Shutter speed is a foundational concept in photography, crucial for capturing both the motion and clarity of your images. Below, we break down what shutter speed is and how you can use it to your advantage. Need new gear? See how you can save on Sony cameras, lenses and more here.
What Is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera's shutter is open, allowing light to hit the sensor. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second (1/250-sec., 1/30-sec., 2 sec.). Shutter speed affects two main aspects of your photos:
1. Motion: Determines how motion is captured in your image – either frozen or blurred.
2. Exposure: Influences the amount of light entering the camera, impacting the brightness of your photo.
How Shutter Speed Impacts Your Photos
-Motion: A faster shutter speed (1/1000-sec.) will freeze action, capturing sharp images of fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. A slower shutter speed (1/4-sec.) can create motion blur, which is effective for conveying movement in subjects like water or light trails.
-Exposure: A slower shutter speed allows more light to hit the sensor, resulting in a brighter image. Conversely, a faster shutter speed lets in less light, making the image darker.
Tips For Using Shutter Speed Effectively
1. Freezing Action: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500-sec. or faster) to capture crisp images of moving subjects, such as athletes or animals. The faster the speed, the faster the action that can be captured. Sports photographer Patrick Murphy-Racey took the image below at 1/3200-sec.
2. Creating Motion Blur: Try a slower shutter speed (1/10-sec. or slower) to artistically blur motion, like waterfalls or traffic at night. Creator Cody Conk took the Milky Way light trail image below with a shutter speed of 30 seconds.
3. Low Light Situations: In dim lighting, a slower shutter speed can help you achieve a well-exposed image without increasing the ISO, which can add noise. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake. Street photographer Ming Cheng captured this low light shot below at 1/4-sec.
Shutter Speed On Your Sony Alpha
There are generally two ways you can adjust the shutter speed on your Sony Alpha camera (this may vary):
1. Use the mode dial
Rotate the mode dial to the letter S to enter Shutter Priority mode. Then, use the control dial to set your desired shutter speed.
2. Use Manual Mode
In manual mode, adjust the shutter speed by turning the dial while monitoring the exposure level indicator to achieve the desired effect.
Experiment by taking a series of photos with varying shutter speeds. Notice how motion and exposure change with each setting. As you get a better understanding of how shutter speed impacts your photos, it can help you capture more dynamic and compelling images.
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