What To Know
- Whether you’re freezing a bird in flight or creating a silky smooth waterfall, understanding how to change shutter speed on your Canon 700D is essential.
- This mode allows you to set the shutter speed while the camera automatically determines the aperture to achieve a correct exposure.
- Once in Shutter-Priority mode, you’ll see the shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
The Canon 700D is a versatile camera, capable of capturing stunning images in various situations. One of the key elements of photography that you can control to achieve different effects is shutter speed. Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open, allowing light to hit the sensor. This directly impacts the way motion is captured in your photos. Whether you’re freezing a bird in flight or creating a silky smooth waterfall, understanding how to change shutter speed on your Canon 700D is essential.
Understanding Shutter Speed: The Basics
Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second. A faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000 second) allows less light in, freezing motion, while a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/15 second) lets in more light, blurring motion.
How to Change Shutter Speed on Your Canon 700D: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose the Shooting Mode: The Canon 700D offers several shooting modes, but for complete control over shutter speed, you’ll want to use **Shutter-Priority Mode (Tv)**. This mode allows you to set the shutter speed while the camera automatically determines the aperture to achieve a correct exposure.
2. Access the Shutter Speed Dial: Look for the dial located on the top of your camera. It typically has markings like “Tv” or “S” for Shutter-Priority mode. Rotate the dial to select this mode.
3. Adjusting Shutter Speed: Once in Shutter-Priority mode, you’ll see the shutter speed displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Use the **main dial** on the back of the camera to adjust the shutter speed. The dial will change the shutter speed in increments, depending on the current setting.
4. Understanding the Shutter Speed Range: The Canon 700D has a shutter speed range of 30 seconds to 1/4000 second. You can use the dial to select any shutter speed within this range.
5. Visualizing Shutter Speed Effects:
- Fast Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/1000 second): This freezes motion. Use it for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports, wildlife, or birds in flight.
- Slow Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/15 second): This blurs motion, creating a sense of movement or a silky effect. Ideal for waterfalls, flowing water, or capturing light trails.
Tips for Using Shutter Speed Effectively
- Experiment: The best way to learn how shutter speed affects your images is to experiment. Try different shutter speeds and see how they change the way motion is captured.
- Consider the Lighting Conditions: In bright light, you can use faster shutter speeds to freeze motion. In low light, you’ll need to use slower shutter speeds to let in enough light.
- Use a Tripod for Slow Shutter Speeds: When using slow shutter speeds, it’s essential to keep the camera still to avoid blur. A tripod is the best way to do this.
- Think about Your Subject: Consider the type of motion you want to capture and choose the appropriate shutter speed accordingly.
Using Shutter Speed for Creative Effects
- Panning: Follow a moving subject with your camera while maintaining a slow shutter speed. This creates a sense of motion blur in the background while keeping the subject relatively sharp.
- Light Trails: Use a slow shutter speed to capture the movement of light sources, such as car headlights or fireworks.
- Waterfalls: A slow shutter speed creates a silky smooth effect in waterfalls, making them appear more dramatic and ethereal.
Shutter Speed and Aperture: A Balancing Act
Shutter speed and aperture work together to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor. Aperture controls the size of the lens opening, which affects the depth of field (the area in focus).
- Aperture Priority Mode (Av): This mode allows you to set the aperture while the camera automatically determines the shutter speed. This is useful for controlling depth of field.
- Manual Mode (M): This mode gives you complete control over both shutter speed and aperture.
The Importance of Exposure
The correct exposure is achieved when the right amount of light reaches the sensor. This is influenced by both shutter speed and aperture.
- Overexposed Image: Too much light hitting the sensor results in a bright, washed-out image.
- Underexposed Image: Not enough light hitting the sensor results in a dark, shadowy image.
You can adjust shutter speed and aperture to achieve the correct exposure. The Canon 700D also has a built-in light meter to help you determine the correct exposure settings.
Wrap Up: Mastering Shutter Speed for Stunning Photos
Understanding how to change shutter speed on your Canon 700D is a fundamental step in mastering photography. By experimenting and practicing, you’ll be able to capture captivating images that showcase your creativity and technical skills. Remember, shutter speed is just one piece of the puzzle; explore other camera settings and techniques to unlock the full potential of your Canon 700D.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the best shutter speed for taking photos of moving subjects?
A: The best shutter speed for moving subjects depends on the speed of the subject. For fast-moving subjects like birds or sports, you’ll need a fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000 second or faster) to freeze the action. For slower-moving subjects, you can use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/250 second).
Q: How do I know if my shutter speed is too slow or too fast?
A: You can tell if your shutter speed is too slow or too fast by looking at the image on your camera’s LCD screen. If the image is too bright, your shutter speed is too slow. If the image is too dark, your shutter speed is too fast.
Q: What is the difference between Shutter-Priority mode and Manual mode?
A: Shutter-Priority mode allows you to set the shutter speed while the camera automatically determines the aperture. Manual mode gives you complete control over both shutter speed and aperture.
Q: Can I use a slow shutter speed in bright light?
A: Yes, you can use a slow shutter speed in bright light, but you’ll need to use a small aperture (high f-stop number) to compensate for the amount of light.
Q: What is the best way to learn about shutter speed?
A: The best way to learn about shutter speed is to experiment! Try different shutter speeds and see how they affect your images. You can also read books and articles about photography or take a photography class.
