Motion Settings
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How to Calculate Shutter Speed for Moving Subjects
Freezing motion requires the subject to move less than 1 pixel on the sensor during the exposure. The formula accounts for subject speed, distance, focal length, and sensor resolution.
General Shutter Speed Rules of Thumb
- 1/500s or faster: Action sports, fast-moving athletes, birds in flight
- 1/250s: Children playing, moderate action, cycling
- 1/125s: Slow walking subjects, controlled motion
- 1/60s or slower: Intentional motion blur, flowing water, light trails
- Rule of thumb: Use at least 1/(focal length)s to avoid camera shake — e.g., 1/200s for a 200mm lens