Shutter Speed

On compact cameras that everyone has there is only one shutter speed and you don't often have the option to change it. When using a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera you are able to change the shutter speed.
If you have a quick shutter speed, such as 1/1000th of a second, you get a sharp image. This is good for when you are shooting water droplets or sports. If you have a long shutter speed, such as 5 seconds, you will get a more blurred image. This is good for when you want to shoot a car driving past or the movement of the stars. When you are using a long shutter speed it is best to use a tripod otherwise you will create even more blur.

Shutter speed examples;

1/1000th of a Second

1/2 a Second

1/5th of a Second

4 Seconds

7 Seconds

117 Seconds

11 Hours

55 Hours