Photography Camera Shutter Speed Explained
Mastering shutter speed is essential if you plan to shoot moving objects, events, action, or sports. Being able to use this in manual mode is part of mastering the Exposure Triangle and getting the most out of your DSLR Camera.
Capturing Fast Motion With High Shutter Speeds
Shutter speed will allow you to freeze a moment in time, and control the look of your images. When hand holding your camera you typically want a shutter speed of 1/125 or 1/250 to account for general camera shake, and movement when you push down the shutter button.
When you want to freeze faster movements such as running or dance you’ll want to use higher shutter speeds like 1/1000 or 1/2000.
Typically most entry-level DSLR cameras today have a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000, which is the most typical users will need in any given situation. Higher end and professional cameras may have shutter speeds of 1/8000, such as the Nikon D810 and the Canon 5D Mark III.
Shutter Speed and Aperture
Increasing the shutter speed to these higher ranges typically means that you are also letting less light into the camera. That is why it is important for sports photographers to use “fast lenses” sometimes called “fast glass” such as a F/2.8 300mm lens.
These lenses have wide apertures that let more light into the camera, allowing you to compensate for the high shutter speeds.
Shutter Speed and ISO
ISO is your camera’s sensitivity to light. Usually when you shoot at high shutter speeds, you will want to shoot at a higher ISO to compensate for the smaller amount of light coming in through the shutter.
If increasing your ISO isn’t an option, then you will need a fast lens, like an f/2.8 or a prime lens like a f/1.8. These have wider apertures that will allow more light into the lens and are “fixed aperture” meaning that you can focus on adjusting the shutter speed since the aperture is consistent no matter how much you zoom.
When shooting with a slower shutter speed, such as when you are shooting DSLR video, you will want the ISO to be as low as possible. In truth, you usually want this anyway to reduce grain as I discussed when explaining DSLR Photography ISO.
If you’re shooting in very bright conditions and you can’t increase your shutter speed enough (and increasing your aperture isn’t an option), you can utilize an ND filter. This will remove several “stops” of light and allow you to expose correctly while getting the type of shot you want.
Shooting in Shutter Speed Priority Mode
Shutter Speed Priority Mode can be a good place to start when you want to be able to freeze a moment, but you’re not used to shooting in full manual yet. Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority are two of the most popular modes for beginners to shoot in when trying to work their way up from shooting in on Auto.
Final Tips for Shutter Speed
Shooting at higher shutter speed won’t always guarantee a sharper or crisper image, and it may force you to compromise detail by increasing ISO, or to lose the look you want by adjusting the aperture. Try giving yourself no more slack than is necessary when it comes to shutter speed, and also remember that you may have to adjust your other settings to compensate for how your shutter speed effects your overall exposure.
When using stabilization gear such as tripods and monopods you can use slower shutter speeds. This is particularly useful for light-streak effects and night photography, as well as landscapes.
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