SUMMARY
Shutter speed dictates how long a camera's sensor collects light, directly impacting whether motion is frozen or blurred. Faster speeds reduce light but freeze action, while slower speeds allow more light but introduce blur. Understanding the difference between motion blur (subject movement) and camera shake (hand movement) is crucial, as they require different solutions. The reciprocal rule provides a baseline for handheld shooting, suggesting a shutter speed at least equal to the inverse of the lens's focal length, though stabilization can allow slower speeds.
TAKEAWAYS
Shutter speed controls the duration of light exposure on the camera sensor.
Fast shutter speeds freeze motion, while slow speeds create motion blur.
Camera shake is caused by hand movement, while motion blur is caused by subject movement.
The reciprocal rule suggests a minimum handheld shutter speed based on focal length.