Shutter speed is the length of time the camera sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in fractions of a second when fast. It can last for minutes in long exposures.
For beginners, shutter speed is the most critical setting to get right. It’s what determines whether your photos are crisp or blurry.
1. Movement
Fast
1/1000-1/8000
Standard
1/250-1/800
Slow
1/2-1/100, 1-30 seconds
Depending on your goal, use a shutter speed that is faster than your subject to freeze them in place. For example, the speed of a walking person is drastically different from a bird in flight.
2. Exposure
Short Exposure 1/1000-1/8000
Day 1/250-1/800
Night 1/2-1/100
Long Exposure 1-30 seconds
Shutter speed directly affects how bright your photo is:
Slower Shutter = More light
Faster Shutter = Less light
If you use a fast shutter speed, you will need to adjust the aperture or ISO to keep the same brightness.
3. Shutter Priority Mode
S/ Tv mode allows users to set the shutter speed.
The camera adjusts the aperture and ISO to achieve optimal exposure.
Switch to Shutter Priority mode to handle moving subjects. If you want to control background blur, stick with Aperture Priority instead. Use the right tool for the job!
4. The Fastest Shutter Speed
Mechanical Shutter: 1/8000s
Electronic Shutter: 1/32,000s to 1/180,000s
Mechanical Shutter is the traditional way cameras capture images. It uses two curtains that sit in front of the sensor. Due to its physical limitations, it’s slower than E-shutter.
For most DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras, 1/8000s is the maximum mechanical speed.
Electronic shutter is the silent shutter without any moving parts. The camera’s sensor “turns on” and “turns off” to record light.
The Fujifilm X-H2 and X-T5 can reach 1/180,000s using their E-shutter.
5. The Slowest Shutter Speed
By default, the camera’s slowest shutter speed is limited to 30 seconds. To perform long exposures lasting several minutes, you must use BULB Mode.
BULB mode gives you manual control over the exact duration of the exposure.
How it works
Press and Hold: The shutter opens when you press the button.
Release: The shutter closes when you let go.
Remote Shutter Release: Pressing the button with your finger can cause “camera shake.” A remote trigger (wired or wireless) allows you to open and close the shutter without touching the camera.
How to activate BULB mode
1/ Set the camera to Manual (M) mode
2/ Ensure the Silent Shutter is turned off
3/ Rotate the shutter speed dial past 30″ until “BULB” appears
6. Intentional Motion Blur
Sometimes, blur is a good thing! When used intentionally, it adds speed and energy to a static image.
1/ Hold the camera steady (daytime)
2/ Choose a shutter speed slower than the subject’s moving speed
People Walking 1/2 second
Cars Moving 1/5 second
Seascape 1/5 second
7. Light Trails
Gear Tripod + Remote Camera Triggers, Filters (Optional)
Traffic 5-30 seconds
Depending on the speed of vehicles and how close your camera is to the subject. The longer the exposure time, the longer the trails.
Star Trails 30 seconds
Use an intervalometer to shoot continuously for one to two hours, then stack the multiple exposures in post-processing.
8. Reciprocal Rule
If you struggle with camera shake (blur caused by hand movement), use a shutter speed that is fast enough. This is known as the reciprocal rule, you shutter speed should be at least 1/ (focal length)
If you are using a 50mm lens, your shutter speed should be at least 1/50 second.
50mm lens → minimum shutter speed of 1/50 second
100mm lens → minimum shutter speed of 1/100 second
This is a rule of thumb from the film photography era. Modern technology has given us more flexibility. Read on.
9. IBIS
In-Body Image Stabilization is a feature on your camera that counteracts handheld shake. Advanced mirrorless cameras offer a 4-5 stop buffer.
Focal Length 100mm
Minimum Shutter Speed 1/100 → 1/50 → 1/25 → 1/12→ 1/6 →1/3
Changing the shutter speed from 1/100 to 1/3 second is an increase of approximately 5 stops of light.
Each single stop represents a doubling (or halving) of the light.
1 stop = Light x 2
2 stops = Light x 4
3 stops = Light x 8
4 stops = Light x 16
5 stops = Light x 32
That’s 32 times more light reaching the sensor.
Entry-level/ Budget friendly cameras lacking IBIS: Canon R100, Sony ZV-E10 II, Nikon Z30, Fujifilm X-half
10. Lens Stablization
For wildlife and sports photographers, handheld shooting can be challenging. Most telephoto lenses include built-in image stabilization because longer focal lengths amplify even the smallest camera vibrations.
The stabilization system varies by brand.
Sony: Optical SteadyShot (OSS)
Canon: Image Stabilization (IS)
Nikon: Vibration Reduction (VR)
Panasonic/Fuji: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
Tamron: Vibration Compensation (VC)
Sigma: Optical Stabilizer (OS)
Turn stabilization ON Handheld
Turn stabilization OFF Tripod
If your camera and lens both feature image stabilization, you can use slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake. This is particularly useful in low-light situations, keeping the ISO low and minimize noise.