You are not alone if you are confused about how to change your Nikon or Canon camera’s shutter speed. Camera manual booklets are so difficult to understand because experts have filled them with jargon. In addition to that, cameras engineers have also filled cameras with numerous buttons, dials, and menus, making the devices complicated for users.
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Many rising photographers have resorted to shooting with the Auto mode option to evade the complication. However, there are some styles of photography that demand you to have complete control of your camera. So, in this article, you will learn how to play or experiment at ease with the shutter speed on your Nikon and Canon cameras. However, it is crucial foremost to understand how shutter speed works.
You might be interested in our article on All Camera Features You Should Know In Your DSLR Camera.
How Does Shutter Speed Work?
Shutter speed is the measurement of the time your camera’s shutter opens and closes. Your camera measures it in fractions of a second such as 1s, 1/2s, 1/4s, 1/6s …..1/100s, 1/120s, 1/500s, etc. The faster your shutter speed, the shorter the time your image sensor is exposed to light; but the shorter the shutter speed, the longer the time the image sensor is exposed to light.
Suppose you are capturing a subject that is in motion or action. In that case, you will get different effects at various shutter speeds. A fast shutter speed like 1/125th of a second will freeze the action. In contrast, a slow shutter speed like 1s or 1/15th of a second will blur the images. A slow shutter usually introduces image blur or noise from two sources: the movement of your camera (camera shakes) and the action of your subjects.
Therefore, experts recommend that you use fast shutter speeds to photograph motion subjects or fast-paced activities like sports and bird flights. Slower shutter speeds are most suitable for freezing actions like moving water and cars. However, you are in control of your shutter speed and how you want your photographs to appear.
Realistically, digital cameras are difficult to understand and operate. The Menu systems are filled with several options, making it difficult to get a perfect uniform setting. However, one must understand them to capture good photos.
We know that understanding the various types of cameras, settings, and techniques can be overwhelming if you are new to the photography industry. Thus, we have provided this master article – camera 101, to help all beginners and even experienced photographers understand their cameras.
Click Below to know all about Cameras, From start to end.
Understanding Shutter Speed Values
Shutter speed values range from as low as 30 seconds to as high as 1/4000th of a second on some digital cameras. Shutter speed changes in steps, usually 1/3 steps, I steps, and 1/2 steps, depending on the level of your camera. Nikon DSLR cameras change shutter speed in 1/3 steps.
Selecting a shutter speed that is one step lower than your current shutter speed (let’s say, from 1/250th of a second to 1/125th of a second) is termed “slowing shutter speed by one step.” In contrast, choosing a shutter speed that is one step higher than your current shutter speed (for example, from 1/125th of a second to 1/250th of a second) is known as “increasing shutter speed by one step.” The decrease and increase of the speed will either double the amount of time your camera”s shutter will open or close.
You might be interested in our article on What Is Camera Auto Exposure? And How To Use It To Capture Best Shots?
Changing Shutter Speed On Your Nikon Cameras
This article section will show you how you can easily change shutter speeds on the following popular Nikon DSLR cameras:
1. Nikon D3500
2. Nikon Z5
3. Nikon D3400
How To Change Shutter Speed On Nikon D3500
To change your shutter speed on Nikon D3500, switch the camera from Auto mode to manual mode. To do this, turn the dial mode from “Auto” to “M.”
In manual mode (on your camera’s top or rear LCD), you will see an icon bearing fractions such as 1/8, 1/125th, etc. These icons represent your shutter speed. To change from one shutter speed to another, look for an indicator or dial on your camera and turn the dial or arrow either to the left or right or up and down.
Note: Nikon cameras always have the dial close to the shutter release and the command dial.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Your Nikon Z5 Camera
To change the shutter speed on Nikon Z5, rotate your mode or dial the button to manual mode. Then you will see a box or an icon with fractions. The fractions represent your Nikon Z5 shutter speed. Rotate your command button to your preferred shutter speed.
Suppose you are new to shutter speed, then we recommend you experiment with different shutter values for the best experience. You can choose between 30 seconds to 1/8000th of a second on your Z5 Nikon camera. You can also set the shutter to “bulb” or “time” or x200.
Note: Only shutter speeds faster than 1 second are displayed as fractions. Some cameras might also remove the numerator, leaving only the denominator as the shutter speed. In such a case, be aware that it is the same thing.
Suppose you set your shutter speed at the bulb mode, then your shutter will stay open while the shutter release is pressed down. The time mode option allows you to expose your images for a period of time by clicking the shutter release once to open the shutter and twice to close the shutter.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Nikon D3400
To change the shutter speed on Nikon D3400, switch the camera to manual mode by rotating the mode dial to “M.” Then rotate the command dial to choose your shutter speed. Turn right for faster shutter speeds and left for slower speeds.
Note: All Nikon cameras have the same procedure for changing the shutter speeds. We recommend that you spare some leisure time to study your camera.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Canon Cameras?
This section of the article covers how you can easily change the shutter speeds of Canon cameras. We will walk through our to-do it on the following Canon cameras.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T6
2. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
3. Canon EOS 90D
Note: Nikon and Canon have almost similar procedures for changing the shutter speeds of their cameras.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Canon EOS Rebel T6
Note: You can only change your shutter speed in manual mode. So, switch your camera from any other mode to the manual by rotating the mode button to “M.”
Then your camera screen will display icons representing the shutter speed, aperture, and exposure. The icon bearing a fraction represents your shutter speed. Rotate your command button to the right or left to increase or decrease your shutter speed.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Switch your Canon 6D camera to manual mode. Rotate the command dial to your preferred shutter speed value.
How To Change Shutter Speed On Canon EOS 90D
Turn the mode to manual and start rotating your command dial to alter the values of your Canon 90D camera.
Now that you understand how to change shutter speeds on your Nikon and Canon digital cameras, you need to know the effects of shutter speed values on photographs.
What Are The Practical Effects Of Shutter Speed Values On Images?
The shutter speed is one of the most crucial settings on any digital camera. It controls how long the camera’s shutter remains open to expose light to the sensor.
A slower shutter speed allows more light into your sensor. But it can lead to blurry images from camera shake or subject movement. A faster shutter speed limits light but reduces motion blur, which is ideal for shooting sports or fast-moving subjects like birds in flight.
You can learn more about fasting moving objects and bird photography in our articles on Fast-moving object photography tricks and tips and How To Do Little Bird Photography? Capture The Best Shots.
Practical Effect Of Slow Shutter Speed Verse Fast Shutter Speed On Pictures.
In the photograph captured with a faster shutter speed, the waterfall appears frozen on the rocks. This is because only a brief instant of the waterfall was photographed since the shutter was only opened for a short time.
In the picture captured with a slow shutter speed, the waterfall appears blurred. This is because of the subject’s motion while the shutter was open. However, you should note that not all image blurs are caused by shutter speed or the subject’s movement. Some image blurs are often due to camera shakes.
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Difference Between Motion Blur And Camera Blur
Motion blur, also called subject blur, is caused by the subject’s actions when the shutter is open. In contrast, camera blur, also termed camera shake, is caused by camera movement or handshakes when shooting.
The results of both blurs are relatively similar. However, experts see blur caused by the subject’s movement as a technique to express actions in photos. On the other hand, experts see blur caused by camera shakes as a flaw of the photographer.
Therefore, we recommend you stabilize your camera with a sturdy tripod when taking long exposures or shooting at slower shutter speeds.
You can learn more about exposure in our article What Is Camera Auto Exposure? And How To Use It To Capture Best Shots?
Motion Blur
Camera blur
Conclusion
The article has revealed a piece of in-depth information on shutter speed. We have discussed how shutter speed works, shutter speed values, how to change the shutter speed on Nikon and Canon cameras, and the causes of image blur.
We’d like to know your thought about this article. Was it helpful to you? What will you like us to discuss next? Tell us in the comments box below.
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