Escape Full Auto Mode on Your DSLR! Part 2: Shutter Speed

The second installment of "Breaking Free from Digital SLR Full Auto" will focus on "shutter speed."

The first installment covered "aperture," the second will be "shutter speed," and the third is planned to be "ISO sensitivity and other functions."

The 3 Basic Elements: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Sensitivity

A photograph is composed of three elements: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.

These are mechanisms and functions to obtain the appropriate amount of light.

To freely control light, a good understanding of these elements is necessary.

Exposure

The amount of light required to compose a photograph depends on the location and brightness, which is called "correct exposure."

"Exposure" refers to the act of allowing light to hit the image sensor (formerly the film plane) during shooting. (Also known as "exposure" or "illumination")

Exposure is determined by the values of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.

Basically, you set either the aperture or shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity serves as a complementary role.

About Camera Modes

Camera modes are broadly divided into "P, A, S, and M" modes.

This is an example. Settings vary by camera.

P = Program Mode: A mode that automatically determines exposure. This mode is for beginners who do not need difficult operations.

A = Aperture-Priority Mode (some models indicate Av): A mode where you set the aperture, and the shutter speed is automatically determined to achieve correct exposure.

S = Shutter-Priority Mode (some models indicate Tv): A mode where you set the shutter speed, and the aperture value is automatically determined.

M = Manual Mode: A mode where you set the aperture value, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity yourself to achieve exposure. For advanced users.

Shutter Speed

This mechanism determines the amount of light captured by the speed at which the camera's shutter opens and closes.

By prioritizing the shutter speed setting, you can express the movement of the subject.

This value also affects "blur."

Shutter speed 1/60 F1.8

If you increase the shutter speed, the light capture time is instantaneous, so the amount of light decreases (darker).

Conversely, if you decrease it, the capture time increases, and the amount of light increases (brighter).

...1/8・1/15・1/30・1/60・1/125・1/250・1/500...

← Slower (brighter) / Faster (darker) →

Let's consider the relationship with aperture

The aperture value was the size of the hole that takes in light.

What should you do to the aperture value to make the shutter speed faster?

☞If you increase the shutter speed, the amount of light captured will decrease (darker).

So, lower (open) the aperture value to increase the amount of light captured.

If you speed up the shutter by one stop, open the aperture by one stop.

Preventing Blurry Photos

Blur occurs because the shutter speed is slow.

When the camera blurs, it's called "camera shake."

When the subject blurs, it's called "subject blur."

Blur occurs if either of them moves beyond the set shutter speed.

Setting a faster shutter speed can prevent blur.

Also, "image stabilization" is a function that compensates for "camera shake" among the above.

Generally, it is said that camera shake can be prevented if the shutter speed is faster than 1/focal length of the lens.

For example, when using a 50mm lens, it is desirable to set the shutter speed to about 1/60.

Expression through Shutter Speed

Let's expand your range of expression by utilizing S mode (Shutter-Priority).

Stopping Subject Movement

Capture fast-moving subjects perfectly still by increasing the shutter speed.

Fast-moving animals and sports, etc.

Slow Shutter

Deliberately slow down the shutter speed to express movement.

While the shutter is open, the camera needs to be fixed with a tripod, etc., to prevent blurring.

Panning Shot