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.
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