Guidelines for Shutter Speeds in Photography

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The right shutter speed is crucial for either freezing motion or intentionally capturing movement. Here are some proven reference values:

Sharp Images of Moving Subjects

• 1/1000s: Running animals or slow-flying birds.
• 1/2000s – 1/4000s: Fast-moving subjects like birds in flight.

Panning Shots (Intentional Motion Blur)

• 1/80s: For dynamic effects in fast-moving subjects, such as birds in flight.

Long Exposure for Creative Effects

• 6 seconds: To create a soft, flowing water effect.

Shake-Free Shots – An Old Rule of Thumb

This guideline dates back to the film era but still serves as a useful reference:

• 1/Focal Length: Use at least the reciprocal of the focal length (e.g., 1/400s for a 400mm lens).
• High-Resolution Cameras: Use even shorter shutter speeds, as high-megapixel sensors amplify motion blur.

These values serve as a general guide and should be adjusted based on your subject and lighting conditions!

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