter.
• If you use a fast shutter speed , the camera sensor is only exposed to a small amount of light resulting in a darker image.

For example: On a sunny, well-lit day, use a fast shutter speed so that the photo isn’t overexposed. In contrast, in low light, using a slow shutter speed helps to capture more light, resulting in brighter photos.

Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO are important factors for creating a good photo. In which the shutter speed is mainly responsible for the brightness of the image, creating the effect of motion blur or freeze .

Fast shutter speeds are usually 1/125th of a second or less (the larger the denominator, the faster the speed). A fast shutter speed will create a motion freeze effect . This effect is often captured on fast-moving subjects in a clear, blur-free manner.

Shutter speeds from about 1/100 of a second up to 1 second are called relatively slow. Slow shutter speeds are often used to photograph galaxies or other objects at night or in dark environments with a tripod.

Long shutter speed is usually more than 1 second , usually shooting in low light conditions . In addition, this creates a motion blur effect, which is often used in advertising for motorcycles or cars to give a sense of motion to photos.

A fast, slow or long shutter speed will create accompanying effects depending on the purpose we choose.

Where is the shutter speed displayed on the camera?

Although most shutter speeds are fractions of a second , to save space cameras ignore fractions – so 1/800 is written as 800. When shutter speed is greater than 1 second it will add quotation marks .

For cameras with LCD screens , the shutter speed is usually located in the top left corner of the LCD screen. If your camera doesn’t have a top LCD screen, you can look through the viewfinder , you’ll see the shutter speed in the bottom left.

As for the camera you have neither LCD screen nor viewfinder , like many mirrorless cameras – Mirrorless cameras, you can see your shutter speed just by looking at the rear screen.

If you still can’t find the shutter speed, set your camera to aperture-priority mode and make sure you have auto ISO turned off . Then start holding your camera around from dark areas to highlights. The number that changes is your shutter speed.

How to set the shutter speed in each mode

Most cameras can automatically adjust the shutter speed according to the environmental conditions and shooting mode. When the camera is set to auto, the shutter speed is selected by the camera. However, you can still set the shutter speed manually if needed:

• In manual mode allows the photographer to control shutter speed, aperture and ISO, for professional photographers, can customize these parameters for each shooting situation.
• Shutter priority mode allows you to set the shutter speed individually, while the camera adjusts the rest. Shutter priority mode is indicated on the camera mode dial by the symbol S or Tv (for Canon and Pentax). In that mode, by rotating the control wheel on the rear right of the camera near your thumb, you’ll be able to adjust the shutter speed to your liking.​

In these two modes you can choose to set ISO manually or automatically .

In most cases, Tnhelearning.edu.vn recommends that you let the camera choose the correct shutter speed to get good photos.

How to change shutter speed for creative effects

By using a very long or very slow shutter speed, you can apply some interesting things to your photos. This is perfect for creating distinctive, eye-catching photos.

With a fast shutter speed , you can capture some beautiful movements , such as birds in flight or athletes in competition . These photos often require a lot of experience and mistakes, but they will be really beautiful when you master them.

Slow shutter speeds allow you to explore a plethora of creative ways to take photos. Slow shutter speeds can capture movement in impressive ways: street exposure, light painting, star trails.

The interesting effects you can create by varying the shutter speed are unlimited. Never be afraid to try new things, sometimes that will give you a different and more interesting perspective after every photo taken.

The best way to learn the shutter is to switch the camera to manual or shutter-priority shooting.

Shutter speed is an important factor in photography. Understanding what shutter speed is can solve a number of different photographic problems and open up new creative possibilities.