Rubix StudiosRubix StudiosShutter speed is the length of time a camera’s shutter remains open to allow light onto the sensor or film. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/1000, 1/250, or 1/30. Fast shutter speeds freeze motion, while slower shutter speeds create motion blur or light trails.
Shutter speed directly affects image exposure and is one of the three core settings in the exposure triangle, along with aperture and ISO. It plays a critical role in creative photography by controlling how movement is captured in an image.
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Shutter speed influences both exposure and the aesthetic of motion in photography and cinematography. Very fast speeds, such as 1/4000, can capture sharp action shots, while long exposures measured in seconds or minutes can record low-light scenes, star trails, or flowing water.
In video, shutter speed also affects motion blur and cinematic feel. The 180-degree shutter rule suggests using a shutter speed roughly double the frame rate for natural-looking motion. Advanced use of shutter speed often requires stabilisation tools such as tripods or gimbals to avoid unintended blur.
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Example
A photographer captures a car race using a shutter speed of 1/1000 to freeze the speeding vehicles sharply. In contrast, another shot uses a shutter speed of 1/30 while panning the camera, creating a blurred background but a sharp subject, conveying a sense of speed.