shutter speed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Specialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “shutter speed” mean?
The length of time a camera's shutter remains open to expose the sensor/film to light, measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The length of time a camera's shutter remains open to expose the sensor/film to light, measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/500).
A critical photographic setting controlling both exposure (brightness) and motion depiction (freezing motion with fast speeds, creating blur with slow speeds). It is one-third of the 'exposure triangle' (with aperture and ISO).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. In American English, 'shutter speed' might be more readily used in casual photography discussions. In British English, 'exposure time' is a slightly more common technical synonym.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English within general consumer-facing photography content (blogs, tutorials). In both varieties, it is a standard, required term in photographic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shutter speed” in a Sentence
Set the shutter speed to [value]Use a shutter speed of [value]Increase/decrease the shutter speedShutter speed affects [outcome]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shutter speed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not typically used adjectivally. Use compound modifier: 'shutter-speed priority mode', 'a shutter-speed dial']
American English
- [Not typically used adjectivally. Use compound modifier: 'shutter-speed setting', 'shutter-speed control']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing camera equipment, software features, or in photography service descriptions (e.g., 'capable of ultra-fast shutter speeds').
Academic
Used in optics, physics of light, and technical photography papers. Precise measurement and its effects are discussed.
Everyday
Common in hobbyist photography conversations, camera manuals, and online tutorials. Not typical in general daily chat.
Technical
The primary, precise term in photography, cinematography, and imaging science. Essential for exposure calculation and creative control.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shutter speed”
- Calling it 'shutter' alone (shutter is the mechanism, speed is the setting).
- Saying 'shutter speed speed'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will shutter speed this').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulb mode (often marked 'B') allows the shutter to stay open for as long as the shutter button is held down, used for exposures longer than the camera's preset maximum (e.g., for star trails).
A 'one-stop' increase in shutter speed means halving the exposure time (e.g., from 1/125 to 1/250), thus halving the light. A one-stop decrease doubles the time and light.
A rule of thumb to avoid camera shake: your shutter speed should be at least 1/(focal length). For a 100mm lens, use 1/100s or faster when hand-holding.
Not directly. However, a very fast shutter speed reduces light, which may force you to increase ISO (sensor sensitivity), which *does* increase noise. It's a trade-off within the exposure triangle.
The length of time a camera's shutter remains open to expose the sensor/film to light, measured in seconds or fractions of a second (e.
Shutter speed is usually specialized/technical in register.
Shutter speed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌtə spiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌt̬ər spid/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a typical source for idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a window shutter: 'shutter speed' is how quickly you open and close it to control how much light (and motion) gets inside the room (camera).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A QUANTITY OF LIGHT; LIGHT IS A FLUID (e.g., 'letting in light', 'a flood of light'). Controlling shutter speed is like controlling the duration a tap is open.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary visual effect of using a very slow shutter speed (e.g., 2 seconds) on a moving subject?