Shutter priority (usually denoted as S on the mode dial), also called time value (abbreviated as Tv), refers to a setting on cameras that allows the user to choose a specific

shutter speed In photography, shutter speed or exposure time is the length of time that the film or digital sensor inside the camera is exposed to light (that is, when the camera's shutter (photography), shutter is open) when taking a photograph. The am ...

while the camera adjusts the

aperture In optics, an aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels. More specifically, the aperture and focal length of an optical system determine the cone angle of a bundle of rays that come to a focus in the image plane. An opt ...

to ensure correct exposure. This is different from manual mode, where the user must decide both values,

aperture priority Aperture priority, often abbreviated ''A'' or ''Av'' (for aperture value) on a camera mode dial, is a mode on some cameras that allows the user to set a specific aperture value (f-number) while the camera selects a shutter speed to match it tha ...

where the user picks an aperture with the camera selecting the shutter speed to match, or

program mode Most digital cameras support the ability to choose among a number of configurations, or ''modes'', for use in various situations. Professional DSLR cameras provide several manual modes; consumer point-and-shoot cameras emphasize automatic modes; ...

where the camera selects both.

Background

Shutter priority with longer exposures is chosen to create an impression of motion. For example, a waterfall will appear blurred and fuzzy. If the camera is panned with a moving subject, the background will appear blurred. When photographing sports or high-speed phenomena, shutter priority with short exposures can ensure that the motion is effectively ''frozen'' in the resulting image. Like aperture priority, this mode allows for partial automation thus decreasing the need for total concentration. Shutter priority is often abbreviated as ''S'' (with Nikon, Minolta, Konica Minolta, Sony, Olympus, Sigma, Panasonic) or ''Tv'' (for "time value" with Canon, Pentax, Leica) on a camera

mode dial A mode dial or camera dial is a dial used on digital cameras to change the camera's mode. Most digital cameras, including dSLR and SLR-like cameras, support modes, selectable either by a rotary dial or from a menu. On point-and-shoot cameras ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shutter Priority Camera features

Background

See also

References