[Demo data — development only. Specifications are illustrative; editorial copy is sample content.]
Shutter speed is how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in fractions of a second — 1/500s is fast, 1/30s is slow.
Freezing vs blurring motion
- Fast shutter speeds (1/500s and up) freeze action — sports, wildlife, running water.
- Slow shutter speeds (1/30s and slower) blur motion — light trails, silky water, panning shots.
A useful rule of thumb
To avoid camera shake when hand-holding, keep your shutter speed at least 1/(focal length).
M
Written by
Marcus ReidStaff Writer
Marcus writes about technique, education and the business of photography.
Last reviewed Jan 2025. Corrections policy.
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