Shutter speed refers to the amount of time your camera sensor is exposed to light per frame, typically measured in fractions of a second (e.g., 1/50, 1/1000). It’s the digital equivalent of shutter angle. It directly affects both motion blur and exposure.
Shutter speed controls realism vs. stylization. Slow shutter speeds result in more blur and light; fast speeds capture crisp motion but with less light.
A general rule for natural motion is to set shutter speed to 1 / (2 × frame rate) (e.g., 1/50 for 24fps). Use slower speeds for dreamy motion trails, or faster ones to freeze action. Always balance with ISO and aperture.
Follow 180° rule – Set shutter speed roughly double your frame rate (e.g., 1/50s at 24fps).
Control motion blur – Use slower speeds for artistic blur, faster for crisp action shots.
Balance with exposure – Adjust ISO and aperture to compensate for shutter changes.