The shutter is the mechanism in the camera that opens and closes, allowing light onto the sensor. It can be compared to the curtain in a window:
- When the curtain is closed, no light enters the room.
- When you open the curtain, light starts to enter the room.
- When we close the curtain, light is again blocked.
The shutter on the camera works in a similar way, controlling the amount of light that creates a picture.
Shutter Types
There are three main types of shutter found on cameras:
1. Central Shutter
- Where it is located: In the camera lens
- How it works: Opens from the inside out, like a flower
- Advantage: Quiet operation, works well with flash
2. Slit Shutter
- Where it is located: In front of the sensor or film
- How it works: Has two curtains that move one after the other
- Advantage: Allows very short exposure times
3. Electronic Shutter
- Where it is located: Is part of the camera sensor
- How it works: Turns the sensor on and off with no moving parts
- Advantage: Completely silent, no vibration
How Does the Shutter Work?
We can describe the operation of the shutter in a few simple steps:
- Before the picture is taken: The shutter is closed, blocking light from reaching the sensor.
- Pressing the shutter button: The shutter opens, allowing light into the camera.
- Exposure: Light falls on the sensor or film for a specified amount of time.
- Closing the shutter: The shutter closes, ending the exposure process.
The length of time the shutter remains open is called the exposure time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shutter on a camera used for?
The shutter controls the exposure time of the sensor or film to light. It opens for a set amount of time, allowing light to enter the camera and form an image.
What is the shutter on a video camera?
The shutter in a camera is the mechanism that controls the exposure of the sensor to light. Video cameras often use an electronic shutter, which works similarly to the shutter on a camera.
What is the shutter in cameras used for?
The shutter regulates the amount of light reaching the sensor or film. It allows you to control the exposure time, which affects the brightness and sharpness of the image and the effects of movement in the photograph.
Do you need a photo for the shutter?
No, the shutter is part of the camera, not the photograph. A photograph is created by the shutter, which allows light to enter the camera and form an image on the sensor or film.
What is the difference between a snapshot and a photo?
The shutter is the mechanism in the camera that controls exposure. A photograph is the final product of the photographic process, resulting from the shutter and other camera components.
How many shots does the shutter last?
Shutter life depends on the camera model. On average, shutters last between 50,000 and 500,000 triggers. Professional cameras have more durable shutters.
How do I check the status of my camera’s shutter?
The status of the shutter can be checked in the camera menu (if it has such a function) or by using special software. Some cameras require a service check.
How much camera mileage is a lot?
High mileage is usually considered to be above 100 000 shutter releases for amateur cameras. For professional models this figure can be much higher, even above 300 000.
For what mileage is a camera worth buying?
It is worth considering buying a camera with a mileage of less than 50 000 shutter releases. For professional models, higher mileage, up to 100,000-150,000 triggers, may be acceptable.
The Importance of Shutter Speed
Exposure time has a major impact on the appearance of a photograph:
- Short time (e.g. 1/1000th of a second): “freezes” movement, good for photographing fast moving subjects.
- Long time (e.g. 1 second): Shows movement as a blur, useful for night photography or artistic effects.
Shutter Trivia
- Fastest shutter: Some cameras have shutters running at 1/32000th of a second – enough to “stop” a hummingbird’s wings in flight!
- Slowest shutter: Some photographers use shutter speeds measured in hours to capture the movement of stars in the night sky.
- Shutter sound: The distinctive ‘click’ of the camera is often the sound of the shutter moving. On cameras without a mechanical shutter, this sound is sometimes artificially added.
Tips on Using the Shutter
- Experiment with different exposure times. This will help you understand how the shutter affects your photos.
- Use a tripod when using long exposure times. This will help you avoid blurry photos.
- Remember the relationship between shutter speed and movement. Short shutter speeds “freeze” movement, long shutter speeds create a blur effect.
- Know your shutter. Every camera has its limitations – it’s worth knowing them to take better pictures.
It controls how much light enters the camera when taking a picture. Different shutter types have their advantages and disadvantages, but they all serve the same purpose – to help you create beautiful photos. Understanding how the shutter works is an important step in learning photography.
