What is the Difference Between ISO and Shutter Speed?

The difference between ISO and shutter speed lies in their roles in photography and how they affect the exposure, light sensitivity, and motion blur in images. ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are the three main components of exposure in photography, often referred to as the "exposure triangle".

• ISO: This setting controls the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. A higher ISO number increases the sensitivity, meaning less light is needed to produce a correct exposure. A lower ISO number decreases the sensitivity and requires more light to produce a correct exposure.
• Shutter Speed: Shutter speed controls the amount of time light reaches the camera sensor. It is measured in fractions of seconds and can vary from fractions of a second to several seconds in duration. Faster shutter speeds allow less light into the camera, while slower shutter speeds allow more light into the camera.

Changing shutter speed also affects motion blur. Faster shutter speeds are better for capturing sharp images of fast-moving objects, while slower shutter speeds can create motion blur, which might be desirable in certain situations.

In summary, the main differences between ISO and shutter speed are:

• ISO controls the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light, affecting the amount of light needed for a correct exposure.
• Shutter speed controls the amount of time light reaches the camera sensor, affecting the amount of light and motion blur in the image.

When taking a photograph, you can adjust these settings in relation to each other to achieve the desired balance between exposure and motion blur. For example, if you want to capture a fast-moving object without motion blur, you could use a high shutter speed and a high ISO to allow for enough light despite the faster shutter speed.

Comparative Table: ISO vs Shutter Speed

ISO and shutter speed are two crucial settings in photography that contribute to the overall exposure of an image. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

ISO is the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light, with higher ISO values resulting in more light being captured and affected by the aperture setting. Shutter speed, on the other hand, is the length of time the camera shutter is open, allowing light to reach the sensor. Faster shutter speeds reduce the amount of light captured and can help reduce motion blur.

In summary, ISO controls the overall exposure of an image by determining how much light the camera sensor captures, while shutter speed affects the exposure and motion blur by controlling the duration of light reaching the sensor. Both settings are essential in achieving the desired exposure and visual effect in photography.