Shutter speed controls how long light reaches a camera’s film or digital sensor. It is one of the main controls for exposure, along with aperture and ISO sensitivity.
The shutter opens to let light reach the recording surface and closes to end the exposure. Shutter speed, also called exposure time, is the length of time the shutter remains open.
The amount of light received is proportional to exposure time. For example, an exposure of 1/250 second lets in twice as much light as 1/500 second, because the shutter remains open twice as long. A shorter exposure such as 1/1000 second lets in less light than 1/500 second.
All flashcards
What is shutter speed?
The duration for which the camera’s shutter stays open, allowing light to reach film or a digital sensor.
How does exposure time affect recorded light?
The amount of light is proportional to exposure time: doubling the time doubles the light, while halving the time halves it.
What is a stop in exposure?
A stop is a change that doubles or halves the amount of light. One stop longer in exposure time doubles the light.
How can aperture compensate for a faster shutter speed?
Open the aperture by a corresponding amount to admit more light. For example, if shutter time is halved, opening the aperture by one stop can maintain exposure.
What are overexposure and underexposure?
Overexposure is recording too much light, often making the image too pale; underexposure is recording too little light, often making it too dark.
Quiz questions
In shutter-priority mode, which setting does the photographer choose?Answer: The shutter speed, while the camera selects an aperture.
In bulb mode, what keeps the shutter open?Answer: Holding the shutter release down.
What is the intended effect of panning with a moving subject during an exposure?Answer: The subject stays relatively sharp while the background blurs.
For traditional handheld 35 mm photography with a 50 mm lens, what shutter speed is a common rough guideline?Answer: About 1/60 second.
With a traditional 180° shutter angle at 24 frames per second, what is the exposure time?Answer: 1/48 second.
Based on the Wikipedia article Shutter speed, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.