ImageReasonMotion, Video, and Time-lapse
What shutter time does my frame rate and angle give me?
Enter your frame rate and a shutter angle or exact time to see the resulting exposure duration, then plan the aperture, ISO, or ND change needed to preserve exposure.
Answer
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| Angle | Time | Stop vs 180° |
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Frame rate sets timing; shutter angle sets duration
Video exposure adds a timing decision to the familiar aperture and ISO tradeoff. Frame rate determines how often frames are sampled. Shutter duration determines how long each frame gathers light. A shutter angle expresses that duration as part of one frame period: at 24 frames per second, a 180-degree shutter is 1/48 second. At 60 frames per second, the same 180-degree convention becomes 1/120 second. The angle stays the same while the actual exposure time changes.
The 180-degree convention is a starting language, not a law. A smaller angle shortens exposure time and can make motion appear more segmented. A larger angle lengthens exposure time and can create more motion integration. The result depends on subject speed, camera movement, focal length, display cadence, and creative intent. This planner calculates the timing and exposure difference but does not predict how a particular shot will feel.
Start with the frame rate required by delivery or slow-motion intent. Choose a shutter angle or exact shutter time. The timeline shows the open part of each frame period, then the planner calculates the aperture, ISO, or ideal ND adjustment needed to preserve the entered exposure relationship. If you move from 1/48 to 1/96 second, you lose one stop of exposure. You can open the aperture one stop, raise ISO one stop, or remove one stop of neutral density, each with a different photographic consequence.
Do not use this page as a flicker guarantee. Artificial lighting can interact with exposure duration and local power frequency in ways that need a separate check. Nor does shutter angle solve rolling shutter, which depends on readout and motion. Test the planned frame rate, shutter, lighting, and subject movement together before the important take.
FAQ
- What is the 180-degree shutter time at 30 fps?
- It is 1/60 second because half of a 1/30-second frame period is exposed.
- Does 180 degrees always look best?
- No. It is a common starting convention. Motion intent and the shot determine whether another duration is useful.
- Can this prevent lighting flicker?
- No. Use a dedicated flicker check and test the actual lights.