Shutter Speed When to use it Bulb When using ‘bulb,’ the shutter stays open as long as you hold it open. This allows for very long shutter speeds, seconds, minutes or even hours. Most often used after dark for outdoor shots such as buildings or fireworks. Can also be used for creative streaking of lights. For sharp photos, a tripod is a must. 1 second and ½ second Usually used to emphasize motion by blurring either the subject or background. Good for maximizing depth of field with small lens openings. Works best on inanimate objects and stationary subjects. For sharp photos, a tripod is a must. ¼ second and 1/8th second Good for obtaining great depth of field with small lens openings and enough exposure under dim lighting conditions. Good for stationary subjects or to emphasize motion by blurring either the subject or background 1/15th second Very low light situations; “available darkness.” For sharp photos, a tripod is a must. 1/30th second About as slow as practical for handholding short lenses. If used with flash, it can result in nice ‘mood’ shots, as some of the ambient light will record as well as the flash 1/60th second Cloudy days, ‘available light’ shots. On cameras with mechanical spring driven shutters, this was the highest flash sync speed. 1/90th second Highest flash sync speed for many cameras. 1/125th second Best all around shutter speed to use for outdoor daylight pictures. Produces good depth of field with medium to small lens openings under bright lighting conditions, minimizes the effects from camera motion, and stops some moderate kinds of action, such as people walking, children playing, or babies squirming. 1/250th second Good for stopping moderate fast action like runners, swimmers, bicyclists at a medium speed, running horses at a distance, parades, running children, sailboats, or baseball and football players moving at a medium pace. Good all around shutter speed for outdoor daylight pictures when you don't require great depth of
field and you want to stop some action. Helps minimize the effects of camera motion. Good minimum speed for 70-210 or 80-200 lenses. 1/500th second Good for stopping fast action like fast moving runners, running horses at a medium distance, divers, fast moving bicyclists, moving cars in traffic, or basketball players. A good shutter speed to use for stopping all but the fastest kinds of action. 1/1000th second Good shutter speed for stopping fast action like racecars, motorcycles, airplanes, speedboats, field and track events, tennis players, skiers and golfers. 1/2000th-1/8000th second Best shutter speeds for stopping fast action like motor sports, racquet games, and other endeavors where movement may be quicker than the eye.