Capture movement or freeze the action
When taking a photo of a moving subject, changing the shutter speed can change the look of an image.
If a slow shutter speed is selected, movement is captured. Using a fast shutter speed will freeze the action.
Here are suggested shutter speeds for photographing a variety of subjects.
| SUGGESTED SHUTTER SPEEDS | |
|---|---|
| TO FREEZE ACTION* | TO CAPTURE MOTION** |
| Children – 1/250 – 1/1000 seconds | Amusement park rides: +/- one second |
| Moving water/waterfalls: 1/1000 seconds or more | Moving water/waterfalls: 4 or more seconds |
| Sporting event: 1/500 – 1/2000 seconds | Fireworks: 1/2 – 4 seconds |
| Birds in flight: 1/1000th a second and above | Moving cars at night: 8-10 seconds |
| Night photography – one or more seconds | |
* The closer action is to your digital camera, the faster the shutter speed is needed.
To help prevent images from becoming blurred, set the shutter speed faster than the focal length. For example, a zoom lens set at 200mm (35mm equivalent) requires a shutter speed of at least 1/200 second to avoid a blurred image. Adjust shutter speeds even faster for DSLRs with a focal length multiplier .
** Tripod or other camera support is recommended whenever using slow shutter speeds. Also use the self-timer or remote to trigger the shutter to prevent camera movement.
If your camera has Image Stabilization, some manufacturers recommend shutting it off when using a digital camera on a tripod. Check your camera manual.
[...] is all over the place, but hopefully it is helping a few of you. I found this really great chart at Digicamhelp.com to help you understand what shutter speed you might want to use in different situations [...]
great stuff
very useful tips and was explained well , not over complicated. Have found it useful to me as doing ncfe level 2 at the moment, has given me a better understanding of shutter speeds.
Hello, I need Help.
As a beginner Photographer I am going to buy a digicam. My friend told me that While digicam you must see SHUTTER SPEED. Then I select 3 digicams which fits to my need. Which are – Nikon coolpix L20,Sony cybershot DSC-W210 and Canon IXUS 75. Please tell me which one is best in performance and shutter speed.
Any of these cameras perform well, but it’s difficult to control shutter speed on these small cameras because they don’t offer shutter priority mode. Nikon has an interesting feature called Motion Detection, which they say “automatically controls the shutter speed and ISO settings to compensate for camera shake and subject movement reducing the chances of getting image blur.” Canon has a “kids and pets” scene mode that usually gives a fast shutter speed. However, the camera doesn’t have Image Stabilization, which I consider an important feature to help prevent blurred images from camera shake. The Sony, according to the specs, has Aperture Priority mode that you can use to control shutter speed. It also has Steady Shot image stabilization.
Very nice. I’m finally going to get my first camera! Maybe one day I’ll take a picture of myself.
Shutter Speed 8 – 1/2000 seconds, in simple terms, how many seconds is that untill i actual have the picture recorded from me clicking the button, to it capturing the image…???
Depending on how you set your camera, and the lighting conditions, the actual capturing of the image will be the shutter speed that was used.
what speed do I need to stop humming bird wings. please include in chart.
Hummingbirds are one of the most difficult subjects to photograph in nature. For many, it is a very rewarding type of photography but be prepared to practice a lot.
If you want to capture some blur to the wings, use a shutter speed of about 1/320 or slightly slower. You should also use a tripod. To freeze the wings, use a fast shutter speed such as 1/6000 second. Some photographers use one or two external flashes at low power settings and use a short burst of flash. To isolate the hummingbird from the background (bokeh), use a wide aperture.
Do a internet search as there are many detailed articles on the subject that go into other things such as ISO, Continuous (Burst) mode and best focal lengths to use.
Hi, I am planning for a Nikon D40 x SLR camera.
Kindly advice if it is a right choice.
The Nikon D40x is a very fine DSLR, and it has received high praises. If the features, size, weight, ergonomics and price are right, then it is the right choice for you. Just remember when buying lenses, there is no lens motor in the body so non-AF-S/AF-I lenses must be focused manually.
I just want to point out that, if you’re interested in having an image stabilized lens, check the kit lens that comes with the camera. It may not have IS. If IS is an important feature to you, as it is to many photographers, you should consider purchasing the camera body and lens separately or ask that the lens be upgraded.
I am looking to get a compact digital camera with a manual shutter speed adjustment control, but I’m finding it very hard to filter my search by this criteria. Any suggestions for cheap, reliable, compact (pocket-sized) digital cameras with this feature?
Thanks!
Inexpensive, compact digital cameras with manual and semi-automatic controls such as Shutter Priority mode are getting more difficult to find. There are compacts with those controls, but some of them cost $300, $400 and more. Until recently, the Canon A Series cameras had manual and semi-automatic controls, such as the A570IS I owned. They usually cost around $200 and were, imho, some of the best digital cameras with controls (and good image quality) you could get for the money. They are still available to purchase new but for some reason they cost almost double to price as when they first came out. You may be able to get one used or refurbished.
You may also want to try dpreview’s Camera Feature Search to see what current models are available with the features your want and in your price range.
I am buying kodak Z915 , please advice me how is this camera in term of pitcure quality as i need something in that range with fast shutter speed as wellas quality. thanks
The Z915 gets very good reviews from users. It has a relatively fast lens across the whole zoom range. The shutter speed range is: 1/8–1/1250 sec. (auto) and 16–1/1000 sec. (S/M mode), not blazingly fast but should do well in good light. The picture quality should be fine and the camera is known for ease-of-use. Like most compact digital cameras, it will perform best in good light due to the small sensor. When light is low, shot near the widest angle because that’s where the aperture is largest and lets in more light.
Hello, I am looking for a camera that takes good pictures in low light (inside a gym, basketball) and fast shutter or just get the picture while kids are moving across the court. I don’t want the bulk of an SLR but will go for a non compact digital camera. Any cameras like that??
Thanks so much for your time,
Yolanda
Take a look at the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, such as the G1 and G2. The G10 is said to be ‘the world’s lightest interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder.’ Olympus makes cameras in this class, such as the Pen E-P1 and E-P2. The sensors are not as large as a DSLR, but larger than the compact cameras mentioned below. They are also smaller than DSLRs.
Another option is the Sony DSC-HX1 superzoom, which has a 28 – 560mm equiv lens and fast 10 fps continuous shooting speed. It has a standard sized sensor for a compact, but few others have the continuous shooting speed.
For others interested in compact cameras, take a look at the Panasonic Panasonic LX3, Canon G11 or Canon s90. They have larger sensors than most compact cameras and do well in low light (though not DSLR quality). I own the s90 and really like the small size, excellent image quality and performance in a variety of lighting conditions. The focal lengths are short and are certainly not speed demons, so may not be the best for taking photos of kids moving across the court.
There are really so many good options today, it may be worth your time to call a company like B&H Photo for some additional choices.
Hi im looking for a really good camera that i can take pictures of my family for any occasion, traveling and for CONCERTS. Something that has audio recording, good quality picture and video, alot of zoom and take pictures while recording a video and not to wait in between while taking pictures. I would like to get a canon but not sure because my 1st camera I had (Canon Powershot S2 IS) I paid 500dlls and it stop working after 4yrs
I loved that camera!!! I cant find anything similar to that one yet. I was at a basketball game took a picture and the lens got stuck and its expensive to get it fix, its just better to get a new camera and ive been searching and found alot of people complaing about the same problem… hope i can find a very good camera!!! Thanks for ur time and help
Take a look at the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS. It’s a superzoom, like the S2IS (which I owned and loved). A downside is that it won’t perform well in low light because it’s high ISO performance can’t match that of a camera with a larger sensor. The Canon G11 has a larger sensor and does better in low light than most compacts. It is not a superzoom though. Also look a tthe Sony DSC-HX that, like other cameras, has strong and weak points though it may best fit your photo-taking style.
For best performance, though, you’ll need a DSLR. The Canon 550D probably has one of the best video modes of most digital single lens reflex cameras to date. DSLRs are fast and responsive, and do very well in low light at high ISO numbers. They are more bulky and expensive than compact cameras.
I know about shutter speeds as I got my degree in Photo-journalism in 1970 and have been in photography ever since. However, eight years ago I retired and went travelling and have now returned to the US and bought (drumroll please) a DIGITAL camera. It’s a Nikon D-90 and while the book is quite complicated it’s the “shutter speed” thing that has me confused. The book talks about shutter speeds but all I seem to see on the camera is “6″, “3″, “25″, etc. How the heck does this translate to actual shutter speeds? Please, the book is of no help.
The D90 has numerous shutter speeds and somehow your camera is set so they are kept very slow.
(1/4000, 1/3200, 1/2500, 1/2000, 1/1600, 1/1250, 1/1000, 1/800, 1/640, 1/500, 1/400, 1/320, 1/250, 1/200, 1/160, 1/125, 1/100, 1/80, 1/60, 1/50, 1/40, 1/30, 1/25, 1/20, 1/15, 1/13, 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.3, 1.6, 2, 2.5, 3.2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 20, 25, 30 sec)
For help that may not be covered fully in the manual, post some inquires at the Nikon D90 – D40 / D5000 Forum at dpreview. Some of these DSLRs are pretty complicated and other users can help you out.
Thank you so much. I will go there now.
Cheers. -Hal
Is the Fujifilm FinePix S5200 a good camera, I am looking into it but I am not sure if it is worth it. It has a shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. I think that is good but im not sure. Any suggestions?
The Fujifilm s5200 has very good image quality and does a decent job in low light for a compact camera because of it’s Super CCD sensor. However, it has a very small LCD and, more importantly, lacks Image Stabilization that is useful when using a camera with a long zoom lens. Digital cameras have improved a lot and prices have come down since the x5200 came out about five years ago. Sony, Canon and Panasonic also offer superzooms. Unless you are buying used, older cameras can sometimes be more expensive than newer models.
Hi,
I’M going to buy my own camera and I wanted a cheap one that was good for light trail photography. I was wondering if the pentax optio w30 would be any good for light trail photography???
The Pentax optio w30 is probably not the best camera for photographing trail lights. It doesn’t have a long exposure mode and doesn’t have any manual or semi-automatic controls. It wouldn’t hurt, though, to at least give it a try using Night scene mode. Don’t forget to use a tripod. Here’s more detailed information on this subject.
thanks
, but what camera would you suggest??
But what’s the balance with ISO?
The purpose of this chart is to give examples of suggested shutter speeds for some commonly photographed subjects. How you attain the desired shutter speed depends on a number of factors such as the amount of light on a subject and aperture and, yes, ISO. Higher ISO numbers will increase shutter speed but can also increase noise.
would love advice on an easy to use camera that will take great pictures of my grandkids, my currrent camera takes ages between pictures and so the moment is over, So I end up posing them which I dont want to do, also the video is useless. Also eyesight is a problem so need a large scrren and easy to understand controls. Gosh what a lot can anyone help?
Linda, we had similar questions the other day and I gave quite detailed replies to Ivalina on July 30th . Take time to read through the questions and responses. Many of your questions will be answered, but if you have others, don’t hesitate to ask.
hi,
I am a mother of 6 children range from 1year -15 years and I need a camera (could go for a dslr) that can take action in low light for sports and be fast on the picture for the younger kids. I am a beginner so nothing to high tech. What do you suggest I get. I am real tired of the hold down and in 5-10 sec it will take the pictures.
Thanks for your time
To use the chart you simply select a certain aperture and shutter speed combination. For instance, let’s use 1/15s at f/5.6. Notice on the chart the orange-colored f/stops run from f/1.4 to f/22. Put your finger over on the f/5.6 position (5.6). Just below there you’ll see the shutter speed of 1/15s (15). Put your finger on the shutter speed of 15. Move it to the left one space to 30 or 1/30s. You’ll notice that above the 30 is an orange 4. The 4 represents f/4. Now this is important—f5.6 at 1/15s is exactly the same exposure as f/4 at 1/30s.
If you follow this out to the end of the chart, you’ll see that f/5.6 at 1/15s is equal to f/8 at 1/8s. Also, f/11 at 1/4s is also equal to f/5.6 at 1/15s. Any of the numbers along the top (f/stops) of the chart matched with the number below (shutter speed) is exactly the same exposure. To make this clearer, I am going to list several exposures that are exactly the same, and bring the same amount of light into the camera:
1/250s at f/1.4
1/125s at f/2
1/60s at f/2.8
1/30s at f/4
Bernadette, for action and sports shots, you are wise to consider a DSLR. While they are heavier and may you require a couple of lenses, their flexiblity, speed and high-iso performance will certainly outpace almost any compact digital camera currently on the market. For a smaller camera that takes interchangeable lenses, consider a micro-four thirds.
I have an entry level dslr (Canon XSi), use image stabilized kit lenses and have been very pleased with the results. 90% of the time, I shot in P Mode, a fully automatic mode that lets me change basic settings such as white balance and Exposure Compensation. There newest camera in this line is the Rebel T2i, which has an ISO range of ISO 100-6400 and 3.7 fps continuous shooting.
Other popular brands for entry level DSLRs are made by Nikon, Sony and Olympus.
If you buy an older model with the kit lens, make sure the lens is Image Stabilized. Some DSLRs, like those made by Olympus, have IS built into the body.
Great information, Nancy. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Forgot to mention. Even a basic compact camera is high tech, and can be quite complicated initially to learn to use. I don’t think learning to use a DSLR is any more difficult but it does take time to learn about each lens, it’s strengths and weaknesses, and to find its “sweet spot.” You will find helpful information about DSLRs in our Buying Guide section. Here’s lots of easy-to-understand information about DSLR Lenses and their uses.
I’ve concentrated on DSLRs because that is what you mentioned. But there are many other types of digital cameras. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have further questions.
Thanks for sharing, I have to try this on my Nikon E4500. Last week I took a full-day course in a local community college and the instructor mentioned similar technique too. Can’t wait to go to Yosemite next week.
hey how can i blur the background of a photo ?? like someone is standing and i just want to blur his background . i have a canon sx120IS and is that possible in my camera ?
Vivek, yes it is possible to blur the background, which is known as decreased depth of field. Use Aperture Priority Mode and select a wide aperture. The size of the aperture affects depth of field. This page has information and a video that you’ll find helpful.
As our depth of field quick guide points out, other techniques that help to decrease depth of field include using longer focal lengths (zoomed in) and getting closer to the subject.
Generally, digital single lens reflex cameras do a better job at controlling depth of field, but by using a combination of the three techniques, you should be able to blur the background.
I was looking to buy a camera with a fast continous shutter speed to capture things like skiing and rugby etc. i bought the canon IXUS210 – the guy told me it had the continous setting i was after but ive tried it out and its very slow, is there a way i can change this (i cant see anything in the info booklet), or is there a better camera out there around about the same size for that type of thing?
Galty, It’s unfortunate that the salesperson helping you didn’t take time to look at the camera specifications. Just because a camera has continuous mode doesn’t mean it’s fast.
In the Canon brand, style and size there are two newer models to consider: The IXUS 300HS/SD4000IS or the IXUS 1000HS/SD4500IS. They both have a Backlit CMOS sensor, not a CCD. The CMOS sensor gives better performance in low light but also takes faster shot-to-shots. For example, your camera takes continuous photos at 0.7 fps, the other two shoot continuously at 3.7 fps.
All three cameras have different zoom and aperture ranges, so take that into consideration before buying and get the one that best suits your shooting style.
Take a look at these two cameras and, if you have more questions, let us know.
Galty, You may also want to consider the Casio EX-FS10 which has 30 shot-per-second high-speed burst shooting (6 MP images). It has a short focal length with an aperture range of F/2.8 to 7.9. You’ll need very good lighting when shooting at the long end of the zoom.
Thanks so much for all your help, i think i might go and see if i can exchange it tomorrow!!
The SD4500 isn’t out yet though I suspect it will be in a few weeks. The SD4000 should be available. If not in a local store, it is available at places like Amazon.
The SD4000 has dropped in price twice since I first purchased it. Though this is a comparison between the SD4000 and S90, you may find it helpful. If they give you a hard time returning it, remind them that they misinformed you about the fast continuous shutter speed that you requested. Yours is 0.7 fps and that’s about as sloooooow as you can go for a current camera.
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