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Understanding Shutter Speed and Shutter Angle in Cinematography

Writer's picture: Sandeep ValluriSandeep Valluri

In the art of cinematography, capturing motion with the right aesthetic and clarity often boils down to two critical settings: shutter speed and shutter angle. These terms, though closely related, have distinct implications depending on whether you're using a still camera or a film/video camera. Let’s dive into what they mean, their differences, and how to convert between the two.


Shutter Speed: The Photographer's Language

Shutter speed refers to the duration the camera's shutter remains open to expose light onto the sensor or film. It is typically expressed in fractions of a second, such as 1/50, 1/100, or even as long as several seconds for long exposures.

In cinematography, the shutter speed affects the motion blur of moving subjects. A slower shutter speed (longer exposure) produces more motion blur, while a faster shutter speed (shorter exposure) creates sharper, less blurry images. For example:

  • 1/50 seconds gives natural motion blur and mimics what the human eye perceives.

  • 1/1000 seconds can freeze fast-moving objects, creating a sharp, jittery effect.


    Shutter speed explanation

Shutter Angle: The Filmmaker’s Tool

Shutter angle is a concept rooted in traditional film cameras, where a rotating shutter disc exposes the film frame by frame. It’s expressed in degrees, representing the arc of the disc that allows light to pass.

A shutter angle directly influences motion blur:

  • A 180° shutter angle is the industry standard for creating natural-looking motion blur.

  • A 90° shutter angle reduces motion blur, giving a crisper, more intense look.

  • A 360° shutter angle maximizes exposure time, resulting in exaggerated motion blur.


    Shutter angle explanation
    Shutter Angle

Relationship Between Shutter Speed and Shutter Angle

While shutter speed and shutter angle describe the same phenomenon (exposure duration), the way they’re measured differs. To convert between the two, you need to know the camera's frame rate (frames per second or FPS).

Formula: Shutter Angle to Shutter Speed

Shutter Speed (s) = Shutter Angle (°)​/360°×Frame Rate (FPS)


Formula: Shutter Speed to Shutter Angle

Shutter Angle (°) = Shutter Speed (s)×360°×Frame Rate (FPS)


Example:

Imagine you're shooting a film at 24 FPS with a shutter angle of 180°. Using the formula:

Shutter Speed (s) = 180°/360°×24 = 1/48 seconds

This aligns closely with the commonly used 1/50 shutter speed setting in digital cameras.

Alternatively, if you’re using a shutter speed of 1/100 at 30 FPS, the equivalent shutter angle would be:

Shutter Angle (°) = 1/100​ × 360° × 30 = 108°


When to Use Each

  1. Shutter Speed is intuitive for photographers transitioning to video work. It's simple to adjust on most digital cameras and gives precise control over exposure.

  2. Shutter Angle is a more cinematic approach, especially on high-end cinema cameras. It ensures consistent motion blur regardless of frame rate changes, simplifying workflows during frame rate adjustments.


Creative Applications

Shutter settings are not just technical; they’re also creative tools:

  • Fast Shutter Speed or Narrow Shutter Angle: Creates a "staccato" effect, often seen in action sequences (e.g., the chaotic look of Saving Private Ryan).

  • Slow Shutter Speed or Wide Shutter Angle: Produces dreamy, surreal visuals, often used in music videos or experimental films.


Conclusion

Understanding shutter speed and shutter angle gives filmmakers the flexibility to craft motion blur that complements their storytelling. Whether you're shooting a cinematic masterpiece or a fast-paced action scene, mastering these settings allows you to unlock the full potential of your camera.


So next time you're on set, remember: the magic of motion is just a few degrees—or fractions of a second—away!

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