Shutter Speed

Shutter Speed Refers to how long the shutter is open, exposing the image sensor to light. (how long the camera “sees” the picture)‏ Measured in Seconds, from 30 down to 1/8000

a camera shutter is a curtain in front of the camera sensor that stays closed until the camera fires. When the camera fires, the shutter opens and fully exposes the camera sensor to the light that passes through the lens aperture. After the sensor is done collecting the light, the shutter closes immediately, stopping the light from hitting the sensor. The button that fires the camera is also called “shutter” or “shutter button”, because it triggers the shutter to open and close.

Fast Shutter Speeds (600 and up) are used to stop motion and will freeze the subject.

Slow Shutter Speeds (1/60 or slower) can be used to portray movement or speed

Very Slow Shutter Speeds (5 sec Very Slow Shutter Speeds (5 sec. or slower) can be used in very low light situations to obtain correct exposure achieve dramatic effects. Shutter Speed

Shutter Speed Beware! As your shutter speed decreases, your chances of getting a blurry image increase because you must hold the camera steady for a longer period.

Do you know how to find out what your camera shutter speed is set to Do you know how to find out what your camera shutter speed is set to? It is typically very easy to find the shutter speed. On Nikon DSLRs that have a top panel, the shutter speed is typically located on the top left corner:

ISO 320, 1/1600, f/5.6

ISO 200, 1/30, f/4.0

ISO 100, 5/1, f/16.0

ISO 800, 1/250, f/5.6