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Chapter 12: Taking Great Pictures
Microsoft Digital Image Standard User’s Manual
Shutter Speed
In most cameras, the shutter is the curtain in front of the film or image sensor
that is retracted for a precise amount of time to let light into the camera. Shutter
speed can be adjusted to let light into the camera for a longer or shorter amount
of time.
When determining the correct exposure for a picture, both shutter speed and
aperture must be considered in relation to each other. An increase in shutter
speed, which lessens the time the film is exposed to light, requires that you
widen the aperture to let in more light.
Shutter speeds are measured in fractions of seconds. In automatic mode,
many cameras will use a shutter speed of about 1/125
th
of a second. For action
photography, a very fast shutter speed, like 1/500
th
of a second, can help to stop
action and reduce blurring caused by movement of your subject.
The shutter speed determines whether you freeze the action or show motion blur.
On the other extreme, you might set the shutter to stay open for four seconds,
or even more for low-light night photography without a flash. But shutter speeds
slower than 1/30
th
of a second increase the likelihood that slight movements in
your hand while you take the shot will cause a blurred photo. To avoid camera
shake, mount your camera on a tripod or other firm surface for slow shutter
speeds.